Don't buy a Polo without watching this!

[@alvinnaidoo3432]

South Africa here again. Currently driving a 2011 Polo sedan. 258000 kms on the clock. Engine has not been touched yet. 2 water pumps and an engine mount replacement is about the most major repairs done. Daily runner and very fuel efficient. Also own a vivo 1.6 tiptronic. A little heavier on the fuel . Keep them regularly serviced and they do carry on forever.

[@christopherheritage5651]

Top Tips and shows why your business is doing so well because your open, honest, and why your continuing to be recommended! Keep up the fantastic work James.

[@johnnorth9355]

German engines used to be bullet proof but then the accounts got to work and plastic components found their way into the engines as well as the outside. BMW and Audi engines also need extreme caution when buying for the same reason.

[@ChopsGarage]

Yes early 1.9 PD is a different story

[@darrenwilson8042]

I agree - ,my point was that the original Beetle was billed in the States as how the man who drove the snowplough got to work. When looked after even though they were older tech they were good hence the production life. Early Golfs did rot like anything else at the time but as they progressed they were better than the competition same with BMW. Then yes flash forward they were subject to rationalisation ( VAG + SEAT + Skoda etc ) so parts were spread and if something was substandard in one make it was the same across them all. They lived on an earned reputation that they failed to maintain ( as in many ways did Mercedes ) - cars are cars and they all need maintaining or they break ( can't get that message thru to the Mrs sadly ) but some are better than others. Channels like James' really help steer buyers in the right direction. Just watched High Peak ( as ref'd to by James ) and he is driving an A3 Allroad - nice car but Jesus the number of potential faults and repair costs ........arrrggghhhhhh

[@ardongrainford8004]

Had 2 golfs and one audi. All very well built and put together- but all cars nunerouscnunerous problems. Toyoyta i hqdcbefore no problem just bulb, andcgoodcbuildcquality. Butvmy experience of vag iscutterly utterkupy problematic. Thexadvert “ if only everything was as reliable as a vw was obviously wrong and utterly misleadibg.

[@bigjml]

@@ChopsGarage Early TDi is the one you want, the PD was not a robust due to needing a very specific oil to prevent Cam west.

[@gingernutpreacher]

Not hered any issues with the new 1 litre but the old 1.2 I had to have the valve guides repaired

[@stevewhite1444]

Interesting you’re standing next to an R56 Mini which is renowned for timing chain issues. I had one and the cold start rattle began, had to change the chain at 70k miles even with a good history. Lack of oil changes and oil starvation in many cars ruins chains. Great advice and love that you point out chains aren’t always for life

[@timhancock6626]

In the old days the chain on the Alfa Romeo Nord engine was good for 200,000 miles or more, but they were properly designed and very robust. These days chains are made deliberately weedy and have plastic chain guides that fall to bits due to heat ( in the old days they were alloy). I used to be a fan of chains, but not in modern cars in which engine parts are seemingly lifed to about 100,000 miles it seems, regardless of make.

[@ln5747]

Had 3, 2 to 150k miles and 1 to 200kmiles. What are people doing to their cars!

[@TheManFrayBentos]

@@ln5747 Running them on cheap oils to the maker's oil change interval. Combined, they will kill an engine long before it should have pegged out.

[@ahmetbasman399]

I'm in the trade and a smaller car dealer and can agree with 1.2 VW Polo's which is why I don't touch them however the 1.4 Petrol's are superb and use a cambelt instead of chain so highly recommend the 1.4's!

[@John-bt3fo]

Thanks for that.

[@RB-jx1pd]

What is the problems with 1.2 tsi polo?

[@x.kasiouris5503]

What about 1.0 tsi?

[@neildaniel8232]

I've got a Fabia with the same engine, it's on 158K and I still don't have that noise (been listening out for it since I bought it new). I've always allowed the idle to settle on startup, even when warm, and the last mechanic who inspected the engine put it down to that and that I always use the correct oil for standard service intervals, it's much better for the tensioner than the longlife stuff that gets too thin as it ages. Have heard other engines making the rattle though, always scary when some people still think you have to give it some throttle on startup and it revs away!

[@mrbigvanlife7130]

My neighbour had a fabia - he was a vw tech. Had it scrapped last year due to rot.

[@profrumpo]

Really enjoy your channel and your honesty. Wouldn't touch a VW or any of the nasty French makes either. Japanese or South Korean is all I would consider, currently running a Honda Jazz.

[@ChopsGarage]

Id agree here buddy

[@user-te1le7ck6b]

Agree 100% bought an aygo as a cheap run around , yes it’s not great but will outlast any vw for the money

[@danmoney9932]

Its hard to win. German cars the engine dies before the body, Jap the body dies before the engine!

[@Ju1ian10001]

Ok so a vehicle technicain/MOT tetser speaking here, the timing chain tensioner on the 1.2MPi (3 cyinder) engine in that series polo is oil feed and tensions by using oil pressure, it also had a ratchet insside to maintain just enough tension on the chain to keep it from jumping teeth, it will not do that. the noise on start up is due to oil and pressure having drained away, hence the need for the ratchet. Its normal, engines with a new tensioner and chain will also make the noise if left sitting for a few days. I have a 19 plate Mazda 2 1.5 sky active with 39,000miles on the clock, it very very well maintained but if left sitting for 2 or more days the chain is noisey untill full oil pressure is built of (about 2-3 seconds) very normal on mordern engines.

