Volkswagen Polo - Help deciding

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Mon 25 Feb 2019 18:02
Volkswagen Polo - Help deciding - Mcglol

Hi guys, having a hard time deciding between two small cars and wondering if you guys can help me decide.

Option 1) 2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 Match (60,000miles) 85BHP

Option 2) 2014 Peugeot 208 1.2 Allure (27,000) 82BHP

The Polo is £500 cheaper but is £140 to tax so they are equally matched. And I assume they have similar realmpg figures.

I've not driven either yet but wondering if anyone can point out the better engine or anything I should be looking for.

Cheers

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Mon 25 Feb 2019 21:31
Volkswagen Polo - Help deciding - SLO76
I have a 2012 Polo which I’ve enjoyed despite numerous relatively minor issues. They’re pleasant to look at, sit in and drive. They’re practical for a supermini and easy to sell on again. That said the biggest weakness on them is the engine range. The 3cyl 1.2 is utterly gutless, the diesels are prone to EGR and DPF problems and the old 1.4 petrol while quite robust is a bit flat and inefficient. It’s also due a timing belt at 5yrs which will no doubt be overdue so unless there’s proof in the form of a receipt then factor it in when offering.

In this case I’d probably take the Peugeot which to date has quite a decent record for reliability in 1.2 petrol form and it’s quite a comfy thing with decent space. I can’t say I enjoy driving them as much as the Polo though, I find the gear-change quite cumbersome and long travel and that daft power ranger leg gear-lever doesn’t help. That said, it is a robust little car with a pleasant engine.

I’d personally be expanding your search to include the Mazda 2 1.3 and Ford Fiesta 1.25/1.4 both of which are nicer to drive and both are generally more reliable than either the Polo or 208. But of the two you mention and assuming both are in good condition with full histories I’d go for the lower mileage Peugeot.

Edited by SLO76 on 25/02/2019 at 21:32

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