Polo GTI 1.4TSI... Am I mad to buy one?
Discussion
I seem to have a strange addiction to VW Polo’s...! This will be my 3rd, and I have only been driving 2 years.
Started off with a 2006 1.2 S 64hp model which I adored, revved up to 5000rpm and just flew everywhere with the accelerator smashed to the floor. Then after my first year of NCD moved to a 2011 SEL 1.6TDI 90. Now don’t get me wrong it’s a lovely car, however I just don’t get on with it. I don’t like the Diesel engine as much as I thought I would, it just seems very dead and the old 1.2 actually felt faster! It has a lot of annoying niggles such as a software fault with the idling which VW have no fix for, and electrics are a bit intermittent (headlights flash on their own and interior lights don’t work).
Now my problem is I still love Polo’s. I can’t afford the newer 2015- 6C 1.8 GTI, and wouldn’t want to downgrade to the less powerful 1.4 85hp lump. So that leaves me with one option, the 1.4TSI GTI 180 Twincharger.... they are priced quite reasonably on Autotrader, and on paper it’s the perfect option.
The problem is as many of you know, they seem to be absolutely rubbish :P ! Reading the horror stories of cars needing new engines after 20000 miles and serious problems really puts me off, I have however seen a 2011 car on Autotrader with 140000 miles on the original engine.
Are there any particular things to look out for? I seem to remember there were 2 different engine codes for this engine (one was improved?). And the DSG, is it a Dry Clutch? Any owners on here with good reviews?!
Thanks
Cam
Started off with a 2006 1.2 S 64hp model which I adored, revved up to 5000rpm and just flew everywhere with the accelerator smashed to the floor. Then after my first year of NCD moved to a 2011 SEL 1.6TDI 90. Now don’t get me wrong it’s a lovely car, however I just don’t get on with it. I don’t like the Diesel engine as much as I thought I would, it just seems very dead and the old 1.2 actually felt faster! It has a lot of annoying niggles such as a software fault with the idling which VW have no fix for, and electrics are a bit intermittent (headlights flash on their own and interior lights don’t work).
Now my problem is I still love Polo’s. I can’t afford the newer 2015- 6C 1.8 GTI, and wouldn’t want to downgrade to the less powerful 1.4 85hp lump. So that leaves me with one option, the 1.4TSI GTI 180 Twincharger.... they are priced quite reasonably on Autotrader, and on paper it’s the perfect option.
The problem is as many of you know, they seem to be absolutely rubbish :P ! Reading the horror stories of cars needing new engines after 20000 miles and serious problems really puts me off, I have however seen a 2011 car on Autotrader with 140000 miles on the original engine.
Are there any particular things to look out for? I seem to remember there were 2 different engine codes for this engine (one was improved?). And the DSG, is it a Dry Clutch? Any owners on here with good reviews?!
Thanks
Cam
I had 6 or 7 Fabia VRS as company cars, and must have covered 50-60K in them and in that time I only topped oil up once across all those cars. Experience tells me that the harder you drive them the less oil you use. We would see them in all the time with owners who you knew didn't thrash them hard. Being company cars I was never gentle with them and they seem to respond well to it.
That being said the oldest one i ever had was 6 moth old when it was sold.
That being said the oldest one i ever had was 6 moth old when it was sold.
They are pretty sweet little cars when working properly, they were just slightly too clever for their own good.
I would make sure it has a full history then see if it's already had things replaced which have failed, as the newer components in theory are more reliable. Alternatively just get a good warranty!
I would make sure it has a full history then see if it's already had things replaced which have failed, as the newer components in theory are more reliable. Alternatively just get a good warranty!
missing the VR6 said:
I had 6 or 7 Fabia VRS as company cars, and must have covered 50-60K in them and in that time I only topped oil up once across all those cars. Experience tells me that the harder you drive them the less oil you use. We would see them in all the time with owners who you knew didn't thrash them hard. Being company cars I was never gentle with them and they seem to respond well to it.
That being said the oldest one i ever had was 6 moth old when it was sold.
That’s good to hear, I do tend to give my cars a good thrash anyways. That being said the oldest one i ever had was 6 moth old when it was sold.
Ahbefive said:
Don't buy another Polo. There are hundreds if not thousands of cars out there, most are much more fun and interesting than a Polo.
I’ve looked at Cooper S’s, Which are too much to insure. Abarths which I like however not too sure about the looks. Then there’s obviously the other VAG products... What would you suggest apart from these (under £9k)? And keep in mind I’m 19 with 2 years NCD 
Ahbefive said:
Don't buy another Polo. There are hundreds if not thousands of cars out there, most are much more fun and interesting than a Polo.
Go on then, small turbo petrol hatchbacks for around the same money built around 2013ish that are more fun, interesting and more reliable than a Polo. What about the Seat ibiza Cupra, a Mini Cooper s supercharged version, the later 1.6turbo does nothing for me or the Mitsubishi Colt Czt
I’ve been told, that the later ones are oK? Not sure after what year.
Once by the a tyre fitter when I mentioned it was a brave choice of car.
Then again when a lad a work bought one and I asked if he knew much about them. He didn’t, but did some googling and said that as he was a 14 plate, it should be fine. Seems that way so far.
