1999 Volkswagen Polo L from UK and Ireland - Comments

Radio rattled from day one.

Gearbox crunched in reverse and generally a bugger in most forward gears.

Gearbox replaced under warranty at 12,000 miles.

Glovebox lid fell off.

Dashboard squeeks and rattles still not fixed.

A good little car. Although not comfortable compared to other cars in the sector.

Crappy gearbox's.

General meanness of VW regarding the standard specification. Really needs power steering, tinted glass, and central locking. Not a great deal to ask for in this day and age, and would gratefully swap the electric heated and adjustable door mirrors for the aformentioned central locking which, with two children clambering in and out, the constant locking and unlocking is enough to send you crazy.

However, the car always feels well screwed together - bar the dashboard. The engine, though small feels unburstable and is capable of keeping up with city driving, but struggles on motorways and A roads.

You sit very low, seats give little support for the back.

Could live with another larger engined, better specced model. But would rather have a Passat!

I was using a new Polo for a few weeks while mine was in the garage being fixed and could count several rattles and squeaks from the dashboard. I was not impressed as the car had only done 8000 miles!

My brother used to have a Scirocco when they were new and that had an unbelievable orchestra of rattles and squeaks from the dashboard. Have VW lost their edge on build quality?

Argyris, Athens.

I have owned a Polo since 1998. The only problem I have noticed is a strange noise from the gearbox in the reverse speed, and that's because this speed is not synchronised.

This is the third review I have read on the mark 4 polo and all three are bad. I'm really into these little cars but I'm seriously thinking about buying another car instead, I don't think it will be a vw, probably a vauxhall or fiat.

I was considering buying a Polo, but when I read that the engine and gearbox had to be taken out for cambelt replacement it put me off. Did consider other small cars, but finally settled for a Fiat Punto '99 1.2 16v which has a nice spec and manages to produce 86bhp. Also, light and precise steering. Not bad for a small car. Had an aftermarket alarm fitted though.

Have had a VW polo for about a year and had no problems except a slightly dodgy gearbox. A really comfortable car with a brilliant engine, no rattles or squeaks...yet.

I always wanted to by a VW Polo, but after what I read & all the comments written & the rattles that these cars have I really changed my opinion on buying one, I'm thinking of having a Seat Ibiza, its also a VW group, but I think that the Ibiza don't have these rattles & it corners a lot better than the polo & it is very solid.

Khaled

EGYPT.

Whoever said gearbox and engine has to come out for a cambelt change is mad!!! I had mine done at an independant garage for £89, and took 1.5 hours. My gearbox is sweet as a nut, the engine smooty, and only common issue that has happened is electric window regulators worn out. New ones in and sorted. Otherwise so far it's a LOVELY little car, BUY ONE!