1.2S 55hp

A reasonable workhouse but not nearly as good as VW and many motoring journalists say

Not the current model I know, but perhaps these are some pointers for folk looking at newer models.
Bought new from a main dealer. A load of niggling problems during the first 2 years, especially with silly things like door locks and the screen washers (connectors coming loose behind body trim and system leaking everywhere).
Had to have new front brake discs and pads after 4 years, corrosion.
Both front springs broke during 5th year.
Engine warning light comes on for all sorts of trivial reasons, even for a brake-light bulb failure! First time it came on we crept slowly to the dealer assuming a big engine problem and were disgusted to be told what was wrong, and what's more it cost us 60 quid altogether by the time the warning light was reset (which can only be done using the diagnostic computer, apparently).
This was my wife's car so against my advice she persevered with it. My big grouse was the handling which was really poor for a modern car with VW's much-vaunted reputation. Terrible really, buckets of understeer most of the time, and really worrying to drive in strong winds, it seems the body shape performs very badly in cross-winds. Fuel consumption was only about 40mpg overall, even though it seemed under-powered. It would cruise well enough at 70 but took a long time to get there.
Load space is versatile, can't fault that, paintwork is very good indeed, it's easy enough to drive, and the front seats are reasonably comfortable. However the lower spec levels really are very basic, and that's still true on current models.
VW have worked hard to build their image of reliable well-built cars over the years. I really don't think they are that good these days compared with the competition, in fact I reckon they are pretty ordinary. Our Hyundai 1.2 i20 knocks spots of the current Polo 1.2 which we did try.

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