Getting my new car, what mods should I do?

_Spud_ · Post by **_Spud_** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 8:19 pm

Hey all,

I should be getting my new polo soon and I am already considering all the mods I can do.

I am getting the nav unit, so I would like to keep the HU but I would like to ramp up the power a bit, any ideas on what would be a good start?

I have also been looking at a body kit, the Caractere Kit takes my fancy atm, I have a friend who can paint them up for me as he works at a body shop, so that will not be a problem, does anyone know where I can get it from and roughly how much?

I have also been looking at some light performance modifications for the car, could I also get some info on what sort of relatively cheap mods I can do.

I am from the UK.

Any other help / suggestions would be great.

Also, what sort of reliability have you all had with the 9N?

Thanks all

Scorpio1 · Post by **Scorpio1** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 8:37 pm

Hey mate welcome. I, too, am getting my new Polo soon and will be getting the xenon kit from Martyn at Vagparts

I am putting in an after market sat nav sysyem, but for bass, maybe a little tube or box, and Josh can tell you where to buy the lead to hook it all up.

I have to wait a couple of months for my car, but had to have some extras. I do hope my car comes with the door lights and rear interior light, but I think after May it's the 2004 model year, so not sure if there would have been a spec change?

Another idea could be the armrest, that is a good mod I think, just getting hold of one!

Post by **mole** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 8:39 pm

Hey Spud and welcome to the forums!

I've kept the standard headunit, and am using an amp and some new speakers which sound much much better than standard, although the stock items are pretty good!!

Caractere kit from www.caracterestyling.co.uk.... That's where I got mine. I got 10% off, but I think full price is around Â£1000.

Coming up to 30,000 miles now with no problems, so pretty reliable I'd say. Other than a few rattles

What engine/model/colour are you getting?

Babe RuthLess · Post by **Babe RuthLess** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 9:33 pm

Polos are quite reliable apart from interior and suspension rattles (yes I've seen people complaining about those too, not my case thankfully).

Fun thing about VWs is that apart from the 'serious' mods there are lots of small OEM parts that you can change in your car to make it more practical at the least.

dxg · Post by **dxg** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 10:08 pm

Yup I agree with Babe - there are no fundamental reliability issues with the cars. I don't think anyone on here's ever broken down, for example. (Mine wouldn't start one morning, but that was mainly down to me messing around the night before...).

I'd say that VAG's (i.e. not just VW's) huge parts bin is part of the attraction of the car. Once you get into a community like this, you discover all these little mods that can be done. Many of these are quite subtle -- you'd only really realise they were a mod if you knew what you were looking for. Personally I like that aspect.

Think of it as art. The value of an artwork has got practically nothing to do with the materials it's made from, but everything to do with the knowledge and cultural context of both the artist (read: the car owner/modder) and the viewer (read: the modding community).

Of course there are "in your face" modifiction routes for the 9n as well, if you choose to go down that path...

Be confident that you've made the right decision in getting a polo. You will very welcome here -- ask us anything and we'll do our best to answer. Just don't mention lexus lights

Deek.

dxg · Post by **dxg** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 10:11 pm

Also - have you seen the gallery at www.polo9n.com -- there are lots of modding ideas in there...

Babe RuthLess · Post by **Babe RuthLess** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 11:00 pm

I agree 100% with Deek - both in the pleasure we get from having our little mods spotted by the 'people in the know', and in welcoming you to this not-that-much-UK Polo community!

Mikeyw · Post by **Mikeyw** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 10:02 am

Apart from a few rattles and the seat the Polo has been great! Shame they don't look at the fine details but what do you expect with a cheap price to pay for a polo.

My next car will be another VAG in 2 years time

des_pd_ tdi · Post by **des_pd_ tdi** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 10:30 am

Would you rather have a Fiesta? Thought not, what competition does the Polo really have in terms of quality and residual value.

My next car will also be a VAG but not a new one I'm looking for a Karmann Ghia ragtop and a Smart car for a run around town motor.

As for mods if you go down the OEM path you'll get more of your money back come trade in. If you want a bodykit check out Ballyhoo's and UK Pologti's cars they look damn fine with the VAG approved kit.