VW Polo 1.2 TSI DSG - opinions

ToxicPaddy

Hey guys,

Looking at getting a VW Polo 1.2 TSI as a second family car. The one in particar is a 2014 1.2 TSI petrol with a DSG box.

The car will be used for short trips around the area, to the supermarket, creche etc. Probably doing a max of 7-8k km per year.

Auto box chosen as my better half prefers auto over manual and petrol as it makes no sense for diesel and the budget won't quite stretch to an EV.

Hybrid not an option at the moment as the better half doesn't like what's available at that moment on the market within our price range.

The one we are looking at comes from a main dealer, 1 year parts n labour warranty, full service history and 2 years NCT included.

Are there any known issues I should be aware of with these engines, gearboxes or cars in general?

Any feedback appreciated.

Thanks.

bazz26

Check if the car has a timing chain or belt. They changed over from a chain back to a belt around that year as the chains gave problems so a 2014 could be either.

ToxicPaddy

bazz26 wrote: »

Check if the car has a timing chain or belt. They changed over from a chain back to a belt around that year as the chains gave problems so a 2014 could be either.

OK good to know, thanks

User1998

Is it a new shape or old shape? They changed model in 2014

ToxicPaddy

User1998 wrote: »

Is it a new shape or old shape? They changed model in 2014

Its the new shape, a late 142 model. Registered in October 2014 I believe.

User1998

They are a good car, nice spec on the facelift model. Engine can be a bit ropey because of the timing chain issues but if you found one with regular oil changes you should be fine for many years.

Unless they went back to using a timing belt on the facelift model as Bazz suggested, that would a plus.

Most automatic Polos are Japanese imports, so bare that in mind. Nothing really to worry about tho

ToxicPaddy

User1998 wrote: »

They are a good car, nice spec on the facelift model. Engine can be a bit ropey because of the timing chain issues but if you found one with regular oil changes you should be fine for many years.

Unless they went back to using a timing belt on the facelift model as Bazz suggested, that would a plus.

Most automatic Polos are Japanese imports, so bare that in mind. Nothing really to worry about tho

I have to check if its a belt or chain. This is an Irish car not a jap import. One of the first questions I asked.

User1998

I’m not sure of the replacement intervals but you should verify how often the timing belt is due a replacement. Check for proof its been changed or budget to have it changed if its not yet due

The timing chain is a known issue so again, depending on the mileage check for proof its been changed. There is no set interval as it’s supposed to last the life of the car. Chances are it won’t have been changed yet due to the cars age.

ToxicPaddy

User1998 wrote: »

I’m not sure of the replacement intervals but you should verify how often the timing belt is due a replacement. Check for proof its been changed or budget to have it changed if its not yet due

The timing chain is a known issue so again, depending on the mileage check for proof its been changed. There is no set interval as it’s supposed to last the life of the car. Chances are it won’t have been changed yet due to the cars age.

Its got just over 60k miles on the clock, full service history and comes serviced apparently. Will ask all these details when I go to look at the car during the week.

Apparently they can't do test drives due to level 5 lockdown.

Toyotafanboi

A 2014 Polo 1.2 will have a belt. The 1.2 chain engine was long gone by that point. 210k kms, no age limit on the belt.

nerobert

I own a 2014 facelift model. It is a 1 litre manual so not quite the same as the one you’re looking at, but I can 100% recommend it as a car. They are nice smooth car to drive and very quiet when at speed. The interior is a bit posher than most cars in its class at the time. And the touch screen and leather wheel is nice to have. I think they come on all models apart from the most basic one. My only regret is not buying the 1.2 as the 1 litre can be a touch slow. But all in all I think they are a great car.

ToxicPaddy

nerobert wrote: »

I own a 2014 facelift model. It is a 1 litre manual so not quite the same as the one you’re looking at, but I can 100% recommend it as a car. They are nice smooth car to drive and very quiet when at speed. The interior is a bit posher than most cars in its class at the time. And the touch screen and leather wheel is nice to have. I think they come on all models apart from the most basic one. My only regret is not buying the 1.2 as the 1 litre can be a touch slow. But all in all I think they are a great car.

Cheers for the feedback, nice to have some from an actual owner.

I was very impressed by how well spec'd out it was tbh. Leather steering wheel, with all the controls integrated, reversing camera, touch screen radio with blue tooth, even down to the fact it has a USB port which we can use for charging a mobile.

