1996 Volkswagen Polo L review from UK and Ireland

Front disks and pads replaced at 40000 miles and again at 85000 miles, more my fault that I had to replace the disks also, still the pad wear didn't give me any warning.

Gearbox started giving a loud "whining" sound at 50000 miles when in 4th and 5th gear driving at speeds greater than 50MPH, however I only replaced it with a second hand one at 70000, I have had no issue with the gearbox since.

Back exhaust pipe wore out at 100000 miles.

Overall the Polo is an excellent reliable car. It looks good, has superb build quality (not one rattle out of the dash) and has never left me down.

The little 999cc engine is super for its size however it you seat more than 2 adults in the car it gets seriously sluggish. Avoid the initial 1litre engine the 1043cc variant as it's a very sluggish engine.

Suspension and handling is not bad (not near as good as the Fiesta), however the tyre's that come standard are really too small, its best to change the set and go up 2 sizes.

On long journey's the car does tire you out as you feel every bump in the road, plus at speed road noise is significant.

A good car that runs without issue, however does that justify its high purchase price second hand when compared with other cars in its class?