What's Bad

Expensive, ranging in price at launch from £8,290 to £14,460.

Gearchange quality still varies and transmission failures are more common than on other similar sized European cars.

GTi feels top heavy on corners and does not inspire confidence.

Spanish rather than German build quality.

Complaint that lacquer on GTi alloys is prone to peel off.

Only 87% breakdown free in 2003 Which survey. 1.4 16v and 1.6 16v engines have plastic timing belt tensioner rollers which can shatter after about 40,000 miles, throwing off the belt. 2004 Which? quote: "Prone to breakdowns and remarkably easy to break into. Leave nothing of any value in a Polo. Better still, don't even consider buying one." Replaced by new model on Fabia floorpan in 2002.

What to Watch Out For

See previous model Polo 1994 - 1999.

Transmission failures common.

Pedal box prone to failure. Franchises quote over £500 to fix them.

Poor performance and fuel economy of Y and 51 reg 1.4 and 1.6 16vs may be due to fault with ECU, cured under warranty by dealer replacing the ECU.

Below minus 8 degrees centigrade, condensation in sumps of 1.0 and 1.4 engines emulsifies and blocks crankcase breather pipe leading to lack of engine lubrication and engine failure

Recalls

See previous model Polo 1994 - 1999.

(Official 6-7-2002: 121,281 Polos and Lupos recalled because tension cracks in vacuum pipe to brake servo may occur. Pipes to be checked and replaced if necessary.)