[@martinwarner1178]

Thanks for that. I ask, who would believe a car sales man..hee hee.

[@SQWONCE]

I have a 2010 VW polo with a 1.2 petrol 3 cylinder. I think my car makes that noise every morning but I don't slam the gas as soon I start the engine, I always wait around 20 seconds before moving and I let it warm up for a few minutes of normal driving before I step on the gas. there is also a ticking noise at low rpm when the engine is cold that goes away once the engine is warmed up. apparently the ticking is normal and is something to do with a high pressure fuel system from what I could find online? my car has 211,000km on it now and I've had a good experience owning a polo so far. insurance is cheap and the only issues I've had were a broken abs pump and a leaking drum brake piston. I get my oil changed every 10,000km and I am on track to doing 20,000km in my first year of owning the car. I may be wrong but it seems that these cars break if people neglect to do regular service intervals (as would almost any car). given the age of my car and the milage, I would expect things to start breaking but I'm aware of that. it doesn't mean the cars are unreliable when things break at this milage. but if this happens regularly to cars with regular service and low miles then it is shocking.

[@1903ronnie]

Most common in the 1.2 3cyl's is stretched chain/worn tensioner or misfires due to burned exhaust valves. They can also make tappet noise when standing for a while as they are hydraulic

[@timalloybhoy]

Indeed, burnt valves a massive issue on the 3cyl engines, seemingly. I've stopped taking them in due to this.

[@timhancock6626]

@@timalloybhoy That's interesting as we recently scrapped our rusty mk1 1.2 3 cyl fabia with 160,000 on it with no engine problems. We have two other MK2 fabia 2 1.2s both with 80,000 miles on, and one of them "might" have a problem as it takes two turns on the key to start. When we got it I found the plugs were not tight, so thought that was the problem, but not so. It seems to run ok, but the engine is deffo not as "nice" as the other one. They are my son and daughters cars and they love them. Maybe I need to check compressions 😕

[@timalloybhoy]

@@timhancock6626 Yeah, seen them with that kinda mileage a few times. Sadly, I’ve had my fingers burnt too many times with the 3cyl engine

[@alphaomega5721]

@@timalloybhoy Is this because the valves accumulate soot (assuming a direct injection engine here) and allow blow by?

[@petrusswanepoel850]

South Africa - I have been a VW owner for many year and also owned several models. As a hobby I would buy and restore Mk1 Golf's. The Polo in the Video is currently available in SA as a cheaper option and is labeled as the Polo Vivo. Their engine sizes vary from 1.4 and 1.6 4 cylinder with normal aspirated engines, also included is the top of the Vivo range with a 3 cylinder 999cc turbo charged engine. The 1.4 and 1.6 are reliable engines en economical, spare parts and service parts are cheap. There are lots of Polo's on SA roads, the Polo Vivo is also the best selling car in SA for many years. I recently purchased a second hand 2013 VW Polo 1.4 with 153000km's on the clock. The engine is in good shape, the body as well, there is some noise from the front suspension and the air conditioner pump is also making it's presence know with a humming sound when switched it. Will have those problems fixed in a week or two and then take it for COR. Out of the many VW's I owned, the one that stood out from the crowd was my Mk1 Gti, 1800cc 4 cylinder pocket rocket. Keep up the good work.

[@sharkfinn6469]

So this is our 1.2 TSI nonsense My 2013 1.6 auto only has 90000km I'm keeping that forever

[@xyz-uz6me]

I don't know if you got around to fixing the suspension and aircon, if you let us know what the cause of the problems were, please

[@Michael-iq2iy]

The naturally aspirated polo engines are very reliable actually it is the TSI engines that are crap

[@alexj629]

My car is 20years old and it's passed its mot with no adviorys honestly amazing Honda civic ❤️

[@Shermanlovespie]

Miss my fn2 had it 11 years changed a break caliper. Traded it in and had 7 cars since in the last year all with major issues including two timing chains. Currently stuck with a 1.0 polo i took as an exchange, first car was a v8 merc 😂

[@martinwarner1178]

Best car on the road. I was told that by two good mechanics. Peace and goodwill

[@reeced5521]

Usually excessive wear on cam chains is through lack of oil changes. Even with a "fully stamped service book" it does not mean it's actually been serviced that many times. Heard too many horror stories of fully serviced cars, engines eating themselves only to find out that the service stamp from a couple months back was clearly a fake judging by the oil and oil filter condition. Lots of short journeys won't help either as the oil will get contaminated with moisture so would need changes more frequently unless driven longer distance now and again.

[@pashwesty3313]

James check the wiring on the fusion, the wires in the door hinge have a habit of breaking, I'd be surprised if both locks had failed at the same time!