I bought a brand new 1.0 litre petrol Polo back in 1996 and it was fairly spartan inside iirc but a great little car. Put 96k miles on it in 4 years and it never missed a beat until I stuck it in a ditch

nerobert

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

Cheers for the feedback, nice to have some from an actual owner.

I was very impressed by how well spec'd out it was tbh. Leather steering wheel, with all the controls integrated, reversing camera, touch screen radio with blue tooth, even down to the fact it has a USB port which we can use for charging a mobile.

I bought a brand new 1.0 litre petrol Polo back in 1996 and it was fairly spartan inside iirc but a great little car. Put 96k miles on it in 4 years and it never missed a beat until I stuck it in a ditch

Yeah the interior is definitely what makes it stand out from other small cars, I had a google and even the base model comes with a small touchscreen. I think the 1.2 TSI and the dsg will make it a grand little car. I’ve stuck a good bit of mileage on mine since buying my it last year and I reckon it’ll go for years with regular servicing. Here’s hoping mine doesn’t meet the same end as yours.

Notch000

DSG gear box are great, really great, but check it has been serviced as per scheduled, not sure on a polo but i have golf GTI and its 50-60K KM interval. The DSG service is about 250-300euo on its own too, but don't let this put you off.

ToxicPaddy

Notch000 wrote: »

DSG gear box are great, really great, but check it has been serviced as per scheduled, not sure on a polo but i have golf GTI and its 50-60K KM interval. The DSG service is about 250-300euo on its own too, but don't let this put you off.

Yeah it's at just under 100k kms and was serviced on its regular intervals by main vw dealership by previous owner so it's service record is good.

P2C

I have one since new. 2014 the only issue I have had is the drum breaks on the rear can seize up with dirt and dust if not using much. The first time I had no idea why and it was under warranty so they came and fixed the breaks. The recovery mand said very common and showed me the brake drum . The next time was out of warranty and with a bit of research if you tap the break drum with a hammer it releases the dust dirt and breaks.

ToxicPaddy

P2C wrote: »

I have one since new. 2014 the only issue I have had is the drum breaks on the rear can seize up with dirt and dust if not using much. The first time I had no idea why and it was under warranty so they came and fixed the breaks. The recovery mand said very common and showed me the brake drum . The next time was out of warranty and with a bit of research if you tap the break drum with a hammer it releases the dust dirt and breaks.

Handy to know thanks. It will be driven almost daily but just short trips.

I tend to leave the handbrake off my cars if they are going to be parked for a period of time. On flat surfaces only obviously

projectgtr

My wife imported one from Japan a while back, i was never really a fan of VW but i have to say its a great little car , the DSG is a great autobox, it even has a handy sport mode for overtaking or spirited driving. The car feels very solid and comfy enough on longer journeys. The 1.2TSI has plenty of power for a car that size. The only negative i have found is service parts can be expensive if buying from VW.

Notch000 wrote: »

DSG gear box are great, really great, but check it has been serviced as per scheduled, not sure on a polo but i have golf GTI and its 50-60K KM interval. The DSG service is about 250-300euo on its own too, but don't let this put you off.

Isnt the 7 speeds DSG the "sealed for life" maintenance free box? Guess i better find out for certain as im coming up to the service interval if it does in fact need it

ToxicPaddy

projectgtr wrote: »

My wife imported one from Japan a while back, i was never really a fan of VW but i have to say its a great little car , the DSG is a great autobox, it even has a handy sport mode for overtaking or spirited driving. The car feels very solid and comfy enough on longer journeys. The 1.2TSI has plenty of power for a car that size. The only negative i have found is service parts can be expensive if buying from VW.

Isnt the 7 speeds DSG the "sealed for life" maintenance free box? Guess i better find out for certain as im coming up to the service interval if it does in fact need it

I've always paid for original manufacturer parts over third party parts in the past for all cars I've owned no matter what age they are as I find they last longer and although you may save in the short term tend to cost more in the long run.

I rarely go to main dealers for servicing though, always through a good independent specialist.

ToxicPaddy

Just an update.

Ended up buying the Polo 1.2TSI with the DSG box.

Have to say, its a nippy little car. Caught me out how fast it pulls away from a standing start.

The best part is that the better half absolutely loves it, so a decent few brownie points earned there.

Thanks for all the advice guys. Very much appreciated.

grogi

projectgtr wrote: »

Isnt the 7 speeds DSG the "sealed for life" maintenance free box? Guess i better find out for certain as im coming up to the service interval if it does in fact need it

That's correct. You don't need to service it until it dies.