How often do we realise the true value of something later than we should? In a way, this has been the story of the Volkswagen Polo in India. A German hatchback that has etched its name among the most iconic cars ever produced while it was on sale in India for 12 years. Initially, it was a huge success, but over the years the growing competition took its toll and kept chipping away at Polo’s dominance. However, the most interesting turn of events happened after its discontinuation in 2022. Since its end of production in India, the demand for the Polo has been increasing in the used car market and so have the prices.
With sublime driving dynamics, ironclad build, premium German quality, and dependable reliability, the Polo is one of those cars that are out and out treasured by its owners. However, like every car in the world, the Polo cannot remain absolutely flawless all its life and suffers technical problems. If you are planning to get your hands on a used Volkswagen Polo, here are some points you should check while examining it.
Pre-Owned Volkswagen Polo Generations
Volkswagen had launched the Polo in India in 2010 and discontinued it in 2022. During these 12 years, the Polo saw many upgrades in terms of powertrains and features, but there was no generational change.
First Generation
When launched in March 2010, the Polo was equipped with a 1.2-litre MPI petrol engine and a 1.2-litre TDI turbo diesel engine. Both were mated with a 5-speed manual transmission and lacked the punch that could meet the expectations of avid drivers. Despite the great immediate success, Volkswagen soon realised the issue and decided to fix it. In September 2010, Volkswagen brought in a 1.6-litre petrol engine, making it a better enthusiasts’ car.
However, the biggest and most important update took place in 2013, when Volkswagen replaced the 1.6-litre petrol engine with the legendary 1.2-litre TSI turbo petrol engine. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, this 1.2-litre TSI engine was offered on a new variant called GT TSI and made the Polo the most fun-to-drive hatchback in India. In the following year, the Polo saw a minor facelift, however, the biggest upgrade was the replacement of the 1.2-litre TDI engine with a bigger 1.5-litre TDI engine that came as a treat to diesel lovers. In 2014, the Polo also received a 4-star G-NCAP safety rating, proving the toughness of its construction.
The arrival of BS6 emission norms in April 2020 changed the Polo’s engine line-up to a great degree. All diesel engines were discontinued and Volkswagen gave undivided focus to its core TSI technology. The Polo was now available with a 1-litre petrol engine mated to a manual transmission and a 1-litre turbo petrol engine mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
What to check on a used Volkswagen Polo before buying
Rattling or knocking noise from the front end
It has been reported that sometimes rattling or knocking sounds come from the front end of the Polo while driving. While there can be many reasons behind this issue, the most common one is a loose anti-roll bar (ARB). The anti-roll bar is a part of the suspension system and is installed between the front wheels. If you find the faulty ARB in used Polo, ask the owner to have it either repaired or replaced at the service centre.
Fuel Leaks
Enthusiasts’ fancy turbocharged engines and the TDI and TSI engines of the Polo have indeed given the sporty character that makes it stand out. However, both these have been found to suffer fuel leaks. The models manufactured between 2010 and 2014 reportedly suffer from a crack in the fuel filter that results in serious fuel leakage. It is wiser to take the help of a mechanic to examine such issues.
Car Overheating
Some Polo owners have reported overheating issues after exhilarating drives. The reason could be either any fault in the turbocharger or coolant leakage from the water pump. For such issues, a close examination of the water pump and turbocharger needs to be done which can only be done with the help of an expert.
Engine Rattle
If you hear a rattling sound coming from the engine, it could be a timing chain issue. Unlike other models that use a timing belt, 1.2-litre engine-equipped models of the Volkswagen Polo feature a timing chain. Often, timing chains do not fail, but they may stretch causing the set-up to rattle. This problem can be fixed by either tightening the timing chain or replacing it with a new one.
Car Judders While Braking
A rather faster rate of wearing of the disc brakes has often been reported for Polo. You may experience a Polo juddering as you apply brakes which indicates the worn-out disc brakes. In such a situation, the disc brakes need to be replaced and while checking the disc brakes do check the brake pads, as they may have worn out faster than usual due to the disc brakes.
Power Window Malfunctioning
The power windows of the Polo are known to get clogged in the channels due to the accumulation of debris. This impedes the movement of windows, requiring the motors to supply excessive power to overcome the inertia. This ultimately puts excessive strain on the motors and causes them to burn out prematurely. It is easy to diagnose this problem and at early stages, it can be resolved by lubricating the runners.
Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG)
The 7-speed DSG automatic of the Volkswagen Polo has often been reported as problematic and thus unreliable. Juddering during gear shifts, over-revving due to clutch slips, loss of drive, and many such issues have been common occurrences in Polo’s DSG automatic transmission. Moreover, DSG or DCT have a rather complex construction, and its repair can be costly. If you are considering a DSG-equipped Polo, it will be wise to have its transmission examined thoroughly before making any concrete decision. And if you find any fault, it will be best to just walk away from such a model.
Mechanical Modifications
For its sporty character, the Volkswagen Polo has proven its mettle across the globe. However, to enjoy its performance even more, many Polo owners have some modifications done to its powertrains. These modifications may include retuning the engine to increase power, ECU remapping, aftermarket exhausts, and others. Such modifications can significantly decrease the fuel efficiency and the overall durability of the mechanicals. To check a Polo for modifications, it is best to take the help of a mechanic.
Summary
While its production has ended in India, the Volkswagen Polo will always be held in high esteem. At the same time, if you are looking for a used Polo make sure you check for all the aforementioned issues. Though issues like power window malfunctioning and faulty windshield washers may not cost much, deeper problems like defective DSG automatic or modified engines can cost you a fortune. Despite all this, durability is something that has been always appreciated in the case of the Volkswagen Polo and a well-maintained used Polo can prove to be a better pick than even some brand-new models.
