Faults:
Rocker cover gasket is beginning to go (easily fixed).
Heater only works on speed 3.
Loose manifold hose caused a "misfiring" effect.
Brakes grated for the first 100 miles of use, but the noise disappeared after - must have been the new linings bedding in.
General Comments:
This is a sporty-looking little car - looks more GTi than 55bhp supermini with its standard Hockenheim alloy wheels, twin headlights and front spoiler - though the lustre on the bright red paint is beginning to fade on the doors and roof (nothing a little T-Cut won't fix) and there are a few minor surface rust patches.
The car is deceptively fast for only 55 bhp and 70 lb/ft of torque, easily keeping up with most cars up to about 50 mph when its performance trails off (80-90 mph cruising is relatively easy though) ; probably a lot to do with its short intermediate gearing and light weight (only three quarters of a ton, or 750 kgs). I was expecting the car, being German to be torpid, but the car revs willingly up to its 6200 rpm red line.
The only problem I have with the handling is the steering - I read somewhere that the geometry of the steering goes erratic when you turn a corner or brake - which I genuinely believe - it's always vague around sharp corners and when braking hard, it's no great shakes in a straight line either. Other than that the handling is pretty good, if soft and bouncy. It's fun anyway...
The interior is typical '80s VW; practically all black, gloomy and spartan. The only concessions to luxury (I use the term loosely) are a sunroof, a rev counter, four stereo speakers plus a "loudspeaker" in the middle of the dash, and (shock horror!) a folding rear seat - which is useless if you need to carry more than two people because it isn't split-folding. Headroom and legroom is poor for taller drivers, but then again I usually scrape my knees and head on large family car's roofs and steering wheels too.
Running costs are great - insurance is very cheap for me (being 18 years old and a new driver with Pass Plus), it's only £50 a month. According to the VW statistics in the manual the 45kw engine is supposed to get up to 50 mpg (which I've never ever seen), but I generally average 35 mpg since the poor thing gets thrashed ruthlessly.
All in all a great first car, and a superb alternative to the usual boring Nova or Fiesta option which faces the first-time buyer.
25th Aug 2004, 11:14
When lifting the seats to gain access to the rear, two levers should operate at the base of the seat when you lift the handle.
I had the same problem as you with the driver's seat on my Polo. I noticed that on the passenger seat, the problem had been rectified by lifting the inside lever (the one nearest the handbrake) with a small screwdriver and inserting a screw to hold it open. The outside lever was working correctly and so the seat was still held securely in place and could be lifted when required. I applied the same solution to the driver's seat and the problem was cured at no cost.
I also had a non-working rear wiper. If you remove the panel inside the rear door, remove two or three screws and unclip two wires and remove the wiper arm and retaining nut on the outside they are very easy to replace. I bought one from the scrapyard for £5 and had it fitted and working in about 15 minutes.
Two problems sorted out for a fiver isn't bad - good luck!