Faults:

Clutch was beginning to wear and slip, and there was a "friction" noise coming from the engine, which was attributed to the release bearing. Entire clutch was replaced, but the noise won't go away... now it turns out it could be the clutch fork...

Other than that and a minor oil leak somewhere in the engine, the car runs fine.

General Comments:

I had a 2001 Jetta a while ago and liked it a lot. This time, I was looking for an economy car for my daily commute. So far, I think this Polo has about what I need.

It's quite roomy for its class and size. Seems better built than the average Japanese car its age, and fuel economy is very good.

As usual with VWs, the paint is beginning to wear, especially on top of the cabin and at the edges, but it still looks nice. I think it is a very good choice for a first car, or a student's car. It is not outstandingly fast, but it delivers when demanded, without feeling forced.

Faults:

Bushes were an issue, but got replaced with Powerflex poly bushes; not an issue.

General Comments:

Bought the car for the cheap insurance. Performance and fuel economy are really good. The car was a lot faster than expected.

The interior is really poor, but mine got leather fitted all round. A 6n2 leather back bench with Mazda RX8 seats in the front.

I had a 3 door, I sprayed it white and gave it the 9n3 GTI facelift. Fell in love with the car after a few weeks.

It's a great wee car. Would hate to see the day it gets written off or becomes not road worthy, as I don't plan on selling it.

I love Volkswagen cars after my Golf Mk3 1.9 TDI. Although I've tried various other brands, the Volkswagen is in a different league for build quality and reliability.

Faults:

Where do I start. I have had my 2003 1.4 16V 100bhp Sport Polo just over a year, and well it's been a very costly year.

It has the usual EPC light problems, with sensors cleaned, replaced etc with the problem finally fixed after 2 months by a software update... it's a car, not a computer!?

It's had 2 coil packs changed, and I'm sure the other two will go very soon.

I had a £1400 service!!! Front suspension changed, being a big cost, AC had something wrong with it, the brakes were changed, the steering rack was knackered, my cam belt was about to go... so much for German engineering, this car has done 50,000 miles!

It drinks oil, it probably burns 1 litre every 800 miles (if I am lucky), and no garage can tell me why?!

And just yesterday, the gearbox/clutch (they can't tell) went at 80mph on a very busy dual carriage way, not fun.

The car cost me 4,000, and I have easily spent over 2,000 in 12 months, not including sorting out my clutch or gearbox; I'm sure they will rip me out of hundreds for that too.

General Comments:

When the car works (very rare) it's brilliant. It's fast, smooth and sticks to the road like glue. The petrol does however seem to fly down the scale if you drive enthusiastically (above 4,000 revs) for a while.

If it was reliable, I would happily keep the car forever! I love the interior, it's very classy, and feels very grown up, and the blue and red instrument lighting is amazing. The sport has many extras, leather steering wheel and gear knob, red upholstery and fog lights, 6 CD changer are just a few examples. Lovely cabin to sit in.

My patience has finally run out now though, I can't afford to have this car, it has a new problem for me to pay for every 2 months. It may put a grin on my face when it works, and it may take off when you stick it in 3rd and floor it, it may have a nice interior, but what's the point if it's always in the garage.

The heart ache this car has caused me is unmeasurable, I tried to be smart by buying a VW; you think of German cars and you think reliable, solid, good cars. Well this one may as well be french, it's bloody useless. Don't bother getting one, keep your sanity. I wish I had.