Polo 1.2 SE (56) common problems?

[Redders2]

Hi. My dads about to buy this car, very good condition and only 16,000 on the clock. Just wondering what to look out for problem wise. Are they a good reliable motor, thanks in advance.

[vc-10]

The rubber bushings in the front suspension die, but with only 16,000 on the clock it'll be fine for years. They're totally gutless and chew fuel on the motorway, but my 2002 model has been pretty good. The timing chain can jump when the oil pressure is low, and VW changed the design of the tensioner to sort this out, but I don't know when they did this. Before 2006 I think, but I'm not sure.

If it's a 5-door, the rear windows can be a pain about going back up again, but can be persuaded if you push the glass forwards (this is at least on my manual ones).

[Crasher]

Burnt out exhaust valves at anything from 30K miles.

[vc-10]

On that subject Crasher, is there any specific thing that will cause that? My Polo's done 126,000 miles (had it since 82,000) and it's fine. I think it's an AZQ engine- 2002 model with the 65PS engine, no aircon.

[Crasher]

It just happens but if you have had it since 82K I bet it has already been done and the crap valves changed for good ones.

[vc-10]

Could well have done, but there's no mention of it in the logbook. Not that that means anything! If they've lasted this long, are they likely to be OK in the future? I'm also guessing that it'll pop up lights on the dash if anything were to happen.