Faults:

Fuel tank leaked, which cost £75 to totally replace.

Radiator leaked, costing £60 to replace.

Oil leaked, but this was due to there being too much oil in, and it was working its way out to a normal level.

Car also had a slow puncture and 'clicking' sound, both in the front right wheel.

All of the above things happened within three months of me buying the car for £630 (the dealer had been asking for £795, so the haggling worked)

General Comments:

The body of the car is in good condition.

It runs well, and always starts first time, no matter what the weather or time of year.

It's a nippy car, handles well and the original seating is in perfect condition, with no need for seat covers.

Faults:

Wheel bearings went, 3 in total replaced during ownership.

Clutch replaced at 70,000 miles.

Finally cylinder head gasket went, as it was un-noticed for some time the cylinder head was damaged and replacement would have been more than the value of the car.

General Comments:

Very nice little city car.

When pushed could deliver adequate performance, but it's not a racer.

Breaking and clutch are heavy.

Seating and interior are adequate.

After having the luxury of a Renault 21 savana for a month it was very hard to drive as it was unfortunately scrapped at 75,000 miles.

Faults:

The glove box door fell off. But nothing has ever actually mechanically gone wrong with the car.

I needed to change the headlight due to big stone chip. Was only £25 for a brand new genuine BOSCH.

General Comments:

This car is fantastic. I have given the car 10/10 for performance given the amazing speed for its very small engine. When compared to my old 1.3 Fiesta the Polo blows it away.

The reliability is perfect. Spare parts are cheap. Is very economical if driven steady. The ride is a bit stiff, but this results in nimble handling.

A few problems I've found are: if you drive it hard economy suffers badly. The brake pedal is hard to push (no servo) and they don't exactly stop like you've hit a wall. The wheel trims need to be tied on or they fly off when on the motorway.

Faults:

Cylinder head gasket.

Petrol tank leaked when purchased.

General Comments:

A fine first car!!! I've thrashed the living daylights out of it since I passed my test, and it hasn't once broken down on me. 20,000 miles in 14 months and the little bugger still keeps going.

Only problem is that it's a bit on the slow side and could do with a fifth gear. Flies for a car of its age. I got 96 mph out of the old thing once, and it got me to Manchester and back from Newcastle no problem whatsoever.

Hardly any rust, no major mechanical faults, easy to maintain, cheap and chearful.