Faults:

Hello guys,

I just perfected a sale contract a while ago for a second hand 1997 polo classic and its consummation is on Friday (for a good deal, I hope). Just you guys know, I'm really excited. But after reading all the comments here, I can't help it but procrastinate now.

Let's give it a try first. I'm gonna let you about my experience with it after a week.

And, ohh, I love this site! Now I know the right questions to ask of the vendor tomorrow. Thanks guys!!!!!!!

Faults:

Engine noise & vibration too strong due to worn out engine support.

General Comments:

The car is generally good & reliable, the only downfall is too expensive maintenance & spare parts costs.

Faults:

The clutch is worn out.

The door locks are broken.

The radiator is leaking.

The display light on the dash board is very dim.

The front suspension is worn out.

General Comments:

The car has a unique character.

The engine delivers the power I needed for negotiating steep climbs.

The car has a sleek design that makes it standout in the parking lot.

General Comments:

I just want to agree on the good points posted on this site about the Polo Classic. It is a pocket rocket and stable on the road. You just need to be careful with the power window, because it will cost you PHP 300.00 per cable (and this car uses 2 of them per window).

Have no complaints until recently, when my car just shuts off on its own, in full stop or while running. I had a well known mechanic with years of experience under his belt look at the possible problem.. and he just told me "Suko na ko".

If any of you have the same problem and were fortunate to find a car center that can fix the problem, please text me at 0906-478-7077 or email me at jepoyornothing@yahoo.com.

Can't wait to ride in my Polo again... Hope to bump into you guys someday (hopefully not on the street.. hehehe).

Faults:

When I bought it, the gear stick was loose and you had to put it in first or third gear before you could shift it to first gear. The previous owner (who also bought in used in 2000) thought that it was normal and found it amusing that it shifted like an old VW bug. I took it to the only authorized VW service center in Metro Manila and there was no parts. (some kind of bushing) As of this writing, The gear stick still sucks and there doesn't seem to be a way to fix it without that simple bushing thing...

I found the clucth also too low (when shifting) and too high (when releasing). It took a lot of getting used to. I took it to the service center to have it adjusted, but they claimed whether the clutch was new or old it cannot be adjusted and they gave me a quote of about US$500 for the entire clutch assembly (plus installation). I thought it was pretty ridiculous so I went to an independent VW specialist and now it is running splendidly.

The left rear power window doesn't work. Again, the VW shop said the mechanism isn't available per piece and you had to buy all four power window mechanism sets for about US$400! I guess since they are the only authorized VW shop who has a large inventory and German trained specialists, they take advantage to a diabolical level.

The two rear speakers are grounded and barely squeeks out the tunes. I was told only the blaupaunkt place can fix it (every one else is afraid to touch it).

The polo also has a lot of blind spots and it takes a lot of getting used to specially in the wild and crazy traffic of manila.

General Comments:

I really really like the car. Its solid and has great suspension. For city driving, its amazing. The polo is quick and always seems to have the right torque whatever speed. All the doors close nicely and quietly requiring no force. It uses up fuel more efficiently than my old 89 16v corolla.