UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

polo-sam wrote:Im looking to buy my first car soon, and wondering what really to look for when im buying, any models to avoid i.e GL, CL, L .. etc any bad years to look for and what engine size. Also what should i be getting for between 500-700 quid. Any advice please email me on cosmicnutter_1993@hotmail.co.uk thanks Sam

Make sure you do some research & know what models came with what spec (save getting scammed!), go look at a few, so you know what to expect for the money. You'd be surprised what people think is good condition!

I got myself a '95 1.3CL with 49k, 2 owners & FVWSH, plus all the MOT's for £1100. So look around & be patient, because you will find some gems out there!

Plus, as already mentioned, haggle! People always put a higher asking price up, they know it'll be knocked back. I got nearly 200 quid off mine, so just be cheeky! Better in your pocket!

^^ Yep check the common mk4 faults which occur throughout the range.

try avoiding the 'L' or 'SE' which usually doesn't have P/S, E/W etc. The 16v is the best out of the range but 5 insurance groups higher then the rest due to its rally derived engine block. For a first car a 1.4 is high but the 1.4 CL model is the best to get I recon for your situation.

main faults are;

• 1. E/windows packing up
  2. Central locking (usually the pump)
  3. Rust on rear arches
  4. Pedal box creaking (bad weld leads to breaking off)
  5. gearbox (more common on 16v's)
  6. Irratic rev issues (plagues 6n polo's lol)
  7. Door sill rust

NOZ wrote:^^ Yep check the common mk4 faults which occur throughout the range.

try avoiding the 'L' or 'SE' which usually doesn't have P/S, E/W etc. The 16v is the best out of the range but 5 insurance groups higher then the rest due to its rally derived engine block. For a first car a 1.4 is high but the 1.4 CL model is the best to get I recon for your situation.

main faults are;

• 1. E/windows packing up
  2. Central locking (usually the pump)
  3. Rust on rear arches
  4. Pedal box creaking (bad weld leads to breaking off)
  5. gearbox (more common on 16v's)
  6. Irratic rev issues (plagues 6n polo's lol)
  7. Door sill rust

NOZ is spot on with what he says, L is base model, so CL has a few more comforts like a better adjustable seat! Plus as he says steer away from a 16V as your first car, cheaper to 'cut your teeth' on the normal 8V. His list is good, & check the 'sticky' guides at the top of the mkIV forum, will give you more info.

Go & enjoy Polo hunting!

I've had a 1.4CL which never skipped a beat and has never had issues. The 16v I have now has given me so many problems you wouldn't believe how much ££££ I spent and why I haven't parted with it!

Furthermore, a few mates have had 1.0L's, 1.6GLX's, SE's etc so I've had good experiences with all of them.

Sometimes its worth digging deaper in your pocket for cars with lower mileages over other 6n's.