Should I consider a Mk3 Polo GTi?
Discussion
I think the gearbox problem was with the lupo gti 5 speed as well, I assume it's the same box?
However whilst they are running they are brilliant little motors with more than a hint of earlier gen golf gti's.
However for that price bracket I, personally, would be looking at a V5 Toledo, now those motors are cheap as chips at the moment!
However whilst they are running they are brilliant little motors with more than a hint of earlier gen golf gti's.
However for that price bracket I, personally, would be looking at a V5 Toledo, now those motors are cheap as chips at the moment!
I had one for 18 months a few years back - they're nice cars, quite quick and pretty well-equipped too (Climatronic and Xenons were standard fit, for example).
They do have a reputation for the gearboxes giving up - mine was fine (albeit not exactly mx-5 sharp in its change) but others have had problems. Check that the pedal box recall was done, as this is sometimes responsible for making gears hard to select. The split-rim BBS alloys will probably be showing corrosion, too: the lacquer lifts and you get "bubbling" showing through.
Nice, nippy little cars overall (with an emphasis on little - they're about 35 cms shorter than the latest-generation Polos!)
They do have a reputation for the gearboxes giving up - mine was fine (albeit not exactly mx-5 sharp in its change) but others have had problems. Check that the pedal box recall was done, as this is sometimes responsible for making gears hard to select. The split-rim BBS alloys will probably be showing corrosion, too: the lacquer lifts and you get "bubbling" showing through.
Nice, nippy little cars overall (with an emphasis on little - they're about 35 cms shorter than the latest-generation Polos!)
Alternatively you could get a similar age primera GT for about half that and they are really underrated. That's what I did as I needed a cheap to run car for a few years but it has surprised me beyond belief. Pretty nippy and fantastic handling. Not the best image but underneath they're a seriously sorted car.
Cheers guys, looked at 172s and they all seem to be >100k miles in my relatively small budget. Did look at Toledo and Bora V5s, they are very tempting for the money. Will take a look at the Primera GT as well, thankfully there's some good in getting older, I can finally afford to insure some much more appealing stuff! Not so sure about the Mk4 Golf GTi, don't get me wrong its a nice looking car, but the Polo GTi seems like it could be more to my taste, lighter, not that much less powerful.
Mate of mine had a Golf V5, very thirsty and not overly fast or sporty.
I'd suggest if the Golf GTi is a bit 'big', you'll not like a Toledo or Bora
Pumas look very good value for money and often get recommended on here:
Some see them as a bit girly though!
2 grand of Puma
I'd suggest if the Golf GTi is a bit 'big', you'll not like a Toledo or Bora
Pumas look very good value for money and often get recommended on here:
Some see them as a bit girly though!
2 grand of Puma
I owned one for about 18 months or so, it was very well equipped (heated full leather, climate etc) but not really very quick at all... I had a friend who had a 206 XSI back then and I wrongly assumed my Polo GTi would eat it for breakfast (we were 19 at the time).
It was however one of the few cars I managed to sell for more than I paid for it over a year and a half later.
To echo the points above, the wheels are notorious for corrosion... I never had any gearbox issues though.
It was however one of the few cars I managed to sell for more than I paid for it over a year and a half later.
To echo the points above, the wheels are notorious for corrosion... I never had any gearbox issues though.
My OH had one which we have just sold. I'd echo all points above, especially about the gear box.
Make sure you get a decent one. I bought this with 90k and to be honest it was pretty ropey! They're not very well put together (im sure i read they were made in Spain?) and it shows then driving. They are quick, but again be careful of the high mileage engines as they drink oil! Clutches take a bit of getting used to as well.
Hate to be negative but from experience i'd steer clear unless you can find the proverbial one lady owner with 50k on the clock.
Phil
Make sure you get a decent one. I bought this with 90k and to be honest it was pretty ropey! They're not very well put together (im sure i read they were made in Spain?) and it shows then driving. They are quick, but again be careful of the high mileage engines as they drink oil! Clutches take a bit of getting used to as well.
Hate to be negative but from experience i'd steer clear unless you can find the proverbial one lady owner with 50k on the clock.
Phil
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff