Your expertise would be much appriciated!! for a 1995 polo

laura_fairy_22 · Post by **laura_fairy_22** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 3:39 pm

HELLO people!
I have a friend who is going to look at a polo at the weekend, and need your help!
Its a 1.4 CL 1995 model. Has all the bits and bobs, e/w, e/ mirrors, PAS etc. but has 104000 miles on it.
Are there any common problems that happen at about this time in the lil polos life,or any things that we need to be careful about as shes thinking of buying it, and doesnt have a whole lotta money to fork out for repairs. what kinda things do we have to look out for,and what kinda price do you think its worth. They're asking Â£1200.
any info you can give me is greatly recieved.
Many thanks in advance!
xxx

13twelve · Post by **13twelve** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 4:41 pm

On my old 1.4 8v ran to 120,000 miles (only to be written off)

the only problems i had where minor apart from my gear box bearing f*****g up and eventually leading me to need a new gear box.
(unfortunaly that happened around the 105,000 mile mark - mind you in the 2 years I had it - I booted it everywhere, all the time and did LOTS of miles)

the usual jumping revs affected it too but theres plenty of fixes for that on here.

Biddle · Post by **Biddle** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 4:50 pm

theres no real sign of when their guna go but i had mine bout 4 days and the pedal box went in it. Apparently in the polo this is quite a common fault, as the bracket that is welded to the side of the pedal box that holds the clutch outer cable is weak and is prone to breaking. Its a b***h of a job to do because the steering column has to come out. just check to see if has been replaced in its lifetime. A genuiene vw box is bout Â£40 but it is quite a big job. Can be rewelded but thats what had happened to mineand it went again

but its ok now

david burton · Post by **david burton** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 4:53 pm

Hi

(I think you're on teamshock too?) anyhow, you shouldn't find too many problems but at that price you shouldn't expect a mint car. make sure it's had cambelt(s) done and check for lots of gunk (mayo) on the inside of the water filler cap and also the oil filler cap - this could mean head gasket trouble.

check the discs / pads for wear

you will notice the gearbox will sound rattly until the clutch is depressed - this means the thrust bearing is a bit worn but they all do that. any other noises should be taken seriously.

check for black smoke on start up - or any smoke. Black smoke could indicate that the valves are leaking and oil is seeping into the cylinders. nothing major but look out for it. just check for smoke in general.

ask him not to start the car until you get there. a warm car shows far less trouble than a cold car!

and check the electric windows work!

HTH

M1 TCH · Post by **M1 TCH** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 7:49 am

hey laura

personally i think the price is a bit too much....

you can get 1996 or 1997 models for under Â£1k.....

if your friend can wait..... yo'ull get a cheaper one. then he/she can invest the xtra cash in some mods.....

mitch

david burton · Post by **david burton** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 8:54 am

If that's the case then spend 1300 on a 1996 or 97 model. Perhaps the prices vary area to area, as when I was looking yesterday all the 1.4 CLs from 1997 and 90,000 miles were 2k +

Giorgio · Post by **Giorgio** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 5:53 pm

So the general jist of this thread is 100k is nothing major as long as the car is in good nick?

When would you people say a Polo has too many miles? As in the mechanical areas not the cosmetics?

Thanks in adavance

DScape · Post by **DScape** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 6:21 pm

There's a rough buying guide at the top of the MK4 forum somewheres, pretty much covers everything.

Essential things in my mind is the belt change @ 50K, rust around the rear arches and under rubbers....check the history for regular oil changes....and then all the other things for buying a car. Make sure everything works, listen out for noises and don't be afraid to question.

Oh and offer less. Personally I wouldn't touch it, if she's patient enough you can pick up some low mileage ones for around the same price if your not fussy about the colour. Then when it comes to sell, it wouldn't of depreciated in value much if not at all.