Problem after problem with polo

[polo9n]

bought my 2nd car after onli been driving for a few month, had a lupo and wanted something bigger so decieded on a polo, saved the money up which was hard as im only an apprentice plumber. sold the lupo and bought a 1.2 52 plate 9n for 1,900 with 56k on clock
first problem was misfire on idle after my mechanic mate had tryed several possibilitys he found that the inside of engine was a mess n needed re building which cost me just over 400£
second problem gear box went and car would jus not go into second at all, so had gear box reconditioned for 350
now im being told 9n gear boxs tend to do this when the clutch is going and that i need new clutch

has any1 else had such bad experiences with there polo or have i just bought a real dodgey car ??

[JonnyBCK]

look back through its service history and previous MOTs if u have them see if its had anythin similar in the past, sounds like it was just given death everywhere it went by the previous owners.
where did u buy it from? to be honest it is gettin on for 9 years old u cant expect it to be perfect

[JamieG172]

Not sure mate but 1900 for a 52plate Polo with 56k on the clock sounds a little cheap..... but you may just have had bad luck!

[polo9n]

*racism removed*

think its jus been thrashed everywhere

after all the banter ive giv my mates abwt ther unreliable corsas i look pretty stupid seen my VW has cost me nearly as much as there cars cost haha

[alexperkins]

No racism please guys.

[oldmechanic]

Today this site saved me a wad of notes. I drive a W reg 16v AHW Polo. 53k, owned from new. I have always serviced my own cars, this little B has taken up more of my time than any other car I have owned with problem after problem. The following may help with older Polos: 1) Difficulty engaging gear and clutch pedal squeeks chances are it's the pedal box, an orrid job not for the feint hearted. Garage would charge around £240.00 labour, part around £30.00. The box itself splits around the weld, it's a known VW problem. The box itself is very difficult to see, the first sign to look for is that ominous squeek when clutch pedal is depressed. 2) Oil which is clear (not dark engine oil) on garage floor below gearbox: check the gearbox selector shaft seal; look for steady drip. This is easy to replace, it's a £6 part although a garage may try to sell you a recon gearbox for £500 !
3) Car stalls when slowing down at lights or cuts out on a roundabout. This is not exciting as steering the car without the engine going cuts out the power steering making a turn almost impossible: Chances are it's the throttle body, remove and clean with spirit, dry and replace. It's a sign that your car has spent too much time in town traffic, as a result carbon deposits build up. 4) When fitting cam belts also fit, regardless of condition a new water pump. The water pump sits behind the cam belts, these would have to be removed if the pump ever failed. In retrospect would I have bought this car - Hmmm, I'm thinking about it.

[JamieG172]

Today this site saved me a wad of notes. I drive a W reg 16v AHW Polo. 53k, owned from new. I have always serviced my own cars, this little B has taken up more of my time than any other car I have owned with problem after problem. The following may help with older Polos: 1) Difficulty engaging gear and clutch pedal squeeks chances are it's the pedal box, an orrid job not for the feint hearted. Garage would charge around £240.00 labour, part around £30.00. The box itself splits around the weld, it's a known VW problem. The box itself is very difficult to see, the first sign to look for is that ominous squeek when clutch pedal is depressed. 2) Oil which is clear (not dark engine oil) on garage floor below gearbox: check the gearbox selector shaft seal; look for steady drip. This is easy to replace, it's a £6 part although a garage may try to sell you a recon gearbox for £500 !
3) Car stalls when slowing down at lights or cuts out on a roundabout. This is not exciting as steering the car without the engine going cuts out the power steering making a turn almost impossible: Chances are it's the throttle body, remove and clean with spirit, dry and replace. It's a sign that your car has spent too much time in town traffic, as a result carbon deposits build up. 4) When fitting cam belts also fit, regardless of condition a new water pump. The water pump sits behind the cam belts, these would have to be removed if the pump ever failed. In retrospect would I have bought this car - Hmmm, I'm thinking about it.

Interesting post, thanks. You mentioned the ominious squeak when the clutch pedal is depressed, mine on my 9n squeaks a little but I'm sure it's just the spring on the clutch that returns it to its original position? Or should I be more worried?