1996 Volkswagen Polo GLX from UK and Ireland - Comments

Number plate light bulb went, rear window washer pipe came loose..... not much really.

This was a small car which genuinely feels like something much larger. It spent most of its days charging up motorways where the high speed cruising was effortless and comfortable. Its solidity and reliability were always reassuring as were the ABS brakes, which proved a real lifesaver one night on a rain soaked M40. It was not the most economical car I have owned (only about 32 MPG on the open road) and it is quite expensive to buy compared to its rivals, but I concluded it was the best, and the best always has to be paid for.

I agree with your comments: I own a 1996 1.6 GL and it does indeed have quite a 'big car' feel for something KA-sized! Compared to most other super-minis of it's generation, it is definitely of a higher build quality (inside & outside) and personally, in 2 years of ownership, I've had nothing major go wrong - so yes, you do pay for that privilege.

Being a Polo, it's not the sharpest to drive because it's made more for comfortable cruising/shopping run than boy-racer antics and as such, is not a 'driver's car, but considering it's just 75bhp, I found this car is deceptively nippy (mainly thanks to decent levels of torque spread across the range), and it is equally capable around town or on the motorway.

The steering is a bit too stodgy and vague, but easily up to the job.

The only drawback I found was the poor mpg: mid-30's driving normally and around 30 mpg with my foot down and also, the road noise is quite intrusive at motorway speeds, but it's a small (very lively!) 8 valve 75bhp engine and has low profile tyres, so I guess I should expect that!).

Yeah, true, it's just a Polo with a boring bland reputation - does everything well, but is not exceptional in any area (other than build quality) but I think, for a first car (by the way, I'm 33 and have driven many many cars - so this isn't my first car!) or a quality cheap (ish!) runabout/2nd car (my reason for having one) this is an excellent well-made car.

Personally, I think it looks really good also in a chunky tough way (mine with metallic 'dragon'green paint,15inch alloys and a subtle factory body kit) and have always had compliments from people who like it for what it is - a very likeable, nippy & reliable runabout which won't let you down.

I'm currently saving for a decent sporty 2.0, maybe ctr/scooby etc.