[@brucefraser4778]

problem with car makers is they push the limits with service intervals, these days some cars can do fifty thousand miles and only have one oil change, this IMO is what wrecks the timing chains, do a oil service every 8 to 10 thousand miles or every year and these timing chains will go on to a very high mileage, sadly these service intervals suits the fleet buyers

[@ChopsGarage]

Yes all about getting fleet managers onside

[@roystonvehicles9129]

@@ChopsGarage not many polo's fleet mate, there just weak those 1.2,s.

[@brucefraser4778]

@@roystonvehicles9129 most councils in the uk use very small cars for their mobile workers, carers etc

[@roystonvehicles9129]

@@brucefraser4778 yes bud

[@bs7157]

chops, there was only issues with the earlier 1.2 engines of earlier polos. they have now replaced these engines and now fit belts to them. as the chains were poor quality and cracked. these were the 3 cylinder engines.. but the 1.2 tsi engines are now 4 cylinder, and much stronger with a turbo. anyone wanting a polo, go for the tsi. with over 50mpg. you have speed with economy. i love mine and intend to keep it for years to come. just service them and look after them. they are good cars. 😊

[@margo.3466]

Thanks.

[@MrBinabanana]

I have a 2010 Polo 1.2 which I bought on 55k miles for £80 with engine management light on. The owner had the codes pulled and was told it was pretty much scrap value because of timing chain failure. He let me have it for less than scrap because I said I was putting it back on the road. It had a new chain and tensioner for about £600 and it's now on 90k miles 2 years later and I've had no more problems with it. It's been a cracking car to own and drive. But do I sell it now, whilst it's faultless!? 😀 ETA: I do oil and filter every 6 months/6k miles. I had read that the ridiculous longlife service intervals were a big part of the problem. Long service intervals are a good sell when new, and the cars are largely out of warranty when it becomes an issue.

[@mohammedsuhayl3073]

With regards to the Ford Fusion door locks. I recently had a 2008 ford fiesta with the same issue "passenger door open". I disconnected the battery, and left it for 24 hours, and connected back up. This seemed to sort the issue out.

[@Ragnar8504]

the 1.4 TSI petrols in Golf etc. were/are absolutely notorious for eating timing chains, some failed as early as below 10k miles (I seem to remember reading an account of one needing to be replaced at 3 or 4k km(!)). My parents have one that started rattling around 90k km and the garage said they caught it in the nick of time. The car seems to burn money even though it's neither that old nor has that many km - I think it's around 140k now and has been through a timing chain job, new brakes all round (EXPENSIVE), new front and (not sure about that) rear wheel bearings and a spontaneous massive coolant leak, a radiator hose just popped off on the motorway. The battery's also been entirely flat a few times but that might have been the battery itself - it was seven years old if I remember correctly and the car hasn't acted up since we replaced the battery in spring. If they ever replace it, the next one will be a Japanese car though! They've had Mitsubishis from 1986 and always loved them! One lasted from 1988 to 2012 and was then sold for 1500 Euros.

[@philcrampton4231]

With a fleet of small older cars for kids I make the following observations Polo 1.4 2008-2014 seems pretty solid engine, (timing belt though)got one with 130k on it, runs sweet enough and burns no oil. Corsa think oil changes are crucial got a 58 plate that’s never gone more than 7k on oil changes and chain is tight at 69k and sounds sweet (daughters friends same miles and age sounds dreadful) Yaris mk1 indestructible! 07 Fiesta 1.4 gave me a fright with oil consumption but think it was breather hose collapsing/PCV…. When the weather got very hot and a good run it just used to vanish but seems sorted (although used a drop)

[@howardkerr8174]

2 observations: Chevy Sparks are almost universally panned as penalty boxes in the U.S. tho I would guess one with a manual transmission would be tolerable. I own a 2013 Fusion/Mondeo and Ford parts nowadays are extremely expensive.

[@ChopsGarage]

Yes can't imagine one with an auto box must be terrible

[@deuce9769]

​@@ChopsGarage Hope you get the deal finalized on the Spark, and that it remains without issues. I've had a few of these coming in on a tow due to a crank-no-start condition. Seems to be an issue with these where they're supposed to be sending constant power towards a certain fuse in the box from the ECU, but it stops sending that power which results in a crank no start as well as the inability to slap an OBD reader on it. I've never managed to find the real reason for the failure, they magically start working again if you poke/tinker with the ECU and the connectors long enough. ( And then it never happens again! )

[@joelsawyer569]

Got a 2011 polo with this engine as a 1st car and it’s been making this noise for the year I’ve had it (only when cold). Just realised recently it must be the timing chain, but was unsure whether it needed doing.

[@tardeliesmagic]

Toyota can do at least 100,000m with no issue at all! 200,000m even,with no other issues ie tensioner/guides etc. Some gone to 300,000m.

[@leonismyname6573]

Interestingly, here in NZ, the reputation of the VAG cars is "horrendously unreliable mechanically", thus dramatic depreciation. While everyone who wants reliable, buys Japanese or Korean. The VW range is considered by nobody to be bulletproof. Good heads up about the cam chain 🙂

[@ChopsGarage]

Cheers, does seem to be a UK thing

[@howardkerr8174]

In the U.S. " smart " car buyers DON'T buy German, no matter the brand, as they aren't all that reliable long term and parts/servicing is expensive.

