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We own a 2016 GTI and it has had the water pump and clutch on the DSG replaced. The clutch replaced recently after 7 years of ownership, car was 2 years out of warranty but because we serviced at the same VW centre and on time it was covered 100% due to loyalty. Appreciate the steer to servicing independently but we can’t fault VW for their service experience

The cheap aftermarket parts lasting longer than the expensive original parts, is all the information a potential buyer need know.

We seeing Redriven's mid-life refresh? Loving new editing, script, pacing, Adam and Jim's found their groove. Great work guys! Nice GTi, was close to buying one but the car Gods bestowed me with a Kia Proceed GT, potential expensive bullets dodged!

I had a 2012 6R with the twin-charged 1.4 and DSG for just under four years, and I thought it was brilliant! That engine is a delight to drive, and never felt short on power - especially with that DSG box, which was extremely quick and responsive. I had never had an automatic car before that one, but after driving the manual, I knew I had to have the DSG. In stock form, it out-paced my friends S3 and Golf GTI with stage 2 tune up to around 70-80km/h (which is 90% of my daily driving). It was perfectly comfortable on poor city streets and course-chip country roads. Yes, the DSG was a little clunky at carpark speeds, but above 20km/h it was fantastic. And that interior felt very premium compared to the Mini which preceded it and the Giulietta I have now. I had no real issues in the time I owned mine - the only thing beyond regular maintenance was the actuator for the turbo/supercharger, which was a $500 part I was able to easily install myself. I would probably still own it now if it wasn't for the fact I went back to uni to change careers a few years ago and needed to free up some funds.

ABSOLUTELY NO CIRCUMSTANCES YOU BUY THE TWIN CHARGED ONE

I have a non modified, daily driven, 2017 GTI with DSG which has just hit 100,000 kms and have never had a serious issue. She's always been serviced on time and has only cost me fuel, tyres and rotors/pads which I changed myself. They're a great little car, full of decent tech for its class and quick enough when you need them do be. My advice would be, buy an unmodified example without P plates and don't drive it like your stole it, keep her in "slow" mode and give the sport button a tickle only as a weekend treat. A couple of things I'd like to mention are, I've been told they go through coolant and noticed mine low not long after I purchased it. Now I just carry around a $20 bottle of premixed VW coolant in the boot as a backup but have never had to do an emergency top up since. Also, I had incident of sorts with the DSG where it seemed to lose one side of the gear box meaning I only had 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th. I stopped the car, restarted and fault cleared miraculously. I spoke to VW about it and they said I would probably cost me a million dollars to repair/replace the DSG so I said get fucked and continued driving it, that was 15,000kms ago and nothing was picked up in latest VW service so bullet dodged I guess.

I owned a very highly specified 2015 6C 3 door manual in white and it's probably one of the best cars I've owned. It was no less comfortable or wearing to drive than a Mk7 GTD (had two of those), plenty fast enough (the manual is allowed a shedload more torque as the dry clutch DSG in them was rated to 184lb/ft only), frugal and extremely fun in that the chassis wasn't that sorted so it felt a bit unhinged to drive.....I figure that's why you see so many that are Cat N nowadays! With it also having cruise, sensors all round, reversing camera, climate control, sat nav, folding mirrors and auto lights, wipers and rear dimming mirror and brilliant (standard) LED headlights it literally had all the kit (well far more) you'd ever really want for in a car like that. The standard spec in the UK was a bit limp so would suggest going for a car that has a few options at least. Avoid the DSG, the manuals so good (and faster) that you just wouldn't bother, also the sports performance pack option (basically electronic two stage dampers and a more aggressive throttle mapping) rather makes the car as it gives it a bit more of a Jekyll and Hyde character. Mine did use a bit of oil, but most modern VAG engines do but otherwise didn't put a foot wrong in the time I had it. To think with a little bit of money spent on the chassis, an IS38 turbo and suitable tune you are looking at something that'd keep a Mk7 R honest!

