Volkswagen Polo (2005 – 2009) Review

Volkswagen Polo (2005 – 2009) At A Glance

2/5

+Facelifted Polo. Wide choice of models available.

-Others offer more space, extra versatility and a more enjoyable drive for less money. 1.4 engine prone to severe bore wear after 3 - 4 years.

Insurance Group 8
On average it achieves 89% of the official MPG figure

Car seat chooser

Child seats that fit a Volkswagen Polo (2005 – 2009)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

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Real MPG average for a Volkswagen Polo (2005 – 2009)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

89%

Real MPG

27–80 mpg

MPGs submitted

374

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

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Ask Honest John

What car would you recommend for a tall young driver?

"We live on the Isle of Man where you are allowed to drive from age 16. Our son reaches that age next year. He is already over 6ft tall so the tiniest of cars isn’t really an option. Luckily insurance costs are lower than the UK. Budget £8k. Should he blow it all...or maybe get something older and cheaper now with the thought of trading up when he has a couple of years no claims? Ideas please. "
Despite their exterior dimensions, cars such as the Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris and Aygo, Honda Jazz and Peugeot 107 are capable of accommodating drivers who are at the higher end of six feet tall, so your son should have no issues getting comfortable. Even though insurance prices are lower, we would recommend a simple and low-cost first car in order to build up some no claims.
Answered by David Ross

How much is my 2006 Volkswagen Polo worth?

"I am looking to trade in or sell my 2006 Volkswagen Polo, mileage up to 90,000 - what is your advice?"
You can get a free valuation here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/how-much-is-my-car-worth/ You may also find our guide to selling a vehicle useful: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-sell-your-car/
Answered by Sarah Tooze

What is a timing belt failure?

"My 2006 Volkswagen Polo has done around 65,000 miles and is regularly serviced. While doing a long journey, the emission control warning light illuminated. Shortly afterwards the engine cut out and I managed to make it to a layby. Roadside assistance suspected a faulty coil, but back at the garage they quickly diagnosed a timing issue that has ruined the engine. I know very little about cars, so what does this really mean? They also said scrap value is minimal these days. I’ve gone from having what I thought was a healthy vehicle to suddenly having to rent a car home and kiss my Polo goodbye. They are a large company, so I don’t think they are attempting to swindle me. They are, however, extremely busy due to recent snow conditions so I wonder if that’s why they don’t seem interested in doing anything further to my car. I’m unable to take to my local guy because I’m so far from home, so need to act quickly but don’t really have many options."
The timing belt controls the valve timing and if it has failed, valves will have hit pistons and the engine will probably have self-destructed. I guess it's possible that it tore apart slowly, so firstly the timing went out (explaining the emissions light), then, when it snapped, the engine died completely. On these engines the timing belts, tensioners, waterpumps and alternator belts need replacing every five years or 60,000 miles - whichever comes first if such disasters are to be averted.
Answered by Honest John

Can I sue a garage for giving bad advice?

"My son has has numerous warning lights appear on the dashboard of his 2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI. He immediately took it to a local garage and was told it needed a new part. They assured him the car was fine to drive until the part was delivered; but 10 days later the car broke down with timing chain failure. As a gesture of goodwill the garage has agreed to waive labour charges, but my son still has to buy a replacement engine at a cost of over £1200. We believe that the garage are responsible as they gave bad advice to keep driving car. Do you have any advice please and do we have any legal possibilities to recoup money?"
Unfortunately, if no money changed hands for the bad advice given by the garage there was not contract and nothing to sue for. But if the car was originally bought from that garage, then you may have a case that the car was "not of satisfactory standard". Timing chain failure in VAG 1.2, 1.4. 1.8 and 2.0 TSI engines are commonplace because of the varying quality of the links in the chains. See: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Volkswagen Polo (2005 – 2009) cost?