[@davidthomas9]

Same here in Australia. It's telling when the majority of the taxis on the road in Melbourne are Toyota Camrys or Klugers/Highlanders, with some Lexus's doing duty as Silver Service cabs. VW's reputation as a reliable brand here never really got over the issues with the early DSG's & various other quality issues.

[@licksludgee]

Yeah they were known here as mechanically reliable for the longest time, the reputation hasn't caught up with the reality yet. BMWs especially can be unnecessary to service when changing bulbs etc

[@stephenhollingsworth2530]

People buy German cars because they think they're better cars - what they really think, is that the badge has more "provenance".

[@robertnicholson617]

Have had one of these from new, 12 years ago was assured by the VW dealer that the timing chains were good for 100k! Not a chance, had to have mine replaced at 55k, because as you say it stretched, warning lights came up on the dash and it wouldn't run properly!

[@richjp21]

When I was delivery driver we used to alpt of pre 10 deliveries to V W .These normally small engines on Warrenity claims. The service said the engine alone was £5000 . The would have to matched to VIN meaning you could not recycled engines fron a Scrap Yard .I would deliver at least 1 a month.

[@barbaraneville5036]

So it's open the bonnet place hand on cylinder head to ensure you are starting a cold engine if looking at buying a Polo

[@ChopsGarage]

Yep

[@obviscates1721]

You had me at Don't buy a Polo!!!!

[@greyhorse1211]

The 1980s/90s Honda VFR 750 motorcycle engine (V4) had gear driven camshafts. Good for 200k miles. Amazing engineering. The engines whined quietly as a function of the gear driven camshafts. In this regard one of the greatest engines, available to the common man, ever made. Ducati Vtwins used belts.

[@johnnie5wreckingyard]

Real ducatis used bevel gears , new ones have gone to timing chains

[@trevorphillips3055]

I have a 1997 VFR750 and agree they have great engines that are over engineered. However Honda's first v4's (the VF range) used cam chains and they had lots of problems with chains and tensioners. This led them to scrap chains and replace them with gears.

[@johnnie5wreckingyard]

@@trevorphillips3055 dont forget about the chocolate camshafts

[@timhancock6626]

Ducati used desmodromic valve technology decades before Honda got there.

[@greyhorse1211]

Sure, I wasn’t knocking Ducati for a moment. I just brought up the VFR point due to the hand wringing on this chat re car engines with belt and chain drives to camshafts.. The early VFRs were a bit special.

[@barryrathbone]

I think VW are relying on the earlier car’s reputation. I had a 1984 A reg Polo Breadvan and it really was bulletproof.

[@tomhope4613]

James the fusion check the passenger door harness that goes into the big rubber grommet on the side of the passenger door . Had the same happen on my Mondeo both doors not locking. Unplugged it from the grommit and put it back in and problem solved

[@dipeshpankhania]

Spot on. We’ve imported some of these with 30k and rattle when running, not just on start up. If it’s been sitting for a week or so and you got a rattle I’d say nothing to be concerned about. Shouldn’t do it every day though

[@ChopsGarage]

I think I will try over shorter period and see as you say,

[@dipeshpankhania]

@@ChopsGarage sent you a bit more info on Instagram 👍🏼

[@reeced5521]

Apparently a rattle on startup is a fairly common thing with chain driven engines. A slight rattle for 1-2 seconds is usually considered fine. If it lasts longer than that, or happens during normal running then you have an issue that needs looking at immediately.

[@dipeshpankhania]

@@reeced5521 it is, as James said in the video it’s the tensioner draining so needs to be pressurised again. If it’s doing it every day there is an issue. If it’s doing it after being stood a week or so, it’s quite normal for it to rattle for a few seconds on start up.

[@cme2cau]

As a Golf 6 victim, VW are not getting another penny out of me. I'd rather drive a Golf, but I'd rather own a Corolla.

[@jonobaywindow]

Me too. I feel your pain: EGR valve failures, leaky waterpumps, DPF problems, sticking calipers, failed drop links. Unremitting unreliability. Even the Dieselgate compensation doesn't cover it.

[@Ju1ian10001]

All 1.8 and 2.0 ea288 TSi engines and the early chain driven 1.4 TSI engines had very very poor chain tensioner, different to the MPI and in that it would loose oil pressure at anytime when running, causing the teeth in the ratchet to break up, again the oil 3 pot MPI never did that and were bullet proof. if i remember right the tensioner on the ea288 when through 10 different modifications before they got it right in the current gen 3 version of the engine.

[@donsswitchlite8178]

I have a Corsa d, I know about the timing chain, most of the time is not oil change change ect, I change my oil every 7k miles, I know it's over the top but was told by a ex Vauxhall mechanic to do it, has the polo got the same chain as the Skoda fabia

[@skimmingstoness]

The 3 cylinder 1.2 engines as far back as the 9N and 9N3 Polo from about 2002 -2009 are a bag of shite always cracking cylinder heads. An engine rebuilder beside me had literally dozens of them in. One poor girl had hers leaking oil onto the manifold and it went on fire, luckily she got out and the fire extinguished but she got rid quickly.

