Polo GTI - 2010, 2011, 2012 or 2013?

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20-01-2014, 01:17 PM
sutoban

Polo GTI - 2010, 2011, 2012 or 2013?

Hello everybody.

So recently Ive come back to VWWatercooled as Ive been in the market for a new car, and thought id like another taste of VW after the tragic loss of my Golf mk3 3 years ago.

Ive had my eye out on the Polo GTI as it seemed more affordable compared to its big brother the Golf GTI, however id love to hear your opinion on this car.

Heard all the stories with the DSG and high oil consumptions and honestly, I'm willing to risk it, however, not sure what and if there are any major differences between the models from 2010 to 2013?, would i be any better off settling for a mk5 Golf GTI?.

As i will be in the market for one very soon, any tips on things i should be looking out for and what i should be asking with these cars when i go have a look would be much appreciated!.

Cheers,
20-01-2014, 02:46 PM
Sharkie

Mate, I'd be looking at a MK6 Golf GTI instead if I was you. Pricing between $22K and $30K for 2010-2012 models ..... much better car with none of the Polo's problems.
20-01-2014, 03:14 PM
POW

Sounds good if you find 2012 mk6 gti for $30k.but depends if you want brand new car or 2yrs old. Polo gti brand new d/a under $30k very easy.

Sent from my GT-P6810 using Tapatalk
20-01-2014, 08:22 PM
Lucas_R

Im in the process of buying a 2010 Mk6 GTI for $19,600 so don't underestimate the 2nd hand Mk6's these days.

1 owner
56,000km with full VW service history
Manual
Candy white
Reverse camera and towbar

Personally i would avoid the current Polo GTI - far too many issues.
20-01-2014, 09:08 PM
tom89

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucas_R

Im in the process of buying a 2010 Mk6 GTI for $19,600 so don't underestimate the 2nd hand Mk6's these days.

1 owner
56,000km with full VW service history
Manual
Candy white
Reverse camera and towbar

Personally i would avoid the current Polo GTI - far too many issues.

Sounds like a good buy Lucas
20-01-2014, 09:50 PM
dening

The only reason to go for the risk of the polo gti is to probably have a new car with warranty(which the odds are will be needed)

Otherwise putting that money towards a nice example of a mk5 or mk6 gti would probably be a neater option.

Sent from my GT-I9197 using Tapatalk
20-01-2014, 09:53 PM
ian.perry

I love my little Polo to bits and have been lucky enough to avoid the problems a lot of people on here have - only warranty issue to come up so far is that my glovebox doesn't close properly :P

Mine's an MY12 which was the last revision before they ruined the console with that little bluetooth cradle thing, though I think MY12.5 and newer had the audio pack standard which I didn't get. Gavs has a good summary here of the model differences.
20-01-2014, 11:58 PM
sutoban

so i take the general consensus is if i get a polo gti, make sure i still have insurance? lol
Otherwise aim for golf gti haha, well i guess i can wait a bit more save a bit more :) thanks
21-01-2014, 06:48 AM
dening

It really is a great car, and drives perfectly. But that doesn't mean I'm not forced to worry about numerous trips to the dealer related to oil and other little things. So I recommend a hopefully easier life than that to someone else.

Sent from my GT-I9197 using Tapatalk
17-02-2016, 12:58 AM
sschen

Guys, I am really sorry to dig up this old thread but I am not having much luck tracking down a thread that shows the differences of a 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 etc Polo GTi.

I have a 3-door 2007-8 9N Polo GTi at the moment, and I am keen to "upgrade" to either a 2011 or 2012 Polo GTi. Can't afford a 201x Golf GTi so please don't ask me to. :facepalm:
17-02-2016, 06:43 AM
Lucas_R

^ dont do it. You will be in a world of pain.
17-02-2016, 11:13 AM
sschen

Lol.... Ummmmm, is the Polo 6R that bad???
17-02-2016, 12:22 PM
Lucas_R

Have a read though the countless threads documenting engine issues, engine rebuilds, gearbox failures etc etc...
17-02-2016, 07:26 PM
Davis

The 1.4s were a well received engine but potentially troublesome down the track, as far as I've read. Just something to keep in mind when purchasing out of warranty. Bear in mind however that forums tend to exaggerate the scale of "common" faults. Ie, you'll come across numerous threads about folks having issues, but obviously on the other hand nobody starts a thread to discuss their perfectly functioning engine, so the scale of issues can be a little artificial. Sometimes you leave with the impression that every engine is a ticking grenade when it's not the case. They did replace the engine with a less complex EA888-derived 1.8T (destroked 2.0L) for MY15+, although that may be out of budget. Like anything, after a few hours of research you'll know where you stand. Buying any second hand car is a bit of a lottery regardless of the model.
17-02-2016, 09:56 PM
Mi16 Man

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucas_R

Have a read though the countless threads documenting engine issues, engine rebuilds, gearbox failures etc etc...

What he said. If budget allows, grab a Mk6 Golf GTI

MY13 Kluger KX-S AWD / MY16 Polo GTI
17-02-2016, 10:23 PM
mylilgti

Not sure what everyone is on about regarding the polo gti issues. Maybe i got lucky with mine. It's out of warranty and recently had the 45000km service. Mind you i think this was the only year model that wasn't recalled.

I have the MY12.5. It's ridiculously fast and handles nicely but i would love to own a scirocco as my next car!
18-02-2016, 06:32 PM
JonW

I have a 12.5 and its had its hassles but finally it drives like it should always have done. No oil use and clutches are great and no thumps or clonks etc. I would not shy away from one of these if i was you, they are great if you can find a good one. Im selling mine soon, 28k kms on it.
19-02-2016, 05:44 AM
staz88

Same here. MY12.5 Polo GTi.
Bought brand new. 40,000km driven so far.

Drives great. No warranty claims. No oil consumption issues. No problems at all.
19-02-2016, 08:13 AM
JonW

In a few years time people will be seeking these cars out I reckon, such is the way of cars. The engine and the way the 6R works as a package is something different.

I had a 6C GTI recently for 10 days, and I was glad to be back in my 6R after. That sounds like something jealous people say, but the 6R is more raw and faster revving and the steering is heavier which works better to me (you can change it in VCDS tho if you like). You can get a 6C off the line easily without shredding the tyres, you will struggle in a 6R, thats good and bad of course. With the latest round of gearbox software my gearbox is the best its been and I dont think the 6C is any faster in real terms. I liked the 6C and it had some great features, but I was happy to have my R back, not least as its a 3 door and I didnt have to fold myself up to get in lol :)
19-02-2016, 01:54 PM
spare

Either I got super lucky buying mine (brand new) back in 2013, or as mentioned previously, the Forums tend to create a false sense of concern by showing a very filtered view (by its very nature) of only bad or negative experiences with these vehicles.

Keep you car regularly serviced with an experienced VW mechanic, stay on top of the Oil side of things by topping up regularly as needed with the oil VW recommends etc. and you'll be fine.

The big one is the CTHE engines (2013 onwards I believe?) fixed a lot of the inherent issues of the original CAVE engines, so try to get 2013 onwards.

Mine's running full APR Stage 2, it's my daily, I drive it hard, go to cruise days, drag days etc and it's been great! :D
19-02-2016, 05:18 PM
sschen

I went to test drive a 2011 Polo GTi last night and it doesn't feel as responsive as my 2007/8 Polo GTi (with APR Stage 1). I guess it is because it isn't a fair comparison seeing my older GTi has APR Stage 1? But I do like the firmer steering feel of the 2011 Polo GTi.
19-02-2016, 06:40 PM
sschen

Quote:

Originally Posted by spare

Either I got super lucky buying mine (brand new) back in 2013, or as mentioned previously, the Forums tend to create a false sense of concern by showing a very filtered view (by its very nature) of only bad or negative experiences with these vehicles.

Keep you car regularly serviced with an experienced VW mechanic, stay on top of the Oil side of things by topping up regularly as needed with the oil VW recommends etc. and you'll be fine.

The big one is the CTHE engines (2013 onwards I believe?) fixed a lot of the inherent issues of the original CAVE engines, so try to get 2013 onwards.

Mine's running full APR Stage 2, it's my daily, I drive it hard, go to cruise days, drag days etc and it's been great! :D

Interesting... So not all the 6R Polo GTi (2010 to 2015) share the same engine???
19-02-2016, 07:00 PM
alexaescht

Quote:

Originally Posted by sschen

Interesting... So not all the 6R Polo GTi (2010 to 2015) share the same engine???

Nope.

-CAVE 1.4 twin charger 2010-2013 (132kW/250Nm)
-CTHE 1.4 twin charger 2013-2015 (132kW/250Nm)
-EA888 1.8 turbo 2015+ (DSG: 141kW/250Nm; Manual: 141kW/320Nm)

2010-2015 are auto only (DQ200 DSG) while 2015+ is the same DSG with a 6sp manual optional. Note that DSG versions of the 2015+ GTI are torque-limited so as to not overload the DSG.