VW Golf / Polo 2017ish - guidance/insight please

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E3xtc

773 posts

Ultimate Geek

#310571 2-Nov-2023 11:50

Hello,

We have a family member who is looking to purchase a VW Golf or Polo around MY2017, and I wanted to check in here, as from memory there is someone (or a few) who have direct insight in relation to VW models?

They are looking to move from a Swift to this - seeking a more refined build and with some more power/excitement I believe.

We have previously owned VW's and also standard Japanese models, and personally have no grudge to bear with servicing/costs/maintenance/etc as we found it comparable and an enjoyable ownership experience, but am a bit out of touch with the "newer" generation of vehicles.

I understand the avoid the Turbo and Supercharged engines like the plague, and would be looking for a full service history to ensure appropriate maintenance of the DSG gearbox, but anything else i am missing or some dire "keep away from XYZ" stories.

Much appreciated

JPNZ

1542 posts

Uber Geek

#3154839 2-Nov-2023 12:13

2012 Golf GTI here, been faultless for 7 years. Currently at 130kms and have done the usual preventative maintenance, cambelt, cam follower, DSG service. Done over 65,000km in it and never had a problem. Its 2.0 Turbo pretty good on gas (particularly on the open road) 700km on a tank. Turbo models are not to be shyed away from IMHO

Panasonic 65GZ1000, Onkyo RZ730, Atmos 5.1.2, AppleTV 4K, Nest Mini's, PS5, PS3, MacbookPro, iPad Pro, Apple watch SE2, iPhone 15+

E3xtc

773 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3154842 2-Nov-2023 12:23

Thanks for the feedback.

fwiw the turbo engines are not the red flags, its the engine that has both turbo and supercharger (I think they were branded the Golf GT (maybe others) - not GTi). But yeah have owned many turbo charged cars and loved em to bits.

alasta

6703 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#3154844 2-Nov-2023 12:25

I was seriously considering buying a T-Roc a few months ago, but ended up buying a Mazda instead based on feedback I received in this thread.

I think you'll have a hard time finding a VW without a turbo engine, as it seems to be the preferred design approach from German manufacturers to maximise fuel efficiency.

JPNZ

1542 posts

Uber Geek

#3154859 2-Nov-2023 13:23

E3xtc:

Thanks for the feedback.

fwiw the turbo engines are not the red flags, its the engine that has both turbo and supercharger (I think they were branded the Golf GT (maybe others) - not GTi). But yeah have owned many turbo charged cars and loved em to bits.

Ahh sorry re-read your post. It is the twin charged Golf GT from memory. I've also read of the problems

Panasonic 65GZ1000, Onkyo RZ730, Atmos 5.1.2, AppleTV 4K, Nest Mini's, PS5, PS3, MacbookPro, iPad Pro, Apple watch SE2, iPhone 15+

phrozenpenguin

840 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3155188 2-Nov-2023 22:24

I would recommend purchasing a mechanical warranty alongside. We recently bought a 2018 VW, and have already had two claims on the insurance policy that would have been costly otherwise.

ilovemusic

1439 posts

Uber Geek

#3155512 3-Nov-2023 16:35

A few years ago had a friend cross shopping used C-segment hatchbacks;

Looked at the Golf mk7, Corolla, Mazda 3, Skoda Octavia, BMW 1 -series

Eventually ended up with a Peugeot 308.

Wanky ergonomics but it was a peppy performer, had a proper automatic gearbox, fairly economical, well built and last I heard was 100% reliable.

jonb

1771 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#3155592 3-Nov-2023 19:30

Have a 2018 Polo in the family fleet. Got a good deal on a manual one for under 20k new, it has been trouble free engine wise and averages 5-6l per 100km urban driving (95 fuel).
Has had constant issues with the air con stopping working. Stopped working again two years ago and haven't bothered getting it fixed again as will probably stop working again.. Also the coil in the steering wheel broke just out of warranty, was a pain to get that replaced under 'goodwill'. Has been pretty good on the whole. The NZ polos of that time were built in South Africa. Look in the service history of car you are looking at and check for any recurring issues.