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2010 Polo or Golf

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cam070 Custom Title Time!

1,332 posts · joined Jul 2009 ·

#1014605
Hi All,
I am looking to downsize my 2009 Subaru Liberty and was thinking of something like a 2010 Golf or Polo. It has to be an auto so my wife can drive it. I will be squeezing 2 x baby seats in the back, but ottherwise will just be using the car to get to and from work.
I'd be interested to know your thoughts on running costs and servicing.
I have heard rumours that some of the older Golf's and Polo's may have had electrical and/or DSG gearbox issues. Anything i should be aware of here?
Also, would a diesel be a good option?

The other option would be something like a Mazda 3 or possibly Hyundai i30.

Please feel free to share any thoughts and/or experiences.

Cheers
C@m

AA003 Custom Title Time!

1,189 posts · joined Oct 2011 ·

#1014606
Get whatever VW is made in Germany. Diesels not good for short trips. DSG is reliable since the recall.
I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#1014607
AA003 wrote:Get whatever VW is made in Germany.
Are any made in Germany these days?

pretty sure my Polo comes from Spain

the 77 TSI Polo is pretty good.
The GTI is a cracker but is thirsty on oil
That said - i have just had the oil injectors ?? changed under good will (2011 GTI) and seems to have fixed my oil issues

The Polo is not much smaller than the Golf and may be a better buy.

That said - the Golf has gone from Mk 6 to Mk 7 where as the Polo is pretty much the same model

The DSG does have some issues but I am pretty happy.

Personally I prefer the 6 speed of the Golf rather than the 7 speed of the Polo

Maybe consider a Golf wagon - they were not that popular and will be cheaper
Futue te ipsum!!!

cam070 Custom Title Time!

1,332 posts · joined Jul 2009 ·

#1014609
Bizarre wrote:
AA003 wrote:Get whatever VW is made in Germany.
Are any made in Germany these days?

pretty sure my Polo comes from Spain

the 77 TSI Polo is pretty good.
The GTI is a cracker but is thirsty on oil
That said - i have just had the oil injectors ?? changed under good will (2011 GTI) and seems to have fixed my oil issues

The Polo is not much smaller than the Golf and may be a better buy.

That said - the Golf has gone from Mk 6 to Mk 7 where as the Polo is pretty much the same model

The DSG does have some issues but I am pretty happy.

Personally I prefer the 6 speed of the Golf rather than the 7 speed of the Polo

Maybe consider a Golf wagon - they were not that popular and will be cheaper
Hi Bizarre,

What "issues" have you encountered with the DSG and are hey expensive to fix?

Also any reason you prefer the DSG 6 to the DSG 7?

Cheers
C@m

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#1014611
I had clutch shudder and had the plates changed under warranty.
There was also the recall where they changed the "mechatronics" box.

My wife just bought an Eos with the 155kW Mk 6 GTI motor with the 6 speed and just seems a much smoother car to drive.

The 7 speed in the Polo is "jerky" compared to the Eos.

In manual mode the 7 speed is more nimble compared to the Eos.

That said - we have had the Eos about 4 months now, an i reckon I have been allowed to drive it around the block about 3 times
Futue te ipsum!!!

AA003 Custom Title Time!

1,189 posts · joined Oct 2011 ·

#1014619
Jetta is basically a Golf.
I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂

Canni. Wolfsburg Wizard

471 posts · joined Sep 2003 ·

#1014744
I had a 2010 polo gti ... it was a massive lemon, in the workshop more than out, 2 engine rebuilds then a new engine - it drank more oil than my judson does. I had to top up oil weekly and initially the dealer ship tried to tell me this was normal usage. The new engine did fix this problem but by then I'd had enough of the car.

In 30,000km I also needed a new clutch for the DSG - again this was done under warranty. I also had some other dsg recall work done under warranty. I would NEVER own one not on warranty. I'm told the Golfs are better build quality. In terms of running cost it was great on fuel ($$$ on the oil though!)... servicing was expensive as I was getting it all done through the dealer as I didn't want any hassles with all the problems I was having and warranty.

In contrast my sister has a 2008 diesel manual golf and it's been a totally reliable drive for her. I know a couple people with more recent golf wagons and they are happy with them.
Heidi - 1960 White Beetle
'65 Kiwi Ghia

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#1014749
Canni. wrote:the dealer ship tried to tell me this was normal usage..
In the glove box manual it says "1L per 2000kms is normal usage but this may vary depending on conditions"

Doubt I would have bought mine if i saw that.

but asking around a lot on new high stress motors that do the same
Futue te ipsum!!!

XXX-1.8T Bishop of Volkswagenism

3,113 posts · joined Oct 2002 ·

#1014754
i'd go with a Jetta as they are Golf with a boot.

They are less popular which means second hand prices are bargains.

And their boots are massive!

esevwbits Custom Title Time!

