2003 Volkswagen Polo Comfortlne 1.6 from Guatemala

Summary:

A high performance bargain

Faults:

At about 10,000 the front rear wheel start making some noise, but the streets in Guatemala are pretty bad so, in its 12 000 service just fixed it, some loose nuts or something not anything out of this world.

General Comments:

The very first time a got in the car I fell in love. I choose it from several brands of its type, and the vw polo won.

This car is seriously quick and handles like it's on rails.

The car is very comfortable, its space is nice, everything is at your hands.

Fuel economy is notable on this car, I am very happy because I spend about 25 dollars a week.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 2004

2003 Volkswagen Polo E 55 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A great car let down by unacceptable manufacturing faults in only 4 months of

Faults:

Front wheel tracking was out of alignment from the factory and at delivery.

Unusual wear to front tyres at 5000 miles.

Creaking sound from front suspension was worn "bushes" on the "front wishbone" at 9,500 miles.

Knocking sound in the rear of car from loose internal trim by fuel intake and rear shock-absorber mounting at 9,500 miles.

Tracking out of alignment for a second time as was not checked when the "front bushes" were replaced by the dealer.

Paint work on bonnet chips easily on motorways as I find the paint to be quite soft.

The car seems to be under a certain amount of overall tension as it creaks when travelling at slow speeds on uneven roads and speed humps.

General Comments:

Feel very let down by VW as this was my first "brand-new" car and was expecting a higher build quality.

My car has been in the dealer workshop 3 times in 4 months since purchase.

I have lost complete faith and peace of mind in this VW car and by the attitude of VW in the UK to exchange my car for a new vehicle.

The car is actually a great vehicle with exception of poor build quality in the areas that I have mentioned.

Great fuel economy and a very smooth ride.

High quality interior gives the vehicle a very 1st class feel.

Plenty of room in the rear load area with an added advantage of removable rear seats.

The small 1.2 55bhp engine is great and performs perfectly well in the city and cruising between 70mph & 80mph on the motorway.

I tried the 1.2 65bhp model, but found it slower and not as "peppy" in the city.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd November, 2003

2nd Mar 2004, 17:39

I know exactly how you feel. My Polo S 1.9 SDI has all of the same faults and I have had the same bad treatment from the manufacturer and my dealer. My car was purchased in April 2003 and has been back at the dealer on average probably twice a month with still no end in sight. I have submitted a separate review to this site.

15th Feb 2005, 13:51

I also have a 2003 1.2 e 55bhp polo, purchased from new. Overall I am quite pleased with it - however I share your concerns regarding the paint chipping far too easily (mine is black which makes it worse!) and also the creaky suspension. The build quality overall is good apart from this.

9th Oct 2009, 04:59

I too have a 2003 VW Polo 1.2 E.

I find the paint chips too easily, I have had problems with the front and the rear suspension bushes, both needing to be replaced prematurely. I have had a corrosion issue with the front anti-roll bar which again needed to be replaced.

In parts of the interior the trim has started to pull away from the rest of the car. The interior has quite a few squeaks and rattles. The body work of the car is also very thin and made me feel the car was of poorer build quality than previous polos.

I won't be buying another polo.