Faults:

Central locking control box had to be replaced, replaced by dealer.

Oxygen sensor was first issue at about 73,000. $500 NZ.

Fuel pump fuse.

Front suspension arms. $400 genuine new.

Drivers window, power window motor. $200 new. Started doing it on passenger window, but I fixed it before it happened again.

Exhaust started leaking, re-sealed. $70 labor.

ABS computer, at the shop now probably $1000.

General Comments:

This car is my baby, I love it so much that I know I will find it hard to part with. Yeah this car has given me some troubles, and has been expensive on repairs. I have spent just under half its value on repairs so far, and will probably keep doing so until a repair costs too much, and it's stupid to keep paying for it. But otherwise I love everything about it.

The factory stereo is great, handling is OK, it's pretty quick for a little car, and it has all the things that Japanese cars miss, like handling, solidness and quality.

On long trips the car handles nicely, it's quick, although sometimes it feels like it's over-revving at around 110-120.

Around town, the fuel economy could be better, I notice if I do no motorway driving and just low speeds, a full tank will reach around 300km, compared to 400km with motorway and town mix.

Motorway driving in the Polo is good fun, it loves long straights and easily gets to 120 and loves to pass and make inside lane maneuvers. (Don't break the law).

Two people in the car is probably the max I like to take, mainly a comfort thing, as performance is alright with this many people.

This car does have mood swings, some days it won't wanna be quick, other days it surprises me. But this makes me love the Polo.

Overall, a cool, fun, good looking car, that sets apart from the rest. Cheers Polo!

Faults:

Water entry through firewall @ 6 weeks took months to rectify

Heated mirrors failed

Power steering pump (replaced under warranty)

Front disks (Yes the whole thing) replaced at 35000km, dealer claimed wear and tear.

General Comments:

After 5 years I still liked the look of the car, fitted with larger alloys, it looks the goods.

It is quiet and comfortable for city running.

Quite zippy in town traffic, but handling stodgy, load it up and try some hills it is very disappointing.

Faults:

One water pipe of some sort replaced (mechanic didn't explain which one, and I didn't question them - was in a hurry at the time)

General Comments:

I have had pretty much no problems what so ever with this car. My last service was $60 Australian, when I was told "couldn't find any problems, changed the oil filters, here's your keys".

Suspension is firm. I like that, because it doesn't roll. However, if that's not you then you should look at the Golf.

In Australia, the price difference between Golf and Polo is not much. Polo is a brilliant Car, but consider Golf when looking.

In Australia, the stereo that they ship is rubbish. I replaced it with Pioneer. I recommend putting 6x9's on the back shelf, because the boot radiates the bass out in a truly remarkable way. The shape of the car makes a good stereo sound great.

Build quality internally and externally is unreal. There is a *slight* rattle in the dash, but you have to listen for it (took me months to notice it)

They are hard to fit car alarms to. This is because the central locking is run on a vacuum, and apparently (according to the guy who installed it) makes it much harder.

Models shipped to Australia were spec'd down. Ie. Stereo in them is cheap rubbish, drums for rear breaks, no immobiliser (I added this with the alarm), no alloys (I added these too).

Looks fantastic with a good set of 13" alloys.

Fun to drive. Drives well on highway, although on long trips on bumpy roads, you do notice the stiff suspension. But hey, the suspension is part of the fun of the car :-)