Should I PX the Golf for a Polo?
Should I PX the Golf for a Polo?
Author
Discussion

Lippyx

Original Poster:

52 posts

180 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
At present I have a Mk 5 VW Golf GT FSi 2.0. It has 40k on the clock, and runs really well. MPG is not bad considering its a 2.0, but I do only use it for short journeys.
I have a new job that I start in a week, and will be travelling a lot further on a daily basis... at present I travel 5-10 miles a day, but the new job will require a 40 mile trip each day eek .

Someone I know has the new VW Polo GTi, and has mentioned on a number of occasions how good the MPG is. Also looking at reports on the internet, it looks pretty good for a sporty number tongue out .

Obviously, the Polo is not cheap to buy, even "2nd hand", but should I go for it? I miss having something sporty, that has the WOW factor, so maybe there is more to my question that just practicality, maybe its about the look to smile

I know a lot of you will probably mention getting a diesel, but I am not too sure about them... I have always had petrol cars.

Evil.soup

4,047 posts

226 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
I do love the Polo Gti and the Gti polo's seem to hold their value better over time next to the Golf IMHO.

I cannot comment on MPG but I guess if driven well then it could well be better with a smaller engine. The big consideration though is how much do you need the space of the Golf? The polo can be rather small inside and the boot is far from big either.

mnkiboy

4,409 posts

187 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
You already have a Golf GTi, but miss having something sporty? I doubt the Polo is any more sporty than the Golf.

What are your reasons for wanting to change? I doubt there's enough difference in fuel consumption to make up the purchase price of the Polo.

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

211 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
Lippyx said:
At present I have a Mk 5 VW Golf GT FSi 2.0. It has 40k on the clock, and runs really well. MPG is not bad considering its a 2.0, but I do only use it for short journeys.
I have a new job that I start in a week, and will be travelling a lot further on a daily basis... at present I travel 5-10 miles a day, but the new job will require a 40 mile trip each day eek .

Someone I know has the new VW Polo GTi, and has mentioned on a number of occasions how good the MPG is. Also looking at reports on the internet, it looks pretty good for a sporty number tongue out .

Obviously, the Polo is not cheap to buy, even "2nd hand", but should I go for it? I miss having something sporty, that has the WOW factor, so maybe there is more to my question that just practicality, maybe its about the look to smile

I know a lot of you will probably mention getting a diesel, but I am not too sure about them... I have always had petrol cars.
Y a w n sleep

Lippyx

Original Poster:

52 posts

180 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
Evil.soup - Regarding boot/car space, it would have to be a 5 dr, as we often go out with friends. There are no small people to consider at the moment, so no need for pushchair space, and the only things I store in my boot is a waterproof coat!

I know a lot of people would say just get a 1.4 or 1.6 petrol, which I have thought about, but I like a bit of omph when I drive my car, and think I would just be driving a smaller basic engined car to its limit, just to get a bit of life from it. Does that make sense?

Lippyx

Original Poster:

52 posts

180 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
mnkiboy said:
You already have a Golf GTi, but miss having something sporty? I doubt the Polo is any more sporty than the Golf.

What are your reasons for wanting to change? I doubt there's enough difference in fuel consumption to make up the purchase price of the Polo.
No, I dont have a GTi I have a GT FSi, which is nothing like the GTi. Dont get me wrong, its quick, but pretty basic looking frown

Ozzie Osmond

21,189 posts

267 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
It's virtually impossible to save money by buying a new car, especially in the circumstances you have described. Just drive the car you already own without being too heavy on the loud pedal!

HorneyMX5

5,581 posts

171 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
Polo GTI is a 1.4 petrol. Great cars, check out this thread!

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2096...

mnkiboy

4,409 posts

187 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
Lippyx said:
No, I dont have a GTi I have a GT FSi, which is nothing like the GTi. Dont get me wrong, its quick, but pretty basic looking frown
cleans glasses ah yes, I see now.
Still I don't think it's a decision to be made on mpg figures. If it was me i'd be looking for a Golf GTi ED30. Much more fun than the polo.

Evil.soup

4,047 posts

226 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
Lippyx said:
Evil.soup - Regarding boot/car space, it would have to be a 5 dr, as we often go out with friends. There are no small people to consider at the moment, so no need for pushchair space, and the only things I store in my boot is a waterproof coat!

