Buying a used 12-year-old Volkswagen Polo Sedan 1.6
Buying a used car in Malaysia today is very different from 2 years ago. Why? Well our used car market has dipped very badly in the past 24 months because of the influx of reasonably priced new vehicles from Chinese auto manufacturers which has in turn pushed used vehicle prices (across most segments) down.
It is great for the car buyers …… but not so for the sellers.
Well, this is market forces and a compact sedan like this one (launched in October 2013 for RM85,888) advertised here can be a reasonable purchase, but only if you buy it for the right price and go in with realistic expectations (it is a used vehicle so do not expect it to be perfect).
Unlike its smaller 1.2 TSI twin charge variant or larger Golf siblings, this 1.6 MPI version of this Volkswagen sedan does not have the notorious and headache filled 7-speed dry-clutch DSG gearbox and turbocharger nightmares.
However, at 12 years old, any continental vehicle rubbers, plastic and cooling parts will require some budget (put aside RM2k on top of the purchase price) for preventive maintenance.
The 1.6-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder (MPI) engine is simple, reliable, and low-stress. It does not suffer from early turbo failure or excessive carbon buildup. It uses a traditional 6-speed Aisin torque-converter automatic gearbox instead of the troublesome DSG dual-clutch transmission. Gear shifts are smooth and far more durable in heavy Malaysian city stop-and-go traffic.
You can easily find examples priced between RM8,000 to RM15,000 depending on condition and mileage.
High-speed stability, NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) insulation and chassis firmness are noticeably better than a 10 to 12 year old Myvi, Vios or for sure, the Bezza and Saga.
Outside of official VW service centers, independent European car workshops across Malaysia know these 1.6 engines inside out today, keeping service and parts costs reasonable.
The AC compressor on the 1.6 is a known weak link that frequently degrades or fails in our tropical heat. Replacing the compressor, cooling coil, or expansion valve can set you back RM1,600 to RM2,000.
A plastic bushing on the gear linkage wears down over time. When it fails, your gear lever will slip loose, preventing the car from shifting out of Park or Drive until replaced. Plastic coolant flanges, hoses, water pumps, and radiators become brittle after 10+ years so get ready to replace them. Expect minor coolant leaks if they haven’t been replaced recently.
ABS wheel speed sensors fail periodically, triggering dashboard lights (ABS/TCS/EPC lights). They are inexpensive to replace (around RM80 to RM120 per sensor), but can be annoying every time it lights up. The interior headliner fabric is also prone to sagging over time in Malaysian heat since it is local assembled.
You want a cheap second car or a daily commuter sedan for under RM10k that feels solid on the highway and you have at least RM2,000 set aside for initial repairs (cooling system, suspension bushings, and fresh fluids) then take a look at this VW.
Now, if you want total headache free ownership, a Vios, Bezza, Saga or Myvi will cost a little more upfront but will be simpler to maintain if you do not want to deal with specialised workshop visits. However, the cabin seating comfort, sound insulation, ride and handling will not be even near to what this VW will deliver.
