USED Volkswagen Polo Hatchback (05 - 09)

My car

I bought my polo in 2004,on the exterior it has class but boring to drive it also swerves round bends, the brakes slides as you come to a full stop, my windscreen wipers were warn out within a year of purchase, took my car back twice because they adjusted the brakes too tight during service and burning smell from tires, i overheard telephone complaints from other unhappy customers during service,overall its just a brand name, i would much rather choose Toyota for a better drive and service.

My car

Excellent little car. Bought this new for my wife who has just passed her driving test, so wanted something small and easy to drive. The car is well built and interior is somber but practical. Engine revs freely and is nippy. Fuel consumption averaging about 42mpg around town and some motorway journeys. Gearing is low so revs are around 3600rpm at 70mph but this does not make the car loud. It's happy sitting there at 85mph and can go quicker. Stearing is light but you do get feedback from it. Leans a bit in corners if taken to quick but overall a lovely ride. Have had the car now for 4 weeks and my wife & i love it. Except for when i use it for work as its a lot cheaper to run than my Audi A4

My car

It's probably the best looking supermini and does give an impression of quality compared to some of its rivals. However, start the engine and the impression vanishes - there's a cacophony of sound from the little three-cylinder engine which is accompanied by a lumpy, uneven idle. Things improve once on the move with a very light clutch and gearchange. The steering is vague around the centre position and is overly light. I also noticed this on a new Clio in France recently - postioning these cars on the road requires concentration levels beyond the necessary.

The ride is soft which is accompanied by wallowing on corners. Performance is what one would expect from an engine of this size - acceleration is glacial; overtaking requires planning and courage.

Overall, it's not a bad car, but not brilliant either.

My car

The car is very well built and kept it's value well but the ride is bouncy and you have to buy a hi spec car to get some essential kit (alarm, remote central locking). (SE is lowest to get such things). Nice car but not for bumpy roads.