I know a lot of people would say just get a 1.4 or 1.6 petrol, which I have thought about, but I like a bit of omph when I drive my car, and think I would just be driving a smaller basic engined car to its limit, just to get a bit of life from it. Does that make sense?
If you don't need the boot space then its not bad at all. You can fit 2 adults in the back with reasonable comfort but 3 is not very comfortable. If you do have a little one at some point then only one adult will fit in the back with a car seat. Personally I prefer the Polo Gti to the Golf as its quite rare and a little better looking in my eyes. Im still not sure about fuel savings but I am sure its possible.

the-photographer

4,170 posts

197 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
Lippyx said:
At present I have a Mk 5 VW Golf GT FSi 2.0. It has 40k on the clock, and runs really well. MPG is not bad considering its a 2.0, but I do only use it for short journeys.
I have a new job that I start in a week, and will be travelling a lot further on a daily basis... at present I travel 5-10 miles a day, but the new job will require a 40 mile trip each day eek .

Someone I know has the new VW Polo GTi, and has mentioned on a number of occasions how good the MPG is. Also looking at reports on the internet, it looks pretty good for a sporty number tongue out .

Obviously, the Polo is not cheap to buy, even "2nd hand", but should I go for it? I miss having something sporty, that has the WOW factor, so maybe there is more to my question that just practicality, maybe its about the look to smile

I know a lot of you will probably mention getting a diesel, but I am not too sure about them... I have always had petrol cars.
  • You definately lose more in depreciation with any newer car
  • Be careful with used Polo's especially ones built before Feb 2011 (some engines with high oil usage)
  • I'd recommend a MK5 GTI if you want something sporty with lower depreciation

aka_kerrly

12,495 posts

231 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
Lippyx said:
At present I have a Mk 5 VW Golf GT FSi 2.0. It has 40k on the clock, and runs really well. MPG is not bad considering its a 2.0, but I do only use it for short journeys.
I have a new job that I start in a week, and will be travelling a lot further on a daily basis... at present I travel 5-10 miles a day, but the new job will require a 40 mile trip each day eek .

Someone I know has the new VW Polo GTi, and has mentioned on a number of occasions how good the MPG is. Also looking at reports on the internet, it looks pretty good for a sporty number tongue out .
Y a w n sleep
300BHP = "I can't believe someone wants a FWD hatchback"


FYI the Polo GTI has received much praise about it's engine which has won International Engine of the Year Awards for 5 years running. It produces 180hp can carry the car to 142mph and the zero to 62mph dash takes 6.9 whilst providing a combined cycle of 42mpg.

It's received praise about its handling from the likes of EVO, who said " its frisky with great bite & turn in with fun amount of torque steer" , AutoExpress commented that "the steering is well weighted and offers good feedback"

It's a VAG car so the interior is going to be well made and the car comes with a surprising amount of equipment fitted but on the negative side the perception is it is still a bit too tame for a GTI and but compared with eg the Clio 200 that only manages 32mpg combined an manages the same 6.9 sec to 62 the polo looks pretty good oh an the polo is lighter

So OP I think you could be onto a winner. The only downside i can see is some people don't get on with the DSG gearbox and there is no manual option.

Dave

sim16v

2,177 posts

222 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
aka_kerrly said:
FYI the Polo GTI has received much praise about it's engine which has won International Engine of the Year Awards for 5 years running. It produces 180hp can carry the car to 142mph and the zero to 62mph dash takes 6.9 whilst providing a combined cycle of 42mpg.

It's received praise about its handling from the likes of EVO, who said " its frisky with great bite & turn in with fun amount of torque steer" , AutoExpress commented that "the steering is well weighted and offers good feedback"
As great as it might be, if you want to "save" money, you have to buy a cheaper car, not the most expensive Polo available.

I'd suggest a mk5 Golf GTI, cheaper than the Polo, and not that much different on fuel.

Based on your proposed mileage, the difference between 40mpg in the polo and 30mpg in the Golf will be about £10 per week.

And if people ask you what car you drive, what would you rather say?

"I drive a Golf GTI"

or

"I drive a Polo GTI"


Which one is it that has over 30 years of iconic history behind it?

aka_kerrly

12,495 posts

231 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
sim16v said:
aka_kerrly said:
FYI the Polo GTI has received much praise about it's engine which has won International Engine of the Year Awards for 5 years running. It produces 180hp can carry the car to 142mph and the zero to 62mph dash takes 6.9 whilst providing a combined cycle of 42mpg.

