We have a 2002 Polo (new shape 1.2 65bhp), but having had some problems, we're considering a change. The problem is, we've not seen anything in its class or price range which compares with it (in terms of how it drives, how solid it feels, how it feels like a bigger car than it is etc.).
Have driven (in the same class):
Fiesta (1999, diesel) -- not impressed
Corsa (2001?, petrol) -- drives OK but feels smaller
Peugeot 206 (T-reg) -- drives OK but not impressed with build quality
Clio (2002) -- drives OK but feels smaller
Jazz (2003) -- best of the bunch, but still feels like a small car, and noisy engine compared to Polo, also more expensive (perhaps not like for like, but I'm not interested in 'spec').
Don't want to go to a bigger, more expensive car, but the Civic is the closest comparison to the Polo that I've found (obviously I know it's a lot bigger, but the drive feels similar).
Any other ideas? (N.B. I rule out Vauxhall and Ford on principle as US companies/Bush donors.) Or am I just unlucky and should I go for another Polo?
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We have a 2002 Polo (new shape 1.2 65bhp), but having had some problems, we're considering a change. The problem is, we've not seen anything in its class or price range which compares with it (in terms of how it drives, how solid it feels, how it feels like a bigger car than it is etc.).
Noticed there's no Seat or Skoda on your list - have you tried the Fabia and the Ibiza?
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Yes - try the Ibiza.
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Shame that you rule out Ford, the 2002 onwards MK6 Fiesta is a very good rival for the Polo, it's worlds away from the one that you have tried.
Now then, in light of my recent employment changes, may I suggest you go with the Civic? Honda have a reasonable deal on the Civic Inspire at the moment... ;-)
Blue
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Hadn't considered them particularly, as I thought they'd be very similar to the Polo (to the extent of suffering the same type/frequency of problems). But the consumer reviews (on internet) aren't so bad I suppose. Also not sure I would want to keep my custom with VW group.
Would consider Fabia rather than Ibiza (prefer the look of it, although Polo looks better than either in my opinion).
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Have you looked at the new facelifted Yaris. We chose one over the Jazz as they were around £1k cheaper. Also the Yaris is much better build than Polo or Ibiza. Downside is the Yaris is getting a little old now, replacement in 2 years.
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Not looked at Yaris, I always thought it looked considerably smaller than the Polo (except for the bizarre looking Yaris verso van/mini-MPV).
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Have you looked at the new facelifted Yaris. We chose one over the Jazz as they were around £1k cheaper. Also the Yaris is much better build than Polo or Ibiza. Downside is the Yaris is getting a little old now, replacement in 2 years.
I'll second that. Have not drivrn new Polo, but have driven a few thousand miles in a 2000 model, and a few hundred in a facelifted Yaris. To my mind, the Yaris is a much better car in every respect that matters -- the only reasons I can see to choose the Polo are the VW badge (if that matters to you), and if you like a car that feels heavily-built rather than one that's reliable.
YMMV, but I can see why HJ recommends the Yaris so highly.
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Hi Stork,
As a fellow 1.2 65 E Polo owner [03 model] can I ask what your problems were?
I had a recurring problem with the battery draining due to a central locking fault, solved by replacing the passenger door lock.
I might be worth trying another Polo - yours was a very early example and some faults have probably been ironed out since 2002 - also the spec has been upgraded slightly.
UK Car broker has the 1.2E 65 for £7400 which is hard to beat.
I would agree with Blue Oval that the new fiesta is a different beast to the model you tried - indeed I might well have bought one were it not for the tiny footwell which hampered the driving position for me - well worth a try though, maybe the 1.25 finesse for around the £7k mark would suit you?
I also tried the 1.0 yaris - too slow a bit whiney - and the 1.0 corsa - very slow and a poor drivers seat - and the Ibiza - which had a CD and A/C whereas I wanted the Polo's 4 airbags and ABS......
CF.
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Problems:
Door not flush with body.
Seatbelt twisted inside mechanism.
Faulty instrument cluster (had to be replaced).
Oil seal leak.
Dash rattles (replacement dash still has not resolved them completely).
Incorrect tracking giving uneven tyre wear.
Two breakdowns because of faulty ignition coils.
Suspect gearbox.
Suspect driver seat padding.
Suspect suspension (creaks).
Faulty paint on boot handle (now replaced).
No probs with central locking however, as I don't have it!
Might be worth going for the same again, but will the coil issue be resolved yet (I understand this is an ongoing saga which affects not just VW but some other of the German marques).
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I can recommend the Skoda Fabia. It has the same floorpan as the Polo/Seat, but has, I think, slightly more room inside and also has the benefit of being cheaper than either. Build quality is OK too. I would not reckon the small petrol engines though. Try the 1.9tdi and prepare to be pleasantly surprised!
Yes - I do have one and have no complaints ar all.
Roger.
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A trebor mint and a dremel tool?
--
I read often, only post occasionally
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