You know what's never discussed, is the amount of oil VW's INTENTIONALLY use to get around emissions. The Golf R for example is DESIGNED to use 1 litre of oil for every 2000kms travelled, and has tapered rings to allow oil to pass so it "consumes" the unburnt fuel in the exhaust to trick the emissions test for unburnt fuel. Why is THAT never discussed in any of these internet reviews?

I own the 2016 1.8 TSI manual with 230hp, has now done 105K km, oil changed about every 7000km, with good tires its so much fun to drive around, i love it, and you never get tired of people not expecting your little Polo to be so fast.

Nailed it with this review. We have a 1.8GTI and it needed a water pump at 70000kms. Within the warranty kms but over 5 years old. That was a $1400 fix. Random squeeks and rattles as well. My 210000km Ford has no rattles and no major issues until 200000kms. ( they are starting now though) After my experience with an Audi and now this I'm done with VAG cars. However It is a lovely car to drive on a Sunday run up the Old Road though.

After seeing this review I think I'd look at the KIA Pro'cced GT instead. I dread to think what sort of horrors Hullsy has seen with these engines after hearing what common faults they have. The safety features overview sounded like a unpopular guy trying too impress a bad girl with his car knowledge so I think only a few people at school can relate to that lol 😂. Great job guys and definitely not the type of car i was expecting to get reviewed today after Wednesday's video. Keep up the good work guys and look forward to next week's videos as per usual 👍.

I own a manuallly driven fully specced out 2015 Polo gti with the 1.8 tsi turbo engine for 3 years now and i love it. It has around 70.000km on its clock now and so far it had no major issues except a leaking cooler. Sure the interior rattles a bit but really not to the point where it would concern me. Appart from that the interior looks and feels verry high quality compared to other hot hatches. In terms of Handling it doesnt give much drama at low speeds but if you really push it to the limit it becomes verry lively. The traction and stability control lets you slide around quite a bit before engaging, but then it works in a verry fun way because it always breaks the inside weels when cornering. So it basicly forces the car into a "drift". On tight corners like serpentines, that feels like having rear axle stearing. And it has a real handbrake! (for doing 180's)😝 I highly reccomend the "sport select" package wich gives it a better stearing and much stiffer suspension with the press of a button. I am a huge fan of that!

Careful with tuning the engine, you wouldn’t want to ruin the emissions compliance. That’s Volkswagen’s job.

I owned a MY13.5 Polo GTI from new, for over 8 years, never had an issue. To be honest however, I think I was very lucky, and was happy to sell it when I did!

Have owned a 2013 Polo GTI and a 2018 Swift Sport. Would buy another Swift, can't say the same for the Polo which drank oil like crazy. Also still own a 2005 Clio 182 which is a better hot hatch than either cars.

I had this on my list a couple of years ago. Bought a Ford Focus ST line instead. No regrets so far.

I had a 2015 1.8 great car and really miss it, never had any problems but did sell it at 28k when the warranty expired. My friend had a 2012 one had loads of problems and three new engines under warranty!

great video as always Adam, you always cheer me up after a hard day :) I was very tempted to go for a GTI in both the Polo and Golf flavour but settled for a GT86 instead and I dont regret it one bit now haha

Stone through the ac condenser. Fitted a mesh behind the grill whilst it was being replaced. Headliner fabric separated. Spray adhesive. Wipers coming on at random. Cleaned out the contacts with lots of CRC. That's about it.

Yep, had the twin charged 1.4 in a Tiguan (manual thankfully). Cracked piston at around 85k km's essentially wrote the car off. Terrible experience and I've sworn off VW as a result.

Perhaps you should’ve reviewed the twin charger and the 1.8T separately, there’re pretty much separate models? Both are primo examples of VW cost-cutting crap, mind.

Had myself a 2016 1.8T manual version for a few years, it was a sensible daily driver to punt around in. I eventually got pretty bored with it and sold it off, like you said it tends to fall apart if you're pushing it hard, it needed better handling and an LSD. Not mentioned in the video with the later model 1.8T version, the DSG car was actually torqued limited to 250Nm vs 320Nm on the manual. This was due to the fact that the DSG transmission couldn't handle anywhere near the torque of the manual.