1,027 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·

#1015096
i have a 2010 golf TDi ive had since new. drives great - went in for its factory recalls and servicing from VW..

never had any issues with it other than having to check up on the service books! twice they messed up what was done and had to scribble out bits and pieces..


It's currently for sale on carsales if you're interested in having a look and a test drive
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Volkswagen-Golf-2010/SSE-AD-2799724/?Cr=38

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#1015104
I wouldn't get a golf. I been driving a virtually new 2010 or 11 golf a little bit around during work few weeks ago.

terrible car other than its comfy and has bugger all blind spots.

Tons of weird electrical gremlins and slow as all f**k and average economy, and no character bleak kind of car to drive. Its as exciting as a ford transit van.

I'd go for a hyundai hands down over a modern VW any day. Even though Im not a fan of Hyundai or any Asian car.

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

cam070 Custom Title Time!

1,332 posts · joined Jul 2009 ·

#1015117
What model Golf was it?
vlad01 wrote:I wouldn't get a golf. I been driving a virtually new 2010 or 11 golf a little bit around during work few weeks ago.

terrible car other than its comfy and has bugger all blind spots.

Tons of weird electrical gremlins and slow as all f**k and average economy, and no character bleak kind of car to drive. Its as exciting as a ford transit van.

I'd go for a hyundai hands down over a modern VW any day. Even though Im not a fan of Hyundai or any Asian car.

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#1015123
petrol 2010 or 2011 golf. Just a standard golf.

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

amazeer Bishop of Volkswagenism

3,029 posts · joined Nov 2005 ·

#1015302
vlad01 wrote:I'd go for a hyundai hands down over a modern VW any day. Even though Im not a fan of Hyundai or any Asian car.
What? I drove a Hyundai courtesy car for a week. Seemed like a month. Better than public transport. That is all.

I have a 2012 77tsi polo. Absolutely love it. Its only marginally smaller on paper but a little goes a long way. My left leg rests against the centre console while driving. The seam of my jeans can sometimes be irritating on longer drives. I only use mine as a 2 seater so cant say how other passengers fare.

Wouldnt ever touch a 6R polo gti. Far too many problems. And the ones that havent had a problem... well maybe they will start next week. VW wont even look at oil consumption issues until you are using 1 litre every 1000kms. Ridiculous.

I test drove the dsg and didnt like them. Plenty of people do. Anecdotally the issues seam to more affect city drivers who frequent stop start traffic. If you let it inch forward all the time as you would with a conventional auto its like slipping a manual clutch. But some others say theirs is shit too.

118tsi golf has the same engine as the gti but not as high tuned. Guy I work with had his engine and gearbox rebuilt.

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#1015321
I drove an i30 and it was surprisingly good. very fast for a 4cyl. 0-100 I counted in 7.5ish. Drove very well.

Tried a Getz, it sucks but was better than a golf lol.

i20 was average.

Also some kia once and too it was like a little rally car and had awesome sports auto/manual. shifted straight away when tapping the shifter forward and kinda firm shifts. Not sloppy like most cars.

Tried some of the Nissan small cars like Tida and boy they suck balls. So fuel hungry too.

Ford focus and similar are the worst of them all, but hey its ford so its expected.

Tried an astra, I think it was around 07-09? was pretty good. My mate's sister got a 06ish astra convertible 2.2L. goes good. has the "ecotec" (USA marketing, not same as the aussie ecotec) 4cly. good little car and easy to work on.

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

cam070 Custom Title Time!

1,332 posts · joined Jul 2009 ·

#1015332
Interesting feedback guys.
In honesty i was leaning towards a Polo 77TSI with 7 speed DSG. I should mention n auto so the wife can drive it.
We have a Passat 118TSI and think it's fantastic.

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#1017108
cam070 wrote:Hi All,
I am looking to downsize my 2009 Subaru Liberty and was thinking of something like a 2010 Golf or Polo. It has to be an auto so my wife can drive it. I will be squeezing 2 x baby seats in the back, but ottherwise will just be using the car to get to and from work.
I'd be interested to know your thoughts on running costs and servicing.
I have heard rumours that some of the older Golf's and Polo's may have had electrical and/or DSG gearbox issues. Anything i should be aware of here?
Also, would a diesel be a good option?

The other option would be something like a Mazda 3 or possibly Hyundai i30.

Please feel free to share any thoughts and/or experiences.

Cheers
C@m
Hi,
We just bought a new Suzuki Swift GLX Navigator , as the old swift had 175,000 klms on it without any problems. I didn't look at any other cars as Japanese made cars are usually trouble free... and Suzuki have a good reputation too. the day I looked on the web to see about a new POLO... there was a recall or fix for something in the engine... maybe a cam pulley?? So, that put Me off the Polo, plus the other problems they have had with the DSG etc...

