VW Polo Hatchback 1981-
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Bought it for €200 from a very careful owner. Handy little load carrier (more of an estate than a hatch). Basic equipment and yesterdays technology but who cares?

    Costs

    5 out of 5 5.0

    DIY servicing is the norm if you have one of these. Spares are very cheap from scrapyards and the like and rarely needed anyway. Very cheap and easy to keep on the road.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    There are other small cars of the 80s that are more nimble but its still a good drive. Steering a bit heavy for something this small, even if it does lack PAS. No brake servo, but they do the job. I like the driving position and visibility.

    Performance

    2 out of 5 2.0

    1050 engine is willing but noisy. Needs hard work on the open roads and can struggle under a full load. By no means hopeless though. Feels lively when driven solo.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Needs to be serviced regularly but once looked after they seem to run forever. Very simple by modern standards anyway, so not much goes wrong anyway.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Mk2 Polos are well in banger territory now but a lot of people have them (especially students) so I never feel embarrassed. Not that I would anyway, I think it's a great little car.

    Comfort

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Very roomy for something so small. Versatile luggage space carries just about anything. Seats aren't all that comfortable though. Suspension setup gives a bumpy ride.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    The previous owner put in an immobiliser & gearstick lock. Security generally isn't great on these old cars but then again thieves tend to steal faster and more exotic stuff.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    If it's an easy job I do it myself. Otherwise I get a hand from my mates. Nobody with an old Polo wastes money on VW servicing when the cars are so straightforward.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Rough when revved but always up to the job. Seems to be no known way of wearing it out.

    Other

    Hands down, best car you can buy for so little money. Just goes on and on once you look after it properly.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes