Considering a Polo GTI 9n3 - reliability? problems?

[seangti]

Yeah it's no way a luxury car, though it's far from uncomfortable or impractical in light modification spec. My wife has an X3, and I'm equally happy to drive either car. I'm actually not overly fond of the X3. Anyhow, long distances in the polo is surprising fine, I have aftermarket suspension which can be a bit more tiresome on B roads but is nothing that upping the pace doesn't overcome

My track car, done ~250kms in it this week, now that's a tough daily drive, NVH through the roof, too compromised for daily IMO, which is fine, fit for purpose, sense of occasion and all that. Boy am I happy to drive my daily today.

[jing713]

If you want toys then get an Octavia Elegance spec 1.8tsi manual. If you want toys & power get an Octavia vRS.

Both are reasonably refined and cheaper than a GTI. You'll get a good 2008/2009 model for $7,000-10,000

I've had a look at the Octavias of that generation after you suggested it.

I'm definitely after a hot / warm hatch after having two sedans / coupes
Also, I think they're a bit too big at 4.5m long for someone that rarely has over 1 passenger.
(I don't have a family and probably won't for at least another 5 years )

Sidenote: Don't you the Octavias of that generation look a bit funky (in a bad way) when compared to the modern Octavias? Haha
I quite like the latest Octavia, I think they are somewhat elegant and understated.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

Yeah it's definitely not a modern style gadget car. I've had mine about a year now, and no problems so far.
Since the tune and a couple of other minor mods it's been a blast to drive, but it's not at all refined or luxurious. Good luck with the car search

Thanks, I am taking at a look at a 207 GTi this weekend and will probably take a look at a Polo GTI at a later date.

Yeah it's no way a luxury car, though it's far from uncomfortable or impractical in light modification spec. My wife has an X3, and I'm equally happy to drive either car. I'm actually not overly fond of the X3. Anyhow, long distances in the polo is surprising fine, I have aftermarket suspension which can be a bit more tiresome on B roads but is nothing that upping the pace doesn't overcome

My track car, done ~250kms in it this week, now that's a tough daily drive, NVH through the roof, too compromised for daily IMO, which is fine, fit for purpose, sense of occasion and all that. Boy am I happy to drive my daily today.

Just had a look at your threads, that's a very heavily modded red Polo GTI you have there!

I was under the impression that as they are a VW, they are a touch above the standard Japanese cars in terms of comfort and 'luxury'.

For example, the 2012/13 WRX we had was rather raw, hard plastics all over the place and there's just little touches here and there when compared to the Mk7 Golf GTI we have that suggest it's sort of in a different class.

The WRX was more raw, had more road noise and on the other hand, the Golf GTI had more tech gadgets like a reversing camera, touch screen infotainment system, nicer cabin appointment, much quieter cabin and just felt more refined in general.

I was hoping the 9n3 Polo GTI would share the same ideology, but I think I'm wrong - at least on the tech side of things!

Cheers guys, will let you know how things progress.

[brad]

I've had a look at the Octavias of that generation after you suggested it.

I'm definitely after a hot / warm hatch after having two sedans / coupes
Also, I think they're a bit too big at 4.5m long for someone that rarely has over 1 passenger.
(I don't have a family and probably won't for at least another 5 years )

Sidenote: Don't you the Octavias of that generation look a bit funky (in a bad way) when compared to the modern Octavias? Haha
I quite like the latest Octavia, I think they are somewhat elegant and understated.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

The "sedan" is a hatchback.

I don't think they are that big but many of my previous vehicles were 5m plus in length so I guess it what you are used to.

Looks - yes they are as ugly as sin but you don't have to look at it when you are driving so who gives a toss? I thought you wanted toys, power, refinement & a price less than $10k. You can't have it all.