Volkswagen Polo (2005 - 2009)
1.4 TDI PD Hatch four door
Reliable and has kept its looks and feel as if new for 12 years
They say you should learn from your mistakes.. Well we had bought Renault Clios in sequences (7 of them) over 16-17 years and whilst they were ok when new they went downhill just before changing 2- 2.5 years. Rattling and the dreaded spark plug coils failing and electric windows and central locking not operating.. Ok when you buy a new one again. After all that I decided to get something either Japanese or German; pay a little more perhaps and keep it? I went to dealer to try a Polo out.. They didn't have on in at the time except a 5 year old Polo TDi. Was a bit miffed but tried it anyway.. expecting this to be a rattle bow as a 5 year old Clio definitely would.. but no. The door closed sweetly and not rattling.
Bought a new, then 2006 Polo. Had it serviced by VW as you must and once the warranty was up the dealership pushed the up sell. Flush this change that, recharge the Air con and.. disappointing to find the next three MOTs required headlamp adjustment everytime? Went to an independant MOT only Testing station. Never had headlamp adjusted since (7 years?) says something. Never had to top up the air con (just used it once every week. Still Original exhaust. Doors still close nicely and no really significant noises. it does 46- 48 mpg round town and easily 65 on a Motorway run.
Love the power characteristics of the turbo diesel. you can drive sedately in 3rd gear down to 16mph and still pull away reasonably.. nice lazy type driving if you want.. get the gear change right for the power band (1800- 2200 rpm) it really can accelerate out of danger if you need it. I'd buy another if necessary but the anti diesel politics is off putting. Have not tried new gen petrol polo's so can't say if it would suit. Anyway after a pass with the MOT today I'm going to keep it for at least another three years.
Parts? the usual stuff:Camshaft belt/tensioner and this time water pump as it was being stripped to down anyway. These are must dos whatever car you run; so just maintenance really, like brakes and batteries, tyres.
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About this car
Price | £7,612–£17,405 |
---|---|
Road Tax | A–J |
MPG | 36.0–74.3 mpg |
Real MPG | 88.6% |