2002 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 55kW petrol engine

Summary:

A total lemon

Faults:

In August 2002 we bought a brand-new VW Polo 1.4. After only nine months problems appeared intermittently with the engine management system. The EPC warning light would come on half-way through a journey, with drastically reduced engine power in 1st and 2nd gear.

Our local VW garage said it was an electronic error and replaced the appropriate part.

Six weeks later the same problem occurred. This time engine power was virtually nil. We took it back to the garage and this time they replaced a different part.

The next day the same thing happened all over again.

As the car is still under guarantee we have had free repairs and courtesy cars both times. However, it seems that VW just cannot sort this problem out, and we are left with a totally unreliable car that will be difficult to sell..

General Comments:

We are particularly disappointed in this car as our previous Polo was wonderful and lasted over 15 years. But our recent experience of both the 2002 Polo and of VW's inability to solve the problem means that we will never buy another Volkswagen again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th July, 2003

24th Nov 2004, 02:39

Hi,

I have a 2000 Volkswagen Polo 1L which I purchased secondhand from a volkswagen dealer in Ireland and since I bought it in 2002 I have had a problems with it. Occasionally it is to do with reduced power while I'm driving meaning I need to shift into a lower gear to keep moving. Then if I turn it off and restart it seems OK?

Then more recently its the EPC light on the dashboard.

This happens occasionally, but recently it is staying on, I had to keep revving it to keep it going till I got home.

Next morning all was well - but what happens next time.

I always considered volkswagens to be up there with the other German beautiful creations, but I am really disappointed since my purchase and would not buy another Polo!!

View 146 more comments

1995 Volkswagen Polo 1.4

Summary:

A shame for Volkswagen

Faults:

Too much.

At 15,000km the plastic near the radio fell of - warranty.

At 60,000km the clutch was changed, unbelievable, because I mainly drove on highways.

At 90,000km the front brakes (disc) were changed.

At 100,000km while I was driving on the highway, the oil from the transmission ran out.

Then I sold it - it was just too much for a car which should be at the top in its class - not even near - my previous Daewoo was more reliable!!

General Comments:

It would be the best car in its class if the reliability marks were be better. A lot of my friends also had Polo's and all had problems!

Now I drive a Nissan Almera and this is reliable car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th November, 2000

1992 Volkswagen Polo GT 75 hp

Summary:

A reasonable car with a reasonable performance at a reasonable price

Faults:

The rear brakes had to be replaced twice and the alternator broke after 140000 km.

General Comments:

A very reasonable car, not really fast but sporty enough for everyday use. Very reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2000

11th Jun 2001, 04:08

I had a Polo GT for 5 years and it was as stated good fun. Quick enough but not stupid.

I am old enough to have cheaper insurance, but the Polo GT provides a good entry for younger HotHatch drivers.

Mine was in Alpine White '91 with a set of 14" Oz alloys, 185/55 Pirelli's, a Jetex Oval exhaust system and a Pioneer CD system.

Not too costly for a nice looking car. I replaced it at 140,000 miles and had no major problems with it.

11th Jun 2001, 13:14

I run the Polo GT Owners Club - it's a great little car that is cheap enough for the younger drivers to own, whilst being more than capable of embarrassing cars costing considerably more to buy...