[@missionpassed4584]

I've had a 2004 1.4 polo for roughly 10 years the main issue i have had is the hand brake is terrible no matter how many times i have had it 'fixed' it just ends up being useless, also its always had an engine tick and the egr valve had to replaced as it was constantly jamming or sticking due to carbon build up causing it to stall randomly.

[@kevincross9206]

Always used to chuckle at VW’s tagline on their adverts “if only everything was as reliable as a Volkswagen”. If only that were true….

[@trevorphillips3055]

We wouldn't want everything in life to be as realiable as a Volkswagen.

[@kevincross9206]

@@trevorphillips3055 just as well really!!!

[@keithcheetham]

James, do not forget that there are 2 versions of this engine - 6 valve 60BHP and 12 valve 70BHP. As the grey car is an S model I assume it will be the 6 valve.

[@piotrwisniewski8027]

CGPB, CGPA, CGPC are 12V and best. All issue was sorted. This engine easly run up to 500000km if you change oil and filter every 5-6 kkm. If you listen dealer an his 30kkm you will kill your engine in 3 years. My not consume oil at all.

[@filipwennergren2712]

Love your transparency!!! Greetings from Sweden.

[@ChopsGarage]

Thanks buddy!

[@Wulfbear99]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking of the polo 1.2 have had the 1.4 diesel before and that was great forearmed is forewarned. It seems so many of these 3 cyclinder engines are problematic and best avoided unless well maintained. Thanks again, Brian.

[@whitemoor66]

Been a long time since VW's were bullet proof unfortunately. My sister had a bread van Polo as her first car and that was pretty bullet proof but that's a long time ago!

[@davidlang3625]

My wife has an Audi A1 1.2 TFSI that had that same problem, only it could happen at any time on start up, warm or cold. We had the timing chain changed at great expense at 80K (£675 at independent VW specialist as main dealer wanted around £1200). The car is now on 95K and again it rattles sometimes on start up. We are replacing the oil at 9K intervals as suggested by the VW specialist but it hasn't prevented the problem reoccurring. They had a 1.2 TSI polo in at the same time as ours where the chain had actually slipped, destroying the engine and that had only done 40K. When you scour the internet you here of a lot of timing chain engines with this issue - a case of buyer beware - I wont be buying a car with a timing chain again.

[@ChopsGarage]

Thanks for sharing, backs up exactly what I'm saying

[@reeced5521]

The thing is, 9k oil change intervals is still quite a long time, especially if those are 9k around town miles or over multiple years. I always aim for 5k intervals as I've read various oil test results where they found that oil after about 6k was overdue a change.

[@licksludgee]

I had an Evo X that missed an oil change one year, I resumed normal servicing (and those cars need them often) it didn't skip a beat - they're not all bad, it's all about the manufacturer or application. Unfortunately it's the more common cars that put us off

[@davidlang3625]

@@reeced5521 i would agree that if it was over multiple years around town but the car is regularly used in on the motorway and 9k equates to about 1 year. I think its poor design or substandard component supply at fault

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Good video mate, that crap 1.2 engine has been used since about 2002 in many cars, seats, vws etc, my mate bought one at auction, jumping in, as it drove off the block you could hear how noisy it was, he did the chain but didn't see the cam had worn out, it was amazingly noisy. I bought it off him cheap, put thick oil in it and flipped it cheap, told the customer the engine was noisy, they said it was quieter than theirs, joke was their car had a blowing exhaust, but a decent engine (!)

[@jackhiggins1412]

Good advice James, I had the same problem with daughters car was 1.2 polo of same age. Killed the car was advised replacement engine required, sold for spares or repair in the end, was a shocking car also the bodywork was woeful as on a really hot summers day the roof would appear dented as on the initial new shoe polos they didn’t put enough roof struts in! Got her an 18 plate A1 now and seems a lot better car!

[@stuartwilkes4434]

Got the 2013 model and the only major problem I've had is the clutch bearing is starting to get a bit noisy and thats an expensive fix before I sell it

[@garethifan1034]

I bought an Astra J 1.6 CDTI at 69,000 miles and within a 12 mths the chain was rattling like a good un all the time. I was disappointed because I thought a timing chain ought to last longer than a belt..but not in this case. Had to get it done at a local garage - for £1250. Won't be buying another Vauxhall..

[@briangriffiths114]

Until now, I'd always believed that chain drive was superior to a cam belt, so good that you have set the record straight.

[@DaleSteel]

chain is better

[@ChopsGarage]

It can be , old chain cars, like my mgb have no issues. But the chains are twice as thick

[@DaleSteel]

@@ChopsGarage newer stuff you find the hydraulics and driven by oil pressure. Low oil pressure means they slacken and go sloppy

[@skrimshanker1]

All cars have issues these days. Emissions and extended service intervals seem to have ruined reliability. As a rule of thumb regular oil changes are your best chance of reducing issues, especially on turbo’ed cars. Timing chains equal thousands in repairs, belts much less, preventative maintenance these days is all you can hope will minimise risk. New or old…

[@markbro4427]

The 1.2 TSI Polo's can jump the chain by simply doing an oil change..... Apparently the tensioner empties itself of oil when draining the oil so when you restart theres no tension until the tensioner fills itself again but by then its too late. Doing the oil change with the engine stone cold is recommended as the oil supposedly stays in the tensioner....even the main dealers are having problems with them.

[@jasonstubbs7472]

I’ve got polo 1.2s 3 cylinder and the chain went at 37000 miles . Cost over £1200 to fix. Need to keep the oil topped up at all times the mechanic said with these models and won’t have any issues.

[@Draconyx84]

It should be noted: as far as I'm aware for the Mk5 Polos (2009-2017), the timing chain tensioner issue only applies up to the 2013 models, as they were changed to timing belts from 2014.

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

VW chains are notorious. Honest John was always going on about these as VW change manufacturer who used a cheaper chain stamping production method.

[@markcherriman6136]

Had a similar problem with a Corsa three cylinder , chain slap on start up . They were subject to a recall but mine was never done .

[@gooseuk1985]

I have one for my daily runner, had it for 7 years now. It's been perfect, the best little car I have had. 109k miles

[@andru9102]

We have a Polo with that engine. Does rattle for a second or two when cold on start-up. At least it is giving me warning it will need changing, as opposed to a cam belt which just snaps without warning!

[@Mr330d]

How often do belts just randomly snap? 😂

[@andru9102]

@@Mr330d fair point. Strips teeth, then bends things😂

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Belts hardly go now, it's usually a tentioner or water pump causing trouble.

[@PatchedThePipe]

Not quite sure what im listening for. Recently brought a 2015 polo 1.2 TSI. Full service history and dealership claimed timing belt was very recently replaced. Service history seens to reflect that but now im hearing its not a belt in a polo but a chain. When i start my engine seems to rumble slightly more then settles down into a quiet drone... but this happens nearly every time. Regardless i will not be hitting the gas upon start up.

[@Draconyx84]

This seems to confirm what I have seen elsewhere, that the timing chains on Mk 5 Polos (2009-2017) were switched to timing belts as of 2014.

[@iang4817]

I don't think it's a tensioner. It's got a spring and it has a rachet or rotates a barrel as the chain stretches. The oil pressure moves it more than the spring. The tensioner doesn't wear out.

[@robertbrown2728]

Interesting, though you could factor in a cost of £633.03 (according to Google) to the price you are prepared to pay for a Polo without a replacement chain, in the same way many people would factor in the cost (£318 to £499) of a replacement cambelt (for the cars that use them). The difference in price between a replacement chain versus a replacement belt is not that huge. Thoughts? Incidentally my local repairs guy has indicated roughly £500 for a replacement chain for my Mk6 Golf.

[@mattwills87]

nylon idlers its common in a few other similar engines. seems to happen if cars aren't used daily.

[@gabbisrags3411]

Time chain stretch is known on the polos, had mine done at roughly 60k mileage, remember clear as day, dashboard lit up like a christmas tree. Week later, my mate with an identical polo, year older, chain stretch, should of been a recall from vdubz

[@robster8444]

Hi James, what was the seat cleaner you said was great...Bissel?

[@ChopsGarage]

Thats it

[@robster8444]

@@ChopsGarage Bissel what model?

[@davercs]

Hi i use the bissell spot cleaner Pro for cleaning all car seats and carpets I'm 90% sure James also uses that one they are on a sale in argos at the moment

[@robster8444]

@@davercs Thank you.

[@stevo4649]

I had from new till march this year an (03 plate) honda accord EX saloon that started to do exactly that,didnt get a chance to sort it some toe rag stole the cat,, thankyou James have a good weekend,,👍👍

[@ChopsGarage]

Cheers Stevo!

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Older cars had shorter duplex chains, so no trouble, but valve train lightness equates to better performance and economy, but unfortunately they don't last 5 mins.

[@Irvosa]

Great video, would love to hear you cover common issues you discover within your stock. Good work James 👍

[@ChopsGarage]

Cheers Scott

[@Ineedyoulou]

I had a Mk 5 Golf with the exact same problem... I couldn't wait to get rid, problem after problem & would never buy one again.

[@tonylegon5682]

James, in your video on the Polo chain at 4.00 mins and 7.30 mins in lots of views of your red MGB. It looks spectacular to me because a reflection of the unit appears to give it a central small hump that runs the length of the bonnet right down to the grill. In my opinion it makes the car look awesome. I think of I owned a "B" I'd have a bonnet crafted with that in it. Have a look, just a thought. Love the channel.

[@brianiswrong]

4:00 7:30 hope that helps.

[@d.c.Jones70]

Nice video it just shows you a chain is not always better than a belt,great info.

[@MrAvant123]

Very interesting, it just goes to show that starting and revving immediately is never good. Every car I have I start and let the engine stabilize for a few seconds before doing anything.

[@highpath4776]

Reported on Rip Off Britain - a couple moaning a Cinch ( who deliver the vehicles ) for not covering a gearbox claim (apparently five months two weeks and 6000 miles from purchase) , cinch said they only did a (Three?) month warrenty, I thought distance selling you have said in the past was a six month "not fit for purpose" claim . Of course gearbox issues are difficult to professional assess as being a fault at time of sale , but what is your view on that kind of issue. Sorry cant recal the model of the car

[@brianknowles1727]

I bought a brand new Passat 2001 and got told from the first day to keep an eye on the oil as it uses quite a bit and you know what it did none the less it was a great car I had two more after that all the same and all brilliant car's.

[@SuperSprouticus]

Isn't this problem exactly the same as the Prince PSG/BMW engines fitted to R56 Minis? Sounds very familiar. The infamous 'death rattle'

[@josephgittos3787]

Yep had this issue with a Merc CLC coupe full service

[@Shermanlovespie]

Where are you based mate, ive been done twice with this issue, also lifter drain, fuel dilution. Injector or bottom end knock. Hidden accident damage. All this year. Have some legal training fortunately but I've lost alot of money trying to avoid waiting for court precedings. After trading a 19 plate polo for an nd mx5 that hasn't been freshly serviced (no oil dilution).

[@tonystrange7224]

Hi James great channel, love what you do. Question on the polo, is the wing and bonnet out of alignment across the top of the headlight or am I being OCD 🤪 just looks from the angle you filmed to not quite align.

[@CameraObscure]

I brought a 1998 1.4 L 6N 3 door polo, electric windows,mirrors. 70K on the clock for £300 (private seller well serviced) 5 years ago no rust body work mint for age. Starts on the button ,reliable solid drive, I did have the cam belt changed last year as a matter of service just to be sure, only usual wear and tear things like brake pads and tyres needed in that time. Passes MOT with no advisaries every year so far. dosent burn oil I have kept it because a couple of mechanics tell me engine is solid for that series easy to service as not full of electronics. Best value second hand car i have brought in my 40 years of car ownership along with a peugeot 406 2L deisel a few years back. ( have had new cars and newer cars). will look after it as i am not a high anual milage driver these days makes for a decent rounabout and occasional lomger trips for week ends etc. Guess i chose well when i was seeking a cheap car .

[@roystonvehicles9129]

90s cars are good mate, we never used to have all the issues you have now, not even a mil light to spoil your day back then.

[@jonobaywindow]

My son bought a Polo 1.4 W Reg in 2014 for £375 to drive around Europe. After that couple of 000 miles, he gave it to his mum to use as a runaround for a few months, until scrap. But 2022, it is still going with 130+k on clock and the 4 cylinder engine is great.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

@@jonobaywindow yes bud vw, s were good back in the day

[@01matthewc]

I wouldn't touch a Polo with a barge pole anyway. Overpriced and over rated. I'll stick with my far Eastern cars thank you very much. (Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Nissan). Love this channel, it's just so watchable and I've learnt a fair bit about the motor trade from it.

[@bs7157]

i've got a polo tsi. 1.2 and only 18,000 on the clock. now and again if i have left it on the drive for over a week. there is a 'dry rattle'. i always put it down to just the oil hasn't reached the engine on first start up. a few seconds after that it is as quiet as a mouse. never had any problems with mine. i have owned it for 3 years now. it's only 5 years old.

[@bimble7240]

If these have hydraulic tappits then it is more likely to be that IMO.

[@bs7157]

@@bimble7240 yes it does. and is belt driven. love mine.

[@RichardStefanits]

They are really good cars, just don't get the 1,2 NA three cyilinder. Especially the diesels are exceptionally good. Also replace the belts and the chain on the 1,2 tsis (well, on all chain driven tsis). And some of the 7 speed dryclutch DSGs also can give you headaches, but even their problems can be solved at reasonable price nowadays... They are not for those who cannot even refuel their cars themselves, they need to be taken care of. (To be honest most modern cars needs this more than previous generations for several reasons I won't get into now - all of them became more sensitive to the lack of proper service schedule).

[@benjaminmartinussen2388]

What engine is there in this polo?

[@sg8539]

Do some of the hyundai i20's/i30's also suffer from timing chain issues or are they cambelt as I am not sure,anyway due to this I decided to buy a different car instead, was I right or badly advised. Btw I brought a 1.5 dci Renault vehicle and no problems last 4 years +. Thanks James

[@deuce9769]

Yes and no! All engine versions (6 of them yo!), except for the 2.0 petrol and diesel are chain driven. The 2.0's are older engines, from the Hyundai/Kia Sportage/Santa-Fe models, and those feature belts.

[@steveegginton535]

Great bit of advice there James buyer beware! The VAG reliability thing goes way back probably to the 70/80's when they were better engineered than rivals but that has long since changed and think many other car makers offer better products at better value for money. Still a lot of people still willing to pay a premium for VW!

[@albillah9654]

How about Golf 1.4 TSI? Any better than polo?

[@evieemaya88]

5:25: Timing chain noise Vs 5:10: No noise.

