USED Volkswagen Polo Hatchback (02 - 05)

My car

This car is superb. I'm 17 and the very low insurance group and extremely low running costs make it perfect. I was pleasantly surprised with the engine; despite being the 54bhp 1.2 petrol, it pulls away well from a standing start and has no trouble reaching and maintaining motorway speeds.

The trim is a little disappointing, with no CD player as standard and no electric windows, but for £6995 I can hardly complain.

My car

It lacks the power to get it moving from standing traffic. The suspension becomes too soft too quickly, the interior door trim fabric is not hard enough wearing. I have already had to replace a panel 16 months since new, just because my leg leans against it daily.

It's terrible having to frequently replace headlight bulbs - it is not a simple job for the side of the road, it has to go back to dealer and at a cost.

Other than this, it's a true wee workhorse, easy to drive and dependable mechanically. I should know, I teach people to drive in mine.

My car

Very nice to drive, very torquey as it pulls effortlessly for a small engine. The spec is very good and it does achieve its 'luxury car only smaller' feel. The standard radio cassette is good quality but should surely be a radio/CD nowadays. The easy access front seats (£105 extra) include height adjustment. Combine them with the reach- and rake-adjustable steering and it's easy to get comfortable behind the wheel, whatever size you are. It's very quiet inside and the whole package shows good attention to detail. It's a massive improvement from the last but one model and much more deserving of the VW brand image.

My car

I TOOK DELIVERY OF MY 1.2 64BHP 5-DOOR AND STRAIGHT AWAY NOTICED THE EXCELLENT BUILD QUALITY OF CAR. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS AT ALL WITH THE CAR AND CAN HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. THE SPACE AND ROOM YOU GET IN THE POLO IS EXCEPTIONAL FOR THE SIZE OF CAR.

HAVING ALWAYS OWNED FORDS AND MY LAST CAR BEING A MONDEO, I WAS A BIT WORRIED ABOUT GOING TO SUCH A SMALL CAR. BUT THIS WAS TOTALLY UNFOUNDED AS THE POLO SEEMS TO HAVE A LARGE-CAR FEEL WITH SMALL-CAR ECONOMY AND MANOEUVRABILITY. MY NEXT CAR WILL BE ANOTHER VW.