Volkswagen Polo Hatchback (2000 - 2002) 1.6 GTi 3d (2001/Y) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I like something that is sporty and a lot more exclusive/better built than your average Citreon Saxo or Vauxhall Corsa.

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

Everyone I know likes it!

Would you buy this car again and why?

If I sold this car I probably would buy another in the late future for nostalgic reasons and the fact it's a great little car.

What are you likely to buy next?

The latest Polo or Golf GTI or an Alfa Romeo of some sort.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,375

When did you buy the car?

July 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looks, spec (performance and equipment) and rarity (only 3000 made)

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Not brutally fast but quite quick. 0-60 time of 8.3 is impressive for a heavy supermini with a N/A 1.6 engine. Pulls quite well through all the gears. The clutch is very heavy but you quickly get used to it. The steering is quite heavy in comparison to the newer Polos but this adds to the drivers experience as it gives better feedback. Biggest let down are the brakes which are rubbish. Decent handling and even better when coilovers are fitted. Had new rear discs and pads replaced and it didn't make a difference. Overall it's great fun to drive and you can surprise a few people who may think it's just a standard Polo with some GTI badges stuck onto it.

What's it like to park?

Quite a small car so very easy to park.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Decided to replace the standard 15" BBS RX II alloy wheels as they were all corroded (a common problem). £600 for a set of 16" BBS RX I (non split rim). Condensation got into one of the Xenons and it started playing up. When it was investigated there was water found in the unit meaning the whole unit and bulb had to be replaced at a cost of £250. The previous owner also told me they had a headlamp replaced before. Leaking rear washer pipe caused the alarm to malfunction, the boot light to come on and corroded the boot switch. Boot switch had to be replaced at a cost of £25. Another minor problems include peeling interior door handles, corroding roof rack clips/aerial rubber base seal/boot handle.

What's most practical about your car?

As it is based on the Mk4 Polo which was designed circa 1994, it's quite roomy for such a small size. The boot is quite small but adequate for shopping trips.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

My car was fitted with a heated leather interior which looks so much better than the standard seats and is really comfy on long journeys. Xenon headlamps look great and give great visibility in the dark. The styling is also spot on with the honeycomb front grille. For some reason they didn't bother on the GTI Mk4 Golfs (bar the anniversary model).