New car!

IanW · Post by **IanW** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 12:43 pm

Hey there, popped over from a link from clubpolo, was hoping to get some feedback from other GTi owners. I am purchasing a Polo Gti soon, well i think i am going too. After reading a lot of stories about them im kinda being put off. But i have a few questions that maybe you guys can answer and restore confidence in me

Are the gearbox's really that prone to breaking? And if it does go whats the cost to fix this? Â£1000? more?

And if the pedal box recall hesn't been done (though i expect by now every GTi should have been done) would VW do this out of goodwill? or am i going to have to fork out for this?

thanks guys.

Ian.

ModifiedMadness · Post by **ModifiedMadness** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 12:47 pm

If the re-call hasn't been down, as far as I'm aware it's done for free as it was a factory problem.

As for other problems, I've had mine for 7months now and it's had a new brake light switch.

IanW · Post by **IanW** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 12:55 pm

sounds good

. I might pop down to VW today and ask about it.

mysteryboy · Post by **mysteryboy** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:07 pm

I think these amateur gti owners dont know how to shift gears so they blame it on the gearbox... pttsss

hot_polo · Post by **hot_polo** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:23 pm

I dont really think it will cost more than Â£400-Â£500 around my area.
Theres a couple of garages that are supposed to be really good, and i think they may be able to refurbish the old gearbox - if thats possible

frazzle · Post by **frazzle** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:42 pm

Welcome Ian. Remember that forum's like this are as much about helping each other with problems than anything else. If something goes wrong with our cars we are likely to ask advice here before we go any further so don't get a bad impression of the car.

The polo is a great all rounder - looks great, goes well, good badge and is well equipped.

All the best with your search

Dangerous Dave · Post by **Dangerous Dave** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:55 pm

I beleave its more the diff thats the weak link you could probaly get it rebuilt for Â£250-300 rather than replacing the box plus labour to remove it/refit it. Its a common fault for it to go on the older 1.6s in the Golf/Octiva I suspect even although the gear ratios are different compared to the Polo its the same diff in them but I'm only guessing at that. If mine goes I would probaly attempt to find a 6 speed Lupo box if that failed get the box rebuilt as its difficult to find a 2nd hand Gti box due to the limited number of them being made although there was one on ebay last week for Â£150.

The Polo is still a great all rounder though.

theclient · Post by **theclient** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:28 pm

hi ian

the gti does have some problems but you'll find these with most cars having ther own little niggles...

as long as you check the basics, pedal box recall done, cabelts changed at 50-60k, keep it regularly serviced and you'll enjoy this car so much.

at first we all worry about the clutch cable going at the traffic lights... etc etc
but you cant drive around worring al day.

so get one and enjoy it.

its an awesome car

IanW · Post by **IanW** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:54 pm

ive been used to micra's so long its unreal what its like changing to a different car, im so sceptical :S. I'll just take a chance and go for a GTI

Although before the micra is knocked, i had a black 1.3 on M reg that i hammered for 25k and only changed a set of pads in 8 month, sold it with over 100k on it

. But thats the past, i look after my cars now, i baby them along lol!

Out of interest, what would be the main cause of the diff failing? Would redlining the car cause that? Or bad gear changes? Would changing oil help at all? Or is it just the case it just goes because of no reasons?

Ohh and last thing, popped into a VW dealer today, talked to a salesman and when i meanted "6n2 polo" (i hope the GTi is a 6n2 lol!) he was very confused with what i was talked about, doh! Guess ill go into the parts section next time and ask

Ian

Del_GTi · Post by **Del_GTi** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 5:56 pm

I wouldn't worry about the problems you here about on here mate.

As said in an earlier post every car has it's problems, it's just that on websites like this you hear more about them. Which is a good thing as you then know what to look for when you go to buy one.

Happy hunting for your GTi, and welcome to the site.

ModifiedMadness · Post by **ModifiedMadness** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 7:33 pm

Dealers don't you usually have a clue

I asked the salesman when I test drove mine about the pedal box re-call and he didn't even know what it was

But you are right, it is a 6N2

.

IanW · Post by **IanW** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 1:03 am

hehe cool, guess im learning. I think i know what to look out for..

Noisey cam chain tensioner at the top on the engine.

Stuff clutch/gears.

Check if its been in for its pedal box recalled.

...and if the gear leaver is moving, the linkages could need realaigned?

Ian

bass mekanik · Post by **bass mekanik** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 1:32 am

just had my gearbox done.

bought a second hand box with 60K on it for Â£325

labour to fit it was Â£140 but that also included them fitting a new OS caliper carrier as well

so Â£465 all in.