Owned mine since 2020, put 50,000 miles on the clock. Great car. Waterpump went at 18,000 miles on the clock but replaced under warranty. Other then that, it's been mint.

Just buy the 1.8 version and you’ll get a rocket!

Thank you! Been waiting for this. I’m looking to get the manual, there’s like only 1 on sale in South Africa. That’s how rare they are. These Polos (even non GTis) are great. Their popularity is warranted.

Mine is 8 years old ive owned it for 7 years, replaced thermo myself, done sparks coils diverter valve, discs pads, f.ushed brake fluid every 2 years, going to do pcv valve shortly, most cars have faults some are simple some are not,, ive saved alot of money due to enjoying getting my hands dirty, i service the car myself, most things i will do apart from rebuild... nothing worse than trusting somebody you dont know.. car has been great touch wood. Like you stated the feel when driving isnt the best but im not a boy racer, its quick when i need it to be. Fiesta st is aguably the best fun you could have but i couldnt live with the quality of it, im going to hold out and eventually get a motorhome.. a cars a car, some break n some dont....

To answer the last question, no and buy a Swift Sport instead, lower asking price and way less to go wrong.

If Quantam wasn't so far away, I would take my 21 Santa Fe highlander there. These guys are looking after the consumer👌

I recon the 81kw Polo is the sweet spot where it’s powerful enough for a hot hatch but less issues and expenses than the GTI! Especially in a manual.

Mine got to 70,000 miles before it got a water pump.... DSG keeps crying "STOP" but get's ignored for the last three years. For a bus to work with cruise control it's great @ 40+ mpg. My 2002 STI does half that even if you take it easy - Sadly !

South Africa’s favourite polo GTI 🇿🇦 We’re hurt

I've got a 2016 that has had zero issues. It's a manual at 150,000km making 410hp and gets tracked and driven very hard. The 1.8 EA888.3 is a stout unit. 1.4 6R and DQ200 transmissions are rubbish and the source of nearly all issues.

I pick the i20n, hopefully heaps of people will get to experience this absolute peach of a car after you guys review it, maybe in the near, near future 😁😁😁. Yes I'm an i20N owner 💙💙💙🚙🚙🚙

another great video, this time i wont start a back and forth with you lol, keep it up mate you are giving people very important info they need

Bought the 2015 Tsi Comfortline and was a dud off the showroom floor, aircon pump didn’t work and electronics failed with buttons on the dash not working. The side mirror came off after 5 years as the “factory glue” stopped working. 85,000kms VW’s Servicing department in WA are horrible also. Never buying another VW ever

I have a 2015 Vw polo 1.6 L (indian version), i know that is not the same as the video but i have twitch it enoght in suspension, tires and looks and just for esthetics i really enjoy to drive it, and here in Mexico is really easy to mantain, i always recomend it to people that don´t care about space and is looking for a smalll car.

My 1.4 twin-charge covered 291,000 kms before trading it. I bought it at 13,000 kms and the only issue was the water pump seal at 260,000 kms..

i had the twincharged 1.4 TSi. terrible car. drank oil and major issues (under warranty). Also boring to drive. nice inside though and nice to live with. just not thrash.

This video just saved me a small fortune!! Thanks a lot guys. I’m glad that I waited for your review before deciding. Also can you give your insights on another unique VW The Passat W8 please.

RE the unresponsive steering, you may be able to change the “straight line running” adaption from active to inactive on an OBD2 device. I did it on my Audi S1 and made the steering more engaging.

Here in the States, as VW is such a niche and diminishing brand, we never received the Polo GTI. That's a good thing ❤.

Great Vid .....Sounds like owning a Rotary is a much more sensible choice in terms of maintenance

Here in the UK, the 2020 Polo GTI is £16K but the Golf GTI is £28K. Bit of a jump for not much more car.

