Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.9 D CL 5d (1998/S) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Dealers ask too much, even though model now two facelifts old. Best bought at specific VW auctions if you know what you are doing.
Costs
Economy around town (the Polo's natural habitat) is poor, but it is quite a large engine. Improves hugely on constant speed motorway runs to an average of 55mpg. Insurance bearable.
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On the road
Driving
Solid, safe and very relaxing - that's about it. Zero fun. Bodyroll can be nauseating if you're in a hurry, but the squealing tyres will have put you off by then anyway.
Performance
What performance? No really, for an old-tech diesel its not bad, but fast it ain't. Best at 60-80mph. Plan ahead (a long way) before overtaking anything other than cyclists and 2CVs.
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Living with it
Reliability
As the man used to say (circa 1980-ish), Volkswagens are "Tough as old boots", except for failed drivers electric window and door speaker due to break in wiring at door junction (common fault).
Image
Better than a Ford, but gets less praise as it gets older. Hey, that's life, as any actress or model will confirm.
Comfort
For a supermini, it's brilliant and, diesel thrum aside, it's great for long journeys.
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Security and Service
Security
The non-integrated stereo is a sitting duck. After your's gets nicked 4 times, wire it in the (big) glovebox instead and leave some wires hanging out of the old radio hole. That should do the trick!
Service
The efficiency of VW dealers is not what you expect given the prices. Next time I'm buying a Skoda Fabia. That says it all.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
None at all.
Other
Driver's seat creaks under accelaration/braking. VW dealer helpfully said "some do that, Sir".
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes