UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Hi all I'm new to this forum but not forums in general. I'm looking at purchasing a typ 9N Polo for my sons first car.
Looking for a 65bhp 1.2. Can you tell me what I should look for, general faults etc...and what mileage to avoid (e.g over 130k).

Also, plan to change the wheels, what size is the best, wheels and tyres.

Many thanks
Craig.

Welcome to the forum! (friend at work sold an old T4 and bought M-B vanline thing, he could not afford a T5, so now he will need to become good at beating rust)

Come on folks, how about some advice, I've only bought new and not 1.2!!

The 1.2 has had issues with dodgy timing chains, which can jump. They changed the design at some point, not sure when though. The 9n cabin can squeak a fair bit. Also, the bushings on the front suspension can be a pain as they wear out relatively quickly, but they're not too hard to change. Mine's done 149k now, but it is starting to die. Had it for 5 years and since 82k, been reasonably reliable until recently.

For the 1.2 I believe they changed the design of the tensioner around 2002/2003 due to the camchain problems described above.We just bought a 2005 model 1.2s 12v 64bhp and we are seriously impressed with it.It has a nice spec with AC front fogs, alloys and a decent sounding factory stereo.It will sit at 70mph in top quite happily and its refined too which surprised me as did the build quality.Ours has done 140,000mls and the engine is silent but it has been fully serviced all its life.Definitely recommend it over the 6v which I think are 55bhp and im told couldnt pull the skin off a rice pudding

You definitely want the 1.2 12v if you want a 1.2, but the 1.4 16v is roughly the same to insure and usually comes with all added extras