As a mechanic it just amazes me the lack of serving these days. Services are cheap big expensive repairs are not. All European cars need services every 10,000ks at a minimum.

20:50, I have a 2010 Golf 1.4 Twincharger. I did get timing chain rattle and got some misfire codes, I did change it at 70k miles which actually is pretty close to when the service say's it should be changed. It was not that big a job to fix and part of maintenance. Had the other belts changed too. I also had a couple of bad coilpacks go bad. No major expense there. Car is now at 92k and works great, no squeaks or rattles and interior perfect. I am not a lard ass who has destroyed the bolsters or disgusting smoker and I have it serviced regularly. Name me one car that does not have some sort of issue develop.... Don't let it put you off. Haviing said that I do want the 1.8Gti Polo as that engine is not stupidly complex ! and a better foundation for mods, oh and not DSG either. The manual is great and engine map has 70nm more torque as standard. I bet you didn't know that :D

I would love if they tested the space in the backseat lika they do in the carwow channel. Squeeze in three people in the backseat and let us see how much space there is. By the way, love your channel. Best used car channel.

I have a 1.8 manual, the only issue I’ve had in 2 years was the clutch slipping but that was because I remapped it

Would love to see a review of the s180 crown. Keep up the awesome content!

I almost bought one of these in 2010 I think it was, when it one Wheels Car of the Year. I put a deposit down but the car was taking too long to get made and I went and got my deposit back. And I'm glad I did as it turns out. I waited a couple of years and got a Toyota 86 instead.

I would love a dsg version but with the empty of electronics steering wheel ❤

Mate bought a slightly modified GTI with about 120k km on it for about $12k 2 years later, DSG blew, then the engine shortly after. $9k total repairs 😅

Knew Jim would be up for overtime on this post😅.

My friend has Polo, manual, clocked over 400k, no issues.. I think its 1.4, petrol 15-20 years old

Roll call!!! Here🙋🏾‍♂️

I was browsing polo gti on your channel last week lol:)

This guy's reviews are so easy to watch 'as for your ex, you're on your own' hehe. 2012 Golf owner here, and this is my experience for those interested. Well cared for, serviced regularly, blah blah. Doesn't mean much - Electrics! Expensive! I only drive about 3000kms per year at the moment and I've had it serviced more than I need to. Driving to work at 5am and all of a sudden, car started beeping at me, 6 warning lights, lost use of indicators. Fuel gauge flicked from full to empty, to full again and a whole bunch of other stuff.. There was absolutely no warning anything bad was about to happen, it was very sudden. Took to my friendly neighbourhood euro specialist, and I've found to be excellent, and also, as fk VW, and he did extensive testing and originally thought needed a dash cluster, but turned out wasn't that, it was problem with the central electrics and that issue is VIN locked to VW. Took to VW service centre and said 'I've brought my golf here, I have an issue with the electrics'. Receptionist looked at me like I was a problem and with a sour look goes 'do you have a booking?'. I said 'no, I've just brought the car straight from my mechanic to here, as they couldn't fix the problem, it's VIN locked to VW'. I showed her my mechanic's thorough message, which she copied as the message to the technician. Couldn't book the car in for another week, so it sits out on the street there. VW's all lined up the street and round the block there lol. I miss the call back after the $193 per hour of diagnostics. I try to call back all day, no answer and left a message to email and this is what I receive: 'Hi Leanne, Vehicle has been inspected, They have recommended the replacement of the following Instrument panel cluster and retest $3245 Puncture repair RH rear $40 Low beam bulb replacement $120' So they said the problem was precisely what my mechanic originally thought it was, but tested for and it was not, so going back to him for his help and advice on what to do. I have moved and using a different VW, but I will say that, if you're in Brisbane, Norris Group at Kedron were 100 times better to deal with, and haven't charged that much for diagnostics, than the one I'm using now, a Keystar. Keystar had terrible reviews for this particular service centre and only took it there because the problem was VIN locked. I would search for a service centre with good reviews! I just couldn't drive it as far as Kedron with the issues. Do I love driving the Golf? Yes! And when it's not at the mechanic, they are so much fun to drive! Would I buy a VW of any sort again? Hell no! I drive a DSG and thought that would be the major issue, I may be dealing with, but all that has been fine. When I first got it, there was lag when I took off, but either I have adjusted to it, or it has adjusted to me racing off to work lol. When I first got it, right away, I wanted to upgrade to a GTI. I was obsessed, until the problems started. Going back to Toyotas after this! Average VW service $580, Toyotas 200 and something/300 and when I had an older model corolla, I couldn't kill the thing, it just kept going. $70 of a thermostat, and $60 actuator for the door, in 5 years.