It's received praise about its handling from the likes of EVO, who said " its frisky with great bite & turn in with fun amount of torque steer" , AutoExpress commented that "the steering is well weighted and offers good feedback"
As great as it might be, if you want to "save" money, you have to buy a cheaper car, not the most expensive Polo available.

I'd suggest a mk5 Golf GTI, cheaper than the Polo, and not that much different on fuel.

Based on your proposed mileage, the difference between 40mpg in the polo and 30mpg in the Golf will be about £10 per week.

And if people ask you what car you drive, what would you rather say?

"I drive a Golf GTI"

or

"I drive a Polo GTI"


Which one is it that has over 30 years of iconic history behind it?
Oh I agree that the concept of spending more money trading up on a car to save money doesn't make sense to me either but the OP asked if it was a good car and I felt obliged to provide some information on it (mostly prompted by 300bhp typical response)

Besides i've owned god knows how many polos with the view that they are the shed/back up car to my golfs + corrados.

That said I am a sucker for older polo sleepers....

Evil.soup

4,047 posts

226 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
Just as an idea and on the cheap car idea how about the Lupo Gti?

It had great reviews and was widely recognised to be better than its big brother Golf Gti at the time, a great little car but bloody small!!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3317841.htm

aka_kerrly

12,495 posts

231 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
^^ fab little cars, very close to the same dimensions/power output of the original mk1 and have a lot of the same personality traits eg lift off oversteer, lively handling an keen to 3 wheel through corners.

They do however have issues with the 6 speed gearbox but so long as its been replaced/upgraded in the past it shouldnt be a problem again.

dave

Actus Reus

4,297 posts

176 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
How about a Scirocco with the TFSI 1.4? Just a thought...

Lippyx

Original Poster:

52 posts

180 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
Lupo is a bit too small smile
and the Scirocco is only a 2 door, isn't it?

Actus Reus

4,297 posts

176 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
Yeah, just two doors (sorry, missed your subsequent post about 5 doors) - they are fairly big doors though so access isn't too bad... Of the cars suggested, the 'Roc is the one I'd be looking at. Whether it can be had on budget is another matter - suspect it'll retain more value though. Diesel options also available.

All of the above, in particularly the 2 litre turbos (petrol or diesel) can be remapped too.

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

211 months

Tuesday 25th October 2011
quotequote all
aka_kerrly said:
sim16v said:
aka_kerrly said:
FYI the Polo GTI has received much praise about it's engine which has won International Engine of the Year Awards for 5 years running. It produces 180hp can carry the car to 142mph and the zero to 62mph dash takes 6.9 whilst providing a combined cycle of 42mpg.

It's received praise about its handling from the likes of EVO, who said " its frisky with great bite & turn in with fun amount of torque steer" , AutoExpress commented that "the steering is well weighted and offers good feedback"
As great as it might be, if you want to "save" money, you have to buy a cheaper car, not the most expensive Polo available.

I'd suggest a mk5 Golf GTI, cheaper than the Polo, and not that much different on fuel.

Based on your proposed mileage, the difference between 40mpg in the polo and 30mpg in the Golf will be about £10 per week.

And if people ask you what car you drive, what would you rather say?

"I drive a Golf GTI"

or

"I drive a Polo GTI"


Which one is it that has over 30 years of iconic history behind it?
Oh I agree that the concept of spending more money trading up on a car to save money doesn't make sense to me either but the OP asked if it was a good car and I felt obliged to provide some information on it (mostly prompted by 300bhp typical response)

Besides i've owned god knows how many polos with the view that they are the shed/back up car to my golfs + corrados.

That said I am a sucker for older polo sleepers....
But isn't that it. You're a bit of a VAG fanboy, so took my earlier post as a bit of an insult?


Where as my meaning was two fold really.

Mostly that selling one car for a newer one that is really only marginally more economical is a bit yawn inducing. As it doesn't take a genius to figure out that spending more money does not save you money. If the op wants a new car and wants to use this as an excuse, then that fine however. Just a little self deluding to be doing on the premise of saving money.

Secondly, yes I don't see the appeal of spending a large sum of money on such a car, not with your own money. Company car maybe or even if you get a car allowance and have to stick to certain restrictions.

And lastly, 40 miles a day is not a lot. 20 miles each way... some people do that on a push bike.