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“This review is based on my 1996 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 SE...”

written by keithrose44 on 29/10/2006

Good Points
German build quality
Solid made interior
Engine pulls well in lower gears
Comfortable and rides like a bigger car
Reliable and mostly cheap to run
Ave 40 mpg town/rural, 50mpg on a run

Bad Points
Acceleration drops off very quickly over 60 mph
Body roll on cornering
Small electrical failures (windows, rear wiper)
Parts and servicing costs not cheap for small car
Rust starting on rear inside arches lips

General Comments
This review is based on my 1996 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 SE 3 door which I bought new in October 1996. Having run the car for 10 years now I feel I know the strengths and weaknesses fairly well, hence this review is quite long.



Although a conservative and rather plain boxy little car the 1995 updated Polo was important for VW as it surprised the market and helped raise the standards of small cars from mostly tinny shopping carts to a new refined "super mini" status with a ride quality previously only found in larger cars. Even the Polo's instruments with there twin green lit LCD displays were a big step forward for small budget cars and nearer to Audi than Volkswagen.



Overall I have found my 1.4 SE Polo to have been very reliable in the 10 years I've owned it. I generally run 2 cars (sensible and sports) so at 31k the mileage is quite low. It has never failed to start, broken down or failed a single MOT. The mechanics have only required routine servicing.



Driving:



The 1.4 eight valve will suit an easy going driver with an eye on economy rather than outright speed. It pulls well in lower gears and is lively enough to keep up with modern traffic. Once above 60 mph the acceleration reduces which can mean that high speed overtaking requires some careful forward planning. This effect is more noticeable when the car is fully loaded.

The ride is very good and comfortable for a small car (VW's main selling point when launched) and works well in making the car feel much bigger than it actually is. The gear change is light to use although can become bulky if rushed, which altogether encourages a more relaxed driving approach. The brakes are perfectly adequate and pull straight but do lack an element of feel and require a good shove to stop quickly at speed. The power assisted steering and clutch are both very light and easy to use.



Inside:



The interior is well put together and functional using mainly dark plastics. Its best described as practical rather than inspiring but my SE model came with a special seat fabric which helps a brighten up things. It has lasted very well and the switchgear still retains a tight solid feel that gives the impression it will last for a further 10 years. The seats are on the firm side but prove comfortable over a long journey and have not faded or torn. Room for rear passengers is a little tight and taller drivers will find they rob rear leg space quickly. The boot is a useful size and all but the entry level models come with split folding rear seats.



Outside:



The chunky boxy shape has aged quite well and only recent smoother edged designs have begin to make it look dated. I have tried my best to look after the finish and generally washed the car every 2 weeks. The paint still looks fresh and the 5 spoke SE alloys have remained corrosion free. The only disappointment has been the lifting of the paint on the inside edges of the rear wheel arches which started at around 7 years and resulted in surface rust that spread under the paint. This was rubbed back and repainted this summer before it showed too much as it was advancing to the edge of the arch lip rather quickly. A small paint blister appeared from nowhere on the lower edge of the driver's door at around 6 years and slowly grew under the paint to the size of a 50p within 3 years (this was sorted unintentionally this year when some nice person reversed into my door). Other than that there are no other signs of corrosion, which overall is fair for a car of it age.



Throughout its ten years very little has actually failed. Mechanically the car has been flawless an has only required routine service work. For the first 8 years I kept to VW main dealership with a service every 18 months (3500 miles) or so. However the basic costs (mainly labour) kept on rising and the final straw came when I noticed that you could have a new 1.6 Golf serviced for less than my car, in fact all the older models cost more. Maybe the newer cars are cheaper to service but I simply got the impression that once over 3 years old, VW feels that they can afford to increase the costs and people won't really notice. Well I certainly did and thus now use an independent garage which has seen the costs nearly half.



Over ten years:



Servicing costs at VW has ranged from £150 - £390 (inc timing belt)

Independent servicing £90- £120

Horn failed after a week of ownership and was replaced under warranty

Rear water washer failed, replaced under warranty

3 exhausts @ £90 ea

1 VW battery £76

1 set of Pirelli tyres £190

Brake overhaul inc discs, rear cylinders calliper bolts & sleeves, pads and shoes, £290 @ ind (VW wanted £550+)

Electric window motor £135 (other one stuck but I managed to free up)

Rear Wash wipe motor £109

Front wishbone £79 fitted (OEM part)



When new, these cars where not cheap and seldom discounted, in 1996 my SE cost £10,500 (with some extras fitted), the 1.6 CL was nearer £11,500. The level of equipment was good with all CL's and above coming with electric windows, central locking, electric heated / adjustable mirrors (We have just had to pay £80 extra on a to have this fitted on a new Mini Cooper!) and 4 headrests as standard. L models came with power steering and drivers airbag, you could have a passenger bag but you lost the glove box.



Buying one today:



Very early 95 N reg cars came with a 1.3 engine form the preverse generation model this was quickly phased out by 1996 for the all new 1.4 eight valve. Later cars use a more powerful 16 valve engines.

Engines across the range are strong but parts and servicing costs aren't cheap so a full service history is desirable. Cambelts should have be changed after 7 years or 72k budget around £130 for an independent garage and more at VW. Brakes discs on average wear at around the 30k mark and the whole system should be checked and overhauled around the same time. Corrosion on the rear wheel arches is now common on early models but easy to sort out if caught within time.



What model you choose depends on your own needs and requirements. I've read the other reviews and comments and I tend to agree that (although not a "slug") the Polo in general is geared for more relaxed driving than anything sporty (other than the Gti). If you are a young driver, then the lack of top-end pull may disappoint you and perhaps it's best to look for a different car with a higher revving 16 valve or Vtec engine.

If 0-60 times are not your main concern then you should find the 1.4's performance to be adequate in most situations. As mentioned earlier the gearbox does not liked to be rushed and the car will suffer body roll if you throw it into tight corners, but unless you push it hard you will find the ride pleasant and rewarding. If you driving includes regular motorway miles or you haul plenty of weight around then the more powerful 1.6 is the better choice.



Whilst my Polo has been in for servicing I've had the opportunity to drive most of the Polo range from the 1.0 basic to the 1.6 16v models.



The 1.0 is very good on fuel and cheap to insure, it does however, need to be worked hard to gain progress and is perhaps best suited around town. Base models lacked power steering so look for an L or a special edition, Match, Open Air, etc.



The 1.4 is the most common and is also good on fuel. It's nippy around town but it can lack acceleration at higher speeds when compared with other 1.4 cars. I think all cars came with power steering. Electric windows and central locking were standard on the CL but not on the L and SE.



1.6 16v models have a good deal more grunt and feel quite lively especially as the speed builds up which makes them a better car on longer journeys.



To sum up:



The Polo is a solid and well put together little car. If you are looking at the early cars, then the CL model is the best equipped and the one I would go for. The SE's are rarer and look quite sporty with 5 spoke alloys and deeper plastic bumpers but its spec is basically that of an L.



Remember the parts and servicing can become expensive on a neglected car. There are plenty of Polo's out there so take your time and choose carefully and a well looked after Polo, with a service history, will make an excellent used choice and with many years of value motoring left.