Item: Used Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1994 - 2002
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

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Hatchback

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

POLO

The Volkswagen Polo is a little car with a strong, big image

Used Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1994 - 2002

This shape Polo is cheap as chips to buy these days, and many have seen better days so try to find one with as much service history as possible.

Once you're in the Polo club, staying a member is cheap. The worst of the depreciation is in the past and fuel costs are low. The 1.4 petrols give 40-45mpg, the 1.6 just under 40mpg, and the diesels can deliver high 50s.

Insurance, meanwhile, is average (group 7 for the 1.0, rising to the 1.4 16v's group 20), and although servicing will be slightly dearer than on a Ford Fiesta, you can cut labour rates by going to an independent specialist.

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The Volkswagen Polo is a little car with a strong, big image

We reckon the small premium for five doors over three is worth it; getting at the back seats in the three-door Polo is awkward, especially if you're trying to strap the kids in.

If you want an automatic gearbox, you'll have to go for the 1.6-litre petrol engine, but that's no great hardship - it's one of our favourites.

Diesel fans should ignore the unrefined 1.9 diesel (launched in 1996) and pick the much better 1.9 turbodiesel (1998 on) or 1.4 TDI (from 2000). However, the Polo with the most all-round ability is the 1.4-litre 16v petrol (introduced in 1995), and there are plenty for sale.

When you are looking, try to find as new a Polo as possible. Early models have only a basic roster of kit, but later cars are better, especially on the top trims, GLX (earlier cars) and SE (later models).

On a similar note, twin airbags became standard on all Polos in October 1998 and anti-lock brakes from January 2000. So, bear that in mind when you're shopping around.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought by single people or couples with no children – but the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen&nbsp;Polo have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

The Fiesta remains a star of the class, thanks to its strong Ecoboost petrol engines and suspension settings that are beautifully judged for British roads. However, the latest Volkswagen offers even more practicality, decent performance and a classy interior that has the edge on the Ford’s for quality.

Any of these models will be a competent commuter car – especially if fitted with one of the increasingly popular small turbocharged petrol engines – but just remember that while you’ll be able to carry two adults and two children, it might still be a struggle to get all of their luggage into the boot.

Small

Provided the car has been serviced on time and to VW's standards, there should be little to worry about. The Polo is well screwed together and its mechanicals are pretty robust.

In fact, many reckon this Polo model is more dependable than the one that succeeded it. Even so, the smart money goes on cars that have a complete service history. They'll also be easier to resell later.

Major faults are rare, but check for signs of impending head gasket failure - white sludge under the oil filler cap is a common sign. Also, a thirsty engine can indicate that there's a problem with the engine management system, which could cost more than the car is worth to fix.

Other than that, inspect the suspension, axles and electrical systems - the three most common areas for claims to Warranty Direct by Polo owners. Air-con, where fitted, should be fully checked, too.

Bear in mind that any warning lights on the dashboard will result in an MoT test failure, so walk away from any cars with such faults and try to find a car with plenty of time left on its MoT certificate.

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With a Polo, it's more about comfort than joy. The soft suspension rides the bumps well, although not always quietly, while the main controls are light and easy to use - power steering was standard on all Polos from the outset - and it goes round corners in a safe, predictable, if unremarkable, manner.

As a result, this car will never get your pulse racing, but for some buyers that's exactly what they want from. So yes, it's pretty soul-less, but as a four-wheeled domestic appliance you can rely on, it does an excellent job. It also has a posher image than most superminis.

Downsides? You won't get much kit, rear three-quarter visibility isn't great and other superminis are more spacious. You need to be careful over your choice of engine, too, because some struggle and others are unrefined. Avoid those and you'll have an easy-going, capable car for urban or countryside motoring.

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Used Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1994 - 2002 review

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Alternatives

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