Essential Checks: VW Polo MkII

We share our top tips on tempting buys in our classifieds. This week, how to buy a great VW Polo MkII

LOOK AT THOSE WHEELARCHES

Hatchback rear wheelarches are rust-prone; coupés and later saloons less so as most have black plastic spats fitted. If any repairs have been made here, corrosion could be lurking and, in the case of the rear wheelarches, can spread to the rear valance. Rust can also start on the lower edge of the rear quarter on the door shut area, often because of untreated stonechip damage.

DOES IT HAVE A FUEL WHIFF?

Check carefully for any tell-tale whiff of petrol, particularly after you’ve just switched the car off after a run. This is because the fuel filler neck corrodes, so the fuel tank fills up with any muck that gets drawn into the fuel system and then the engine; look for flakes in the fuel filter. The only fix is a new fuel tank, which can be pricey and tricky to source from specialists.

SEE IF IT OVERHEATS

The problem most likely to strike a Polo engine is a corroded cylinder head. It’s essential that antifreeze levels are maintained, so check the strength of the coolant and let the engine tick over for a few minutes once it’s up to temperature to see if it shows signs of overheating. Also check when the cambelt was last replaced; it should really be replaced more frequently than the official schedule of every four years/40,000 miles.

CHECK THE SEATS

Don’t overlook the front seat bolsters, which can collapse after lots of use and are tricky to source replacements for. An aftermarket Beetle seat backrest pad can be used to refresh the driver’s seat. The rest of the interior is fairly durable, but keep an eye out for cracked plastics and tired carpets.