First Car! 1.2 or 1.4 VW Polo?

[Apple5]

Hi Everyone!

I'm 22 years old and have been saving up for my first car, and have boiled it down to a 2010-2012 VW Polo.

I'm stuck on what engine size to go for (1.2 or 1.4). I'd like to keep running costs down being a new driver however every month I drive down to Coventry or Manchester from London to see family and friends and wondering if the 1.2 would be a bad choice on the motorway.

Please let me know what you guys think!

[WolfAir]

There is no replacement for displacement
Hope this helps

[Saleen836]

I'm going to suggest which ever is the cheaper on insurance?

[Apple5]

Appreciate the responses so far, the 1.2 will be cheaper on insurance.

Just wondering if theres a big difference between a 1/2/1.4 on motorways.

[SteBrown91]

The 1.4 doesn't feel that quick - it's ok I for the type of car I suppose - I've not driven a 1.2 but I imagine it's pretty slow.

If you can I'd get. 1.2 tsi if budget allows

[MrF193]

I used to have a 2010 Polo 1.2 TSI and it's a great punchy engine with a 6 speed manual so perfect for long trips. Also cheap on insurance. You must get one on a 12/62 plate onwards however because any before then all had timing chain problems which rattle, stretch and eventually lead to a big engine failure!

Mine stretched its chain twice, even after the 'new improved' chain was fitted so I moved it on quickly after the second time. VW redesigned the timing chain and tensioner completely from 2012 which fixed the problem.

[DukeDickson]

WolfAir said:

There is no replacement for displacement
Hope this helps

There is when you have a big, fat & lonely NCD. Plus, there can hardly be night & day difference between a small engine and a slightly less small engine.


OP - Answer is, as already suggested, whatever is the cheapest overall, insurance wise and any mechanical costs combined (just in case the 1.2 is a dog, no idea TBH). Live with it for a while, then go up from there ./

Having said that, postcode is also a fair influence, though a bit of a pain to change.

[Apple5]

Thanks guys, looks like 1.2 does make sense for now.

Being a complete newbie, are all 2012 Match engines TSI? Having a look on Autotrader some of the dealers list it and others don't.

[Cee123]

Apple5 said:

Hi Everyone!

I'm 22 years old and have been saving up for my first car, and have boiled it down to a 2010-2012 VW Polo.

I'm stuck on what engine size to go for (1.2 or 1.4). I'd like to keep running costs down being a new driver however every month I drive down to Coventry or Manchester from London to see family and friends and wondering if the 1.2 would be a bad choice on the motorway.

Please let me know what you guys think!