I would love to hear your take on the Toyota Crown Hybrid. I know it's probably not all that interesting.

hence why I went with a swift

Great report thanks. Out of the box question, is the VW 1.4 litre 90kW turbo engine more reliable than the GTI twin charge?

I was wondering why I don't see many polo or golfs on the road, until this video.

You can flip the back seats up and it will allow you to fold the seats down much flatter.

My mechanic warned me about VW cars. I would probably go Japanese or Korea. Although I'm not so sure on Kia and Hyundai anymore after hearing about engine dramas. I also don't trust ford and Holden. I probably will buy a warm hatch next time I buy a car. Living in NSW the nanny state the only places you get away with speeding is to do in the most unsafe places to do it, or on a track. (Btw I generally don't speed)

Absolutely need an Audi S1 review.

UK got the 2 litre TSI. Don't suppose that's any better?

While living in Germany I bought a Toyota Yaris (XP9) 1.8 Liter petrol T-Sport, but it's only problems since I bought it a year and a half ago, I was with it 5 times in a workshop. Keeps warping rotors and wheel bearings are going out like crazy, shocks are probably shot and it's a rusty bucket, even the Toyota dealership doesn't care about repairing the car. I would like to drive the car into a ditch if I would get my money back. The car isn't only engine and tires. Toyota's still have a problem with burning oil as mine does (only it's very low burning rate at this point.... luckily) the engine block isn't serviceable, because it's sleeved in Aluminium housing (at least VW got that right, that they put closed deck block that can be bored out, because they probably knew that their engines will need it, unlike Toyota, Honda and others), The timing chain's are thin and stretch easily so it can jump timing, the water-pump isn't a service part so if that goes then good bye engine and the transmissions aren't really the best, clutches are dual mass (even if it's not a diesel) so they can fail or rattle. There are couple of things that can go bad on a car not only VW Group cars. Today even modern Toyotas have direct injections, turbocharging and some have the very famous CVT transmission that likes to break.

I really want one just for aesthetics. But I know, I know , I just know I don’t have the kind of money to keep up with the issues

'only fans' style leg spread! ha!! and a very good review. thanks

Someone who has driven a polo gti for the past 6 years of their lives in one, I would say that these cars are reliable if you treat them carefully. Do not listen to the idiots who say they are bad when in reality they haven’t driven the car properly and don’t know what it’s like. However, keep in mind it’s european so the costs will be higher then your Japanese cars.

On my 2017 Polo GTI DSG my gearbox broke after only 34000kms and happened this year

I was one of the biggest Polo fans around, until last month. Well, I’m still a Polo fan because my Polly is so much fun to drive. But she just cost me $3,500 to replace the manual gearbox and for a 2016 car that has done around 130,000 kms I just don’t think that’s cool at all. 😭 My mechanic has been trying to get me to get rid of Polly for the last few years, I guess because he was expecting something like this to happen, but I’ve been vehemently defending her. 🤦‍♀️ I’ve now been told I have to get rid of Polly within 12-18 months and I’m not allowed to buy VW ever again, which is sad because I would have been a Polo driver for life. After trying to chat with VW customer service about the issue it’s clear they don’t care about losing a loyal customer, but surely their reputation is starting to take a real hit. I’m a bit lost as to what to buy next honestly, so finding this channel has been great. I’m now addicted to watching used car reviews, hopefully it will save me from buying (another) lemon. 🍋

