VW Polo 1999 - Questions
Discussion
Hi all,
I just went to see a 1999 S Reg VW Polo. 5 Door and Manual.
It might be a possibilty that I can get it for a fair bit less than its worth normally (about 600 less)
I have a couple of questions
1) the gear stick feels 'loose' this could be because my other car is fairly stiff in comaprison - if the gearbox was on the way out what would the cost of replacement roughly be?
2) The clutch is fairly stiff IMO - any ideas?
3) I want to get it fully serviced as its due one anyway. But not at an official VW place, maybe a VW 'specialist' or maybe just my local place. If I dont get it done to a VW standard for huge amounts what are the main things I should pay to have done?
4) Any idea on Cambelt change costs and woudl it be much cheaper to have it done at the same time as the service ?
I think even if I spend 300-400quid I will get it upto a very decent standard that I know is working for a total price of roughly what these cars are going for anyway - as oppsoed to paying normal price and then payign extra for niggles.
The car has tax and MOT and works fine ATM.
I just went to see a 1999 S Reg VW Polo. 5 Door and Manual.
It might be a possibilty that I can get it for a fair bit less than its worth normally (about 600 less)
I have a couple of questions
1) the gear stick feels 'loose' this could be because my other car is fairly stiff in comaprison - if the gearbox was on the way out what would the cost of replacement roughly be?
2) The clutch is fairly stiff IMO - any ideas?
3) I want to get it fully serviced as its due one anyway. But not at an official VW place, maybe a VW 'specialist' or maybe just my local place. If I dont get it done to a VW standard for huge amounts what are the main things I should pay to have done?
4) Any idea on Cambelt change costs and woudl it be much cheaper to have it done at the same time as the service ?
I think even if I spend 300-400quid I will get it upto a very decent standard that I know is working for a total price of roughly what these cars are going for anyway - as oppsoed to paying normal price and then payign extra for niggles.
The car has tax and MOT and works fine ATM.
What's the engine size?
Gearboxes can give trouble on these models, my girlfriends (1.4 8v) blew up. Try to listen for whining bearings. £600 would probably cover a new box fitted.
The gearstick is a bit floppy as standard.
Use an independent for your service, tell us where you live and someone will pop up with a recommendation. If you want to service it yourself or ask them to do specific jobs then do the oil, filter, brake fluid, coolant, pollen filter.
I had the belt done - I think it was about £160. The belt doesn't have to come off for the service but if the car is in the garage you may as well have it done if it is due. The garage will probably diagnose the stiff clutch problem as well.
Gearboxes can give trouble on these models, my girlfriends (1.4 8v) blew up. Try to listen for whining bearings. £600 would probably cover a new box fitted.
The gearstick is a bit floppy as standard.
Use an independent for your service, tell us where you live and someone will pop up with a recommendation. If you want to service it yourself or ask them to do specific jobs then do the oil, filter, brake fluid, coolant, pollen filter.
I had the belt done - I think it was about £160. The belt doesn't have to come off for the service but if the car is in the garage you may as well have it done if it is due. The garage will probably diagnose the stiff clutch problem as well.
Edited by Dave80s on Thursday 15th November 09:16
It will be a 1.4
I live in Southampton. I have looked at a coupel of 'vw specialists' and their prices are stil lexpensive IMO.
I can use my local garage (which is small) for a general service and cambelt change htough i spose.
I guess when I pay for a service to VW spec I am paying a lot for non-essential stuff..?
I live in Southampton. I have looked at a coupel of 'vw specialists' and their prices are stil lexpensive IMO.
I can use my local garage (which is small) for a general service and cambelt change htough i spose.
I guess when I pay for a service to VW spec I am paying a lot for non-essential stuff..?
It is the labour that is the expensive bit. £40-50 an hour from an independent, probably £70-100 at VW! For a 1999 Polo I would say it is not worth using a main dealer.
If you think the garage are replacing parts unecessarily, ask for the old ones back, if they refuse or get shirty, find another.
You can look on eurocarparts.com and you will see what is a 'fair' price for service items like spark plugs, filters etc.
One thing that irritates me is the prices some garages charge for oil i.e. £10 a litre or something when they buy it in massive drums.
A cheap way of changing oil is to take your car to national tyres, they will do it for £15-25 depending on car size, the catch is they will try to sell you a new exhaust or tyres...
If you think the garage are replacing parts unecessarily, ask for the old ones back, if they refuse or get shirty, find another.
You can look on eurocarparts.com and you will see what is a 'fair' price for service items like spark plugs, filters etc.
One thing that irritates me is the prices some garages charge for oil i.e. £10 a litre or something when they buy it in massive drums.
A cheap way of changing oil is to take your car to national tyres, they will do it for £15-25 depending on car size, the catch is they will try to sell you a new exhaust or tyres...
Edited by Dave80s on Monday 19th November 11:54
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