Volkswagen Polo Hatchback (2000 - 2002) 1.0 E 5d (2001/51) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not much. bottom spec Polo with 13" wheel trims...and a ride height so high some off-roaders are jealous.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Friends think it is fine. But appearances can be deceptive...they haven't got to drive the thing have they!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not a chance in hell. It's a disappointing car from VW. Replaced the range after just 2 years! Gearbox/pedal box - VERY WEAK. All electrics - HOPELESS. glad we didn't by a higher spec model

What are you likely to buy next?

Mk2 Golf GTI. Modern cars? a Renaultsport Clio would do nicely, as would an older style Audi S3, or MK4 R32. MK5 GTI also highly desirable.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,800

When did you buy the car?

April 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

mhm, unsure. i think £2500 would of been a better overall.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Classy looking thing. cheap to run.

What was the dealer like?

known them for years, so great.

What's it like to drive?

erm...bad. Its got zero power, zero torque, suspension made out of silly string and the road holding of a canal boat. It's a 1.0 50bhp engine trying to move a mass of nearly 1 metric ton. It goes no faster than 105mph, but its geared really short to make use of the 50 horses, so it actually runs into the rev limiter in top gear at 105! cruising on the motorway is noisy work, you'll need some good speakers because the engine is very loud, it ticks over at 4000rpm at just 70 i think. It rolls a lot in corners, inspires no confidence at all to the driver, steering is well weighted for town work, but too light everywhere else. No ABS means you must be very careful in the wet because this thing understeers even at very slow speeds. it's like driving on ice.

What's it like to park?

Fine, but the wheels are so thin and small that the body envelopes them, so you can't see the rear wheel from the mirrors. But a flat rear end, and a straight-ish bonnet mean parking is a doddle. Plus, PAS light.

Have you had any problems with the car?

yes. exhaust seems to be on its way out, after 87k miles it's probably due. Rear washer has never worked. Window seals leak, traces of water left on the inside of the window after a heavy rainfall or after it gets washed. Brake light switch failed, meaning no brake lights. keeps blowing bulbs in the rear. Clutch has nearly gone, so there is no bite point at all.

What's most practical about your car?

easy enough to park with a flat rear end. Has electric wing mirrors to you can flick the switch and it helps parking. Very economical as well. lowest we ever got was 320 miles to a tank, all in town. Most was 410 i think, which consisted of a drive from Midlands to Luton and back at speed. then the rest was town driving. so with mixed driving expect around 40mpg.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

it doesn't have many. the mirrors are the only thing thats electric. less to go wrong i guess. No assisted brakes, no ABS, despite what others have said, ours certainly hasn't. wind up windows, no central locking/alarm/immobiliser. It has a heater though! and its a good one. fans work well at clearing the screem etc