Volkswagen Polo - Should I go for this? - tsavin

Hi everyone ,

I have been on the hunt for my first car...found this at a trader >

Polo 1.4 (52plate)
95,000 miles
Full service history
3 Owners
*New cambelt

Asking price of £1299

I have done an MOT history check and these are the most recent advisories :

*Advisory Notices*
Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.e.1)
Nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.e.1)
Offside rear coil spring corroded (2.4.c.1b)
Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)
Exhaust system deteriorated

It looks like it's in decent condition from the pictures.

What do you guys think?

Ty

Edited by tsavin on 24/01/2016 at 11:53

Volkswagen Polo - Should I go for this? - Engineer Andy

Ah, the obligatory 'clean car'...rather a lot of money for a 13 year old car. Other than rust, its the mechanical (especially), electrical and structural condition of the car that counts for old cars. I would also check if those tyres were actually replaced and not by part-worn or cheapo Chinese (i.e. never-heard-of make) dicth-finders. You'll need to factor in the likely cost of replacing the suspension coil and exhaust within a year as well.

Probably worth you giving more details - specific model (which can make a large difference in the price), where it has been serviced and how often (check the service book, and preferably, with VW as the first can be easily forged). Have you done a mileage/history check for accidents and thoroughly checked the car over (by you or a knowledgable friend/AA/RAC mechanic) for the mechanical (especially), electrical and structural condition of the car and all its gizmos (electric windows, heater/AC, ICE, lights)?

No picture BTW. Excessively work upholstery can also be a clue to a clocked car (expect some wear for a 13-yo/95k car). I personally think its over-priced, even if it checks out OK on the above.

Volkswagen Polo - Should I go for this? - RobJP

I'd agree with Andy.

Unless every single one of those jobs on the advisory MOT sheet have been done (and done to a high standard), it's one hell of an expensive 13/14 year old car.

Put it another way. The trader probably paid £500-60 for it.