[@lewhui4604]

Just change the chain for like 350 quid and you're good for another 5+ years. Mine has 390k miles now. First chain changed at 330k

[@simonnlaroche5438]

The VW group out sourced the manufacture of the timing chains on many engines, but the chains supplied were poor quality. I changed mine on a 2014 Fabia (at 100km) and the old chain had stretched over 1 cm! Beware.

[@portman8909]

So are belts better then?

[@t4bertieblue229]

I have bought a lot of polos James, I now have a Gti and my wife has a 1.4. I have one rule, never buy a 1.2 three cylinder. Never have done and never will do mate.

[@jontallon73]

I suppose worth mentioning that Fabia 1.2, VW Fox and Ibiza 1.2 share that engine.

[@timhancock6626]

Confucius once said " If you want to know which car is most reliable, just look at what local taxi drivers drive " 😉😂

[@fire44x]

The diesel polo needs chain replaced also after 100k due to loosing oil pump drive

[@thomasfrancis5747]

Might be useful to list what other VW/Seat/Skoda models have this engine. What is it with VAG and timing chains - Honest John always used to slate them when their chain supplier had problems with worn tooling (which they would not fund the repair of) causing faulty chains to be supplied which stretched/broke. High Peak - entertaining but his maths on car profits seems a lot "simpler" than yours!

[@FatHead1979]

Contrast how James treats customers with how I'm currently being treated by a dealer in Sheffield. I recently purchased a MK7 1.4 petrol Fiesta which developed a coolant leak within the 1st 30 days and despite me quoting the Consumer Credit Act 2015 at them, they're currently taking the position that due to the age of vehicle it's acceptable for these kind of things to happen and it's not their problem! The CRA disagrees and states a fault that occurs in the 1st 6 months post purchase is assumed to have been present at the point of sale unless the dealer can prove otherwise. Which they can't in this instance because how can you prove that a coolant hose wasn't on its last legs or already leaking slightly at the point of purchase? (assuming it's just a simple knackered hose or leaky thermostat etc).

[@ChopsGarage]

Its a fault that makes it unfit for purpose , or not as described though bud. So then it comes down to the debate of what makes it unfit for purpose. Is it fair that on a vehicle of the age , mileage and price paid that you might need to top up coolant every now and then due to old pipes weeping? However personally that soon after, Id be sorting it.

[@FatHead1979]

@@ChopsGarage Indeed, although having to top up a litre a week can't be any sane person's idea of acceptable. I agree that on a 2009 vehicle, if it was only dropping from the max to min line over a whole month or so i.e. due to a weeping but not leaking hose it wouldn't be so bad and I'd just sort it myself. As it happens I still don't know what the root cause is for the leak, my own trusted garage will be taking a look on Monday and I'll work it out from there. (the battle is still ongoing)

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Strange that 2 central lockings have failed, probably best to check it out first.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

People go back to 90s polo's that were reliable, which is a bit strange as buyers are usually a lot younger, had one at 48k,chain stretched, tentioners popped out, bent valves, ect, bought it cheap, fixed it.

[@callumchurch3219]

I’ve heard the damage to the chain is parking on a hill with the car in gear, nothing to do with mileage, don’t know if this is just a myth though

[@timhancock6626]

Myth.

[@bluefell4134]

I have a 2016 1.2 Petrol and I blieve its a belt rather than a chain...

[@Jeeten111]

My polo tsi has a timing belt 2018 , 1.2 Tsi

[@davidpeacock5912]

Timing CHAINS do not slip. They might rattle but rarely brake. ???

[@ChopsGarage]

Timing chains can slip, if they get lose the jump a link

[@MiracleMitch]

And then you get cars with chains like our 1.2 Suzuki Splash that has 100k on the clock, no start up noise, not even a chain running noise like Vauxhalls (signature even faint chain rattle they all seem to have). When idling the K12B engine almost can't be heard and I still find myself checking the rev counter to see if it is. Little or no oil consumption between services...now if only the gearbox wasn't made of brandy snaps...!

[@philipashton1443]

What do you think about the seat mii. Or vw up. For a runabout?

[@ChopsGarage]

Decent, had a Skoda version and was impressed

[@mulberrybushfilmfan]

Yaris, Jazz or Mazda 2 better I'd say.

[@dinointhetube7952]

So are you better with a car with timing chain or cam belt ? I would rather go with chain driven.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Better with a belt bud

[@timhancock6626]

Once upon a time I'd have agreed with you 100% about preferring chains, but engine design has become very sneaky and they have made chains less reliable and weedy. I'd now go for a belt, preferably one that's not too expensive to change, and make sure it's changed on time.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

@@timhancock6626 yes bud, once again your right, Chains are a nightmare now, had a mini ticking over a while ago, diesel bmw 1.6 engine, it stopped, took the cover off and the chain had come thru the top of the engine, 107k,fsh,no previous noise, apparently its very common, lost 2200 quid on the car (!)

[@TheSimon253]

Does this also apply to the Golf 7 1.2?

[@ChopsGarage]

I believe that is the TSI which has its own problems