DIY Service

[mickeyreay]

Hi All, I'm a virgin to this site so please treat me with gentility!

I have just purchased a 2000W Mk4 1.0E Polo. 33K on clock and in excellent condition (private sale). Picking it up in a week

The previous owner says he has had it serviced and a quick inspection under the bonnet makes me think he hasn't had a major service done. As it is out of warranty and it is a third car in the household I don't want to be paying VW's silly servicing costs when I can do it myself.

I would be obliged if anyone could answer the following questions:

When is the timing belt due for change (if relevant)?
What are the service intervals?
What grade oil required?
What sort of fuel consumption should we expect?
The discs and pads are due for change, is it standard sliding caliper?
Is it the cheapest tax bracket?
What are common problems on this car?

Thanks in advance!

[Speedlaw]

Hi All, I'm a virgin to this site so please treat me with gentility!

We always go easy with virgins...



J/k, welcome to the site.

When is the timing belt due for change (if relevant)?

VW advises to have the belt 'checked' at 60K, but not necessarily changed. If it looks dry or worn, replace it. Or, replace it anyway and sleep easy.

What are the service intervals?

Every 9K and 18K? In km's it's 15000 and 30000 (small/large service, respectively).

What grade oil required?

10W40 IIRC.

What sort of fuel consumption should we expect?
The discs and pads are due for change, is it standard sliding caliper?
Is it the cheapest tax bracket?

No clue! *sorry*

What are common problems on this car?

Check here: clicky.

Thanks in advance!

No problem.

[Tahrey1043]

Cambelt is, what, a fiver for the part, and maybe 30 quid labour at the right garage. Not much more expensive than an oil change. Worth doing it every few years regardless just for the peace of mind. Would you rather blow 40 quid on a belt change every 30 or 40 thousand miles, or have to shell to get the valves replaced / engine changed / new car (not to mention potential crash damage if it seizes) at 75,000?

[hayesey]

I sorry but theres no garage on this planet that will change a cambelt on a polo for £30 labour. unless its at "mates-rates" or something, thats not even an hours worth of labour.

It's gonna take at least 2 hours for a competant garage. you also should change the tensioner & to be honest I'd do the water pump as well while the belt is off.

[jakethesnake]

I have to agree with hayesey, no garage is going to do a cambelt change for £30. It's about 3 hours work. Water pump and belt tensioner is best changed at same time as well.
I reckon change it every 50K or every 3 years which ever comes first to be on the safe side.

The brakes are the standard sliding caliper style. Simple job to replace the pads yourself.

[Phoenix]

lol i love MkII's their so easy to work on

[Tahrey1043]

Guess I got lucky

Maybe it was specials week? I've only had it done once after all. Bit of a dodgy place (National ) and I doubt the pump etc was done. Think they cracked the belt cover too. Large amount of f**ing around and little work. Hit me up for a bearings change too (fair enough, it was overdue the last 10k anyway).

Still, I'd rather do it at a ton every fifty thousand than take the risk. Thats what... a penny every five miles.. something like the fuel saving you could make by taking your socks off and shaving your head before getting in