Once by the a tyre fitter when I mentioned it was a brave choice of car.
Then again when a lad a work bought one and I asked if he knew much about them. He didn’t, but did some googling and said that as he was a 14 plate, it should be fine. Seems that way so far.
aka_kerrly said:
Go on then, small turbo petrol hatchbacks for around the same money built around 2013ish that are more fun, interesting and more reliable than a Polo.
I have answered the OP. He has not stipulated any of the things that you have. He asked for alternative options for around £9k and I have listed several. No idea why you would think someone having Polo after Polo after Polo would be a good idea when there are so many options out there unless you are some kind of VAG fanboy.... oh wait.
CJG98 said:
missing the VR6 said:
I had 6 or 7 Fabia VRS as company cars, and must have covered 50-60K in them and in that time I only topped oil up once across all those cars. Experience tells me that the harder you drive them the less oil you use. We would see them in all the time with owners who you knew didn't thrash them hard. Being company cars I was never gentle with them and they seem to respond well to it.
That being said the oldest one i ever had was 6 moth old when it was sold.
That’s good to hear, I do tend to give my cars a good thrash anyways. That being said the oldest one i ever had was 6 moth old when it was sold.
Ahbefive said:
I have answered the OP. He has not stipulated any of the things that you have. He asked for alternative options for around £9k and I have listed several.
No idea why you would think someone having Polo after Polo after Polo would be a good idea when there are so many options out there unless you are some kind of VAG fanboy.... oh wait.
Dear oh dear, you hadn't posted a list of cars when I began my reply.No idea why you would think someone having Polo after Polo after Polo would be a good idea when there are so many options out there unless you are some kind of VAG fanboy.... oh wait.
Is it really hard to believe that having had previous experience of a particular model that someone might fancy another one that's a bit newer /faster/bigger etc?
To jump straight to the " you're a fan boy" is lame at best. I own VWs as do family members with Polo's from 2007,2011, 2014 an 2016. I've driven almost every generation of Polo from my 1982 breadvan to mid 90s polo GTs, early 00s and the current crop of 1.2,1.4 twin charge 1.2tsi an 1.8t. Yes i think they are pretty dam good cars.
Clearly I am a bit mad.
It took you 6 mins to write the post after my list of cars? Really?
Anyway, I can see that I have gotten you all defensive on the VW love in, didn't mean to touch the nerve but like I said there are loads of cars out there and it is perverse to limit yourself to one make and model when there is so much to try out.
Anyway, I can see that I have gotten you all defensive on the VW love in, didn't mean to touch the nerve but like I said there are loads of cars out there and it is perverse to limit yourself to one make and model when there is so much to try out.
Edited by Ahbefive on Tuesday 12th December 21:00
Thanks for your responses guys, Ford Fiesta ST ST2 seems quite a strong contender. I personally prefer the GTI however I feel spending a lot of money (to me) on a car that could potentially have catastrophic problems is just too much of a risk , especially as intend to keep it for the next 5 years or 60000 Miles. Negatives to the ST are there’s no 5 door option, apart from that seems quite a good choice.
Mini Cooper S’ are lovely, have had the chance to drive a few and seem great fun. However insurance quotes are coming back at £2500 with a box (currently paying £600 on my TDI with no box, even an Abarth 595 comes back as £1300 no box).
The Polo BlueGT is a very interesting choice, Insurance is not much more than my current car, basically looks like a GTI, Good reviews of reliability. However prices are a little high.
I am yet to have a look into Ibiza’s, I know a few of them had the dreaded 1.4Tsi. I vaguely remember them doing a 2.0 TDI in the FR, that sounds more up my street!
, especially as intend to keep it for the next 5 years or 60000 Miles. Negatives to the ST are there’s no 5 door option, apart from that seems quite a good choice.Mini Cooper S’ are lovely, have had the chance to drive a few and seem great fun. However insurance quotes are coming back at £2500 with a box (currently paying £600 on my TDI with no box, even an Abarth 595 comes back as £1300 no box).
The Polo BlueGT is a very interesting choice, Insurance is not much more than my current car, basically looks like a GTI, Good reviews of reliability. However prices are a little high.
I am yet to have a look into Ibiza’s, I know a few of them had the dreaded 1.4Tsi. I vaguely remember them doing a 2.0 TDI in the FR, that sounds more up my street!
Awww I'm a slow typer whilst distracted making dinner.
The OP said he likes Polos and has had a coupe already. He also said he has only been driving for 2years so I don't get the impression he is deciding if a Polo is the right car for the rest of his life :laugh there is plenty of time for him to have another Polo if nothing else takes his fancy right now.
The OP said he likes Polos and has had a coupe already. He also said he has only been driving for 2years so I don't get the impression he is deciding if a Polo is the right car for the rest of his life :laugh there is plenty of time for him to have another Polo if nothing else takes his fancy right now.
These can be picked up from VW dealers for not much more than £10k. They also don’t sell, probably due to the scare stories and the gap betweeen these and the newer cars getting closer. There was / is a nice five door one in Gloucester or Worcester, which was / has been for sale for months. Christmas is a great time to buy. If it’s still there make them an offer - I bet they’ll accept it! You can buy one, run it under the VW warranty, and if there are issues, you’ll be covered.
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