Faults:

Door Lock paddle fractured (monkey metal part)

Window regulator motor failed (cog wear)

General Comments:

Seriously concerned at Volkswagen's continuing use of cheap materials in motors & locks despite decades of failures & dissatisfied customers.

Volkswagen & its dealer network have no integrity & have been using inferior components for at least a decade, regardless of their awareness of recurring problems.

Faults:

ABS light appeared on at random times at 40,000 miles.

Boot lock was too stiff to open at one point.

Scratching noise from the steering wheel.

Rear wiper hose broke and leaked into the back seat (now the left side back seat is damp)

General Comments:

All in all this is a good reliable car, but is you are an 18 year old and want a bit of fun then stay well clear, this car is extremely slow, a turbo is essential in a diesel.

It is very economical, (when driven sensibly). Lately notice an abnormal amount of smoke being exhausted when I put the foot down, VW dealer says they noticed nothing when I brought it in.

The car has very little in the electronics department, e.g. no central locking, electric windows, or CD player.

The seats are a bit uncomfortable, as they have no height adjustment mechanism.

Perhaps its because I am judging the polo to the standard of the first car that drove, (2003 Seat Toledo SE TDI) which my dad insured me in for lesions, but I just can't stand the lack of power I receive from the polo when I try to floor it.

Faults:

Apart from the power of the car. this is a very reliable care great stuff.

General Comments:

Like I say power of this car lets it down apart from that. The handling and the drive is really good.

Faults:

Engine EPC Warning within 6 Weeks.

Ignition Switch Failure

Required replacement.

EPC Warning constantly illuminated, each time computor had to be rebooted by dealer.

Eventually Computer Replaced.

EPC warning still has problems.

All stop lights Failed, Brake light switch malfunction.

EPC Still failing.

General Comments:

Apart from the many faults, I like the car to drive. It is responsive, and motors well on the motorway or around town.

The interior is pleasant, and roomy, but the drivers seat is not that comfortable.

Faults:

Leaking tailgate caused central locking to unlock. Cured on first visit to dealer.

General Comments:

For a car than not only CAN, but DOES manage almost 70mpg, the available performance is fantastic, especially in the mid-range. I have covered 73000 miles in mine so far and have averaged 57mpg and I don't drive slowly.

Refinement is good; from the inside you can hardly tell it's a diesel except when it's cold.

A few rattles have developed, but nothing unusual considering the mileage.

Tyres are very expensive for a small car.

Well equipped although air conditioning would have been nice.

Servicing is not cheap as the PD engine requires special oil.

Not the most exciting car to drive on a twisty road, but the mid range surge of torque (equivalent to most 2.2 litre petrol cars) more than makes up. Hills don't seem to be as steep as they used to be.

Far more refined at motorway speeds than a 1.6 Golf Mk IV.