The new Swift although it looks very much like the older model is about 4 inches longer and also much higher, and Made in Japan... the 1.4l engine goes well, and fuel economy is excellent. It only has 4 speed auto but it works well.
I did find that You only got a very basic car [any brand] for under
$18,000 ..
so I ended up with a new $26,000 Suzuki Swift for $21,500 ...
and Myself and My wife are very happy with it. Push button [keyless] start - steering wheel is adjustable up/down and in and out - and someone [She] keeps asking where I want to go, or who do I want to phone?? and yesterday it read out all My Wife's text messages for that day... and I have no idea how to do any of that ??? 🙅 😂

LEE
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds

2,703 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#1017150
The Polo's DSG recall only affected some models built from June 2008 to September 2011. It was only the 7-speed DSG that was affected in any case.

http://volkswagenaustralia.com.au/DSGvoluntaryrecall/faq

The Beetle also had numerous recalls in its day, and the problems with cranks and cam gears on the 36-bhp models and the heads on the 40-bhp models were well known at the time. It never stopped people buying them and doesn't stop people owning them now. Same with modern VWs - there's no need to avoid buying a Polo because of internet rumours. Take one for a test drive and make up your own mind.

There's probably no such thing as a really bad car on our market nowadays; chances are you'll get good service from any make and model you choose. It probably bolis down to - are you primarily a Volkswagen man, or are you not?

FYI, The Polo has won numerous COTY awards, including Carsguide, Drive, NRMA Best Cars, plus Wheels' COTY award which Suzuki has never won. We have a category at the VW Nationals for 'Best Polo', and next year probably 7 categories for 'Best Golf'. You won't win any trophies with a Suzuki! VW has also outsold Suzuki in Australia every year since 1998 and has been Australia's top selling European brand here every year since 2005. VW is on track for a new sales record here in 2015.

Did I mention the Polo is twice World Rally Champion? The VW Polo currently leads the 2015 WRC as well, with 7 wins from 8 events so far.

cam070 Custom Title Time!

1,332 posts · joined Jul 2009 ·

#1017208
Well the deal has been done. I now own a 2012 Polo with 7sp DSG. I have to say it's a fantastic car and looks right at home next to our Passat and Beetle. My only complaint is the stupid Bluetooth add on thingy whish is in a word a bit shit. Styling is great, build quality fine, feature list is extensive and as good if not better than any Jap car. Tyres are a little dead but I can't blame vw for that. Looks like it's here to stay for a while!

d3wy Casual Dubber

23 posts · joined Oct 2014 ·

#1017211
cam070 wrote:Well the deal has been done. I now own a 2012 Polo with 7sp DSG. I have to say it's a fantastic car and looks right at home next to our Passat and Beetle. My only complaint is the stupid Bluetooth add on thingy whish is in a word a bit shit. Styling is great, build quality fine, feature list is extensive and as good if not better than any Jap car. Tyres are a little dead but I can't blame vw for that. Looks like it's here to stay for a while!
Nice cars they are, what engine did you get?

landfall Officially Full-On Dubber

290 posts · joined Jun 2014 ·

#1017215
vlad01 wrote:I wouldn't get a golf. I been driving a virtually new 2010 or 11 golf a little bit around during work few weeks ago.

terrible car other than its comfy and has bugger all blind spots.

Tons of weird electrical gremlins and slow as all f**k and average economy, and no character bleak kind of car to drive. Its as exciting as a ford transit van.

I'd go for a hyundai hands down over a modern VW any day. Even though Im not a fan of Hyundai or any Asian car.
If I ever own another Hyundai I have given my neighbours instructions to shoot me on sight. Scrap metal on wheels.

amazeer Bishop of Volkswagenism

3,029 posts · joined Nov 2005 ·

#1017219
Yes the bluetooth screams out afterthought. Looks like a supercheap add on. Its my least favourite part of the car. And the centre arm rest is useless in a manual. But apart from that I'm still in love with mine 3 years down the track.

cam070 Custom Title Time!

1,332 posts · joined Jul 2009 ·

#1017258
d3wy wrote:
cam070 wrote:Well the deal has been done. I now own a 2012 Polo with 7sp DSG. I have to say it's a fantastic car and looks right at home next to our Passat and Beetle. My only complaint is the stupid Bluetooth add on thingy whish is in a word a bit shit. Styling is great, build quality fine, feature list is extensive and as good if not better than any Jap car. Tyres are a little dead but I can't blame vw for that. Looks like it's here to stay for a while!
Nice cars they are, what engine did you get?
1.2 turbo. Sounds small but go's nice

cam070 Custom Title Time!

1,332 posts · joined Jul 2009 ·

#1017259
amazeer wrote:Yes the bluetooth screams out afterthought. Looks like a supercheap add on. Its my least favourite part of the car. And the centre arm rest is useless in a manual. But apart from that I'm still in love with mine 3 years down the track.
Mine is the same spec as yours but without the bodykit. I believe it is the MY12.5 update though