Please please please do a Chevrolet sonic RS

That rear seating position is what truck drivers call the "half open pocket knife" and its never comfortable 😂

YOUR BIGGEST KENYAN FAN RIGHT HERE, AS USUAL, 08/09/2023

Great I literally bought one 24hrs ago

😭😭😭 that hurt a lot to watch! 2013 6R GTI owner here and yes with the DSG. Also my first car just after uni, with most 🇿🇼 roads shit😖😤🤬 Since I have the car (144k km and counting, hopefully) i have been toying with the idea of learning to fix it myself. I would appreciate anywhere I can get some info on like to begin & etc. 🥺🙇‍♂️ please?

Both are utter crap... Ive worked in the VAG tuning scene for over 11 Years now and we tune almost every VW TFSI/TSI/TDI car out there, the 1.4 TSi and 1.8TSi cars are by far the most problematic. The pistons on both the 1.4 and 1.8 are utter crap and will give u issues at some point. the timing chain tensioners are rubbish on the 1.4 TSi as well and the charger to turbo change-over actuator will fail. On the 1.8Tsi the pistons will shrink or go oval and the car will drink oil. Both DSG boxes are from hell and will give u problems sooner rather than later... Avoid these cars at all cost if u intend to exploit the performance from time to time...

Do u get Bagpipes to go with the tartan?

I am pretty sure the traction control can be turned off completely by holding down the button for 5 seconds

Have you done a review on the VW Caddy, I would like to see that please; but I suppose with mostly the same gear the same applies but with the addition of "...has been thrashed by tradies" means it would be worse?

where is the love button ❤❤❤ love your content!!

Iv got the same car in a full Audi A3 wrap

Do a review of used G wagon next please 🙏🙏

Hang on a minute, TBTL factor of 6.3? Shoulda gone to Specsavers!

I got a fiesta st. It’s sick.

Can we get a N55 M2 used car review? Cheers legend

I swapped my 1.8 manual for a mk2 Golf GTi.Was I mad,or did I dodge a bullet?!

What aftermarket brand water pump and thermostat housing is everyone buying for 1.8 polo gti 6c????

Just get an Alfa Mito Sport instead. Way, way better car at a fraction of the cost. Get an Abarth if you want to spend more for the funky feel. These are the only euro hot hatches (especially of the smaller variety) to buy. Japan had an absolute lack of cool small hatches for what seems like forever. Ok the Fiesta ST is also a good choice.

Hi could you please do a video on best cars to buy under 25k in australia ......THANKS

Creepy transition from coming up behind the car at the start of the video 😂

I have a 2016 Volkswagen gti se automatic turbo 75k miles . This last year this car has turned into a money pit . I don’t know where to turn . My EPC light keeps turning on a completely shuts off the car . Had misfire in the cylinder 4 , changed coils and spark plug , checked the fuel injectors and full pump - cleaned the carbon out of the valves that supposedly made my car completely break down . Having horrible gas mileage driving like a v8 . Having sometimes low oil …. HELP . Even my German automative specialist is having a hard time figuring out what’s going on . Any recommendations? No other code have been coming up . Just randomly having my epc light come on .

Please do the 2007 Audi A3 facelift(2010)

Is there any chance that you review Peugeot 207 GTi?

Is 7 mins for 'what goes wrong' a redriven record. Seriously, Jim looked like he was about to cry.....😭

I am tempted by many VW Group products, especially their warmer stuff, but their reputation gets more worrying as time passes. That VW perfected planned obsolescence in the car business and boast about it doesn't fill me with long term confidence. Buy new and ditch before end of warranty.

Gti group guys are good at pointing you in the direction of you spending your money on someone else doing the work. I dont think any of them own a socket set

Please do a video on the Mitsubishi Ralliart Colt.

Considered one of these but couldnt deal with driving a polo... got a leon cupra 300 instead

I wouldn't buy anything from VW. When it comes to this brand there is no such phrase as German engineering quality.. Plus the terrible way they treated and cheated their customers during the diesel gate shenanigans.