1998 Volkswagen Polo CL review from UK and Ireland

Power steering fluid leak.

Brake discs warped.

Driver's electric window mechanism disintegrated!

Radio stopped working.

Trim squeaky and working loose.

Alarm / immobiliser failed.

After four extremely reliable VW's, this Polo is a big disappointment. It's never left me stranded, but has suffered lots of stupid faults which have not exactly reinforced VW's quality reputation. Irritating too when VW were charging £2,000 more for this car, than Peugeot were for the equivalent 106, or Ford were for an equivalent Fiesta.

After less than four years and 30,000 miles, the interior squeaks quite badly and some of the trim already looks old and fragile. My previous Golf ran well and reliably for 15 years and more than 150,000 miles, but the Polo does not inspire the same confidence.

It's reasonable to drive although the brakes are spongy and lack bite. Also, though this is a fairly hefty 1.9 litre engine in a very small car, performance is pretty poor. Economy is good though with 55 mpg in everyday use, and the car holds the road very well.

I find VW dealers to be arrogant, slow to fix faults and extremely expensive, and as soon as the warranty expired I decided to get the car serviced independently.

Probably my last VW!