I owned a mk.2 golf for 15 years. It was well made from quality components and proved to be durable. I now cannot decide between a polo sdi or a yaris d4d. The yaris, on paper, is more reliable, but does this mean it is better quality? I have examined both cars carefully. The yaris shows signs of severe cost-cutting-for example, if you raise the hatch, the edges of the metal pressing are poorly finished, and the paintwork inside is is left with a rough finish. The panelwork is very thin and the fixtures and fittings appear flimsy. The polo, in contrast, appears to be solidly built, and the bodywork is galvanised. There are several quality touches like the bonnet gas strut and substantial door hinges which do not suggest cost-cutting.
So what is the truth? Have vw's engineering been compromised by forcing their suppliers to cut costs and quality, while vw cleverly but dishonestly give the appearance of quality, or do vw's still have an underlying engineering integrity which will show in the long run? Are yaris's only reliable in the short term, like japenese videos? Any comments?
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If weight equals strength and quality of materials then the VW vehicles are best by far, these are gross weights for rival super minis in lbs.
Polo 2767
Skoda 2684
Seat 2510
Rover 2684
Fiesta 2499
Corsa 2430
Peugeot 2307
Yaris 2277
Fiat 2156
Renault 2150
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I think mike7 is spot on in his evaluation.
In the last few years I have had 2 VW Passats from new, plus I have had various other cars as hire cars etc. I have to say that all of the VW model range have superb attention to detal and a true quality finish which stands the test of time. I know a lot of bulletin boards like to moan about VW issues such as MAF sensors on the diesel models, but by and large, most VWs tend to weather a lot better than some of the Japanese cars sold on the basis of more 'toys' for the price, and as an added bonus you are getting an Audi on the cheap !
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I have owned a Passat for three years, I agree that VW do have a solid and heavy characterstic. They also have nice touches in the cabin that give it a quality "feel". However in my experience this does not translate into reliability, IMHO they are overengineered. The switchgear was particularly dissapointing - I had to replace glove box and boot swiches and the vanity light has gone intermittent. The dash is so heavy it constantly creaks. Suspension problems are expensive to fix. I think VW are trading more on their perceived quality rather than proven reliability. This is why it will be a Mazda 6 I'll be driving next.
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VW quality has been on a downward spiral since VW stopped building the Beetle in Europe.For example most of the Galaxy problems are on VW parts.ie. wiring,trim,heater,etc..
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Oh no! Not another VAG bashing thread?!
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groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....
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The build quality (panels /finish/design) of VAG is better than their Japanese counterparts - but VAG can only dream of Japanese reliability.
Is there any thread at all on Toyota Yaris 'unreliability' here?
There's one already today about a Polo having been in the garage 10 times since 2002.
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"Is there any thread at all on Toyota Yaris 'unreliability' here?"
I seem to remember one about gearbox difficulties...or was that a Civic?.
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Hi MIke,
I've owned Polo's for a few years now, a 1999 1.9clD, a 2000 W 1.9S SDi, a 2002 1.9S SDi, then a Golf TDi (whoops!) and now a 2003 1.9TDi PD sport. Out of the SDi polos, the 2002 model was best without doubt. The CL was excellent too, but the the new model just pips it. My TDi is ace, 50mpg around town, 60+ on a run and group 4 insurance. The SDi is group 2 !
What about a 1.4 Tdi ? Quick, frugal but a bit gutless under 1500 rpm.
Good luck.
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Never, ever buy a VW. in my long experience of Golfs (Mk3s and Mk4s) they are mechanically strong but electrically woeful. My latest Golf GT TDi (2 years old) has just suffered its third wiper failure (this is not clever when you're on the M1 in rush hour) and I consider myself lucky to be alive to write this. I won't bore you with the list of electrical faults and rattles I've had over the years. Consequently, the thing's been sold. And I replaced it with a Saab 9-3 (full leather, 17'' alloys, top spec) which I got for the same price as a Mk 5 Golf GT TDi. You tell me - which is more car for the money and you don't get 100s of Saab bashing pages like you do with VW.
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I have to agree about the Golf, i had my mk4 TDi SE for 4 months, once bitten...
No problems at all with Polo's mind (touch wood).
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I'm just about to buy a passat highline - shall I think again?
Bored
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