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Hi, My wife is looking to buy a used 2012 VW Polo 1.2 TSI (Import).
It's done 99,000km and 100k service has already been done at 95,000km.

How is the car in terms of reliability considering it's done nearly 100k km?
Are there anything specific that I need to pay close attention to when I purchase such model?
Also, is this car and its DSG transmission fall under the VW recall criteria?

Thank you very much,

Daniel

Hi Daniel,
I'm not personally aware of any major faults with this vehicle, I have heard that the older VW models with DSG can be problematic, but I think 2012 had been sorted. I also can't see any recall information that applies to the 2012 Polo's. But if in doubt call VW, or ask a transmission specialist if they have seen lots with faults.

Thanks for your response, Cade.
I've booked an AA mobile inspection for the vehicle, are there any areas I could ask the inspector to have a close look at, such as the turbo etc?
Also, would it be fine with 91 petrol or something with higher octane?
Thanks,
Daniel

Hi there, my specs show a minimum of 95 fuel in these ones, and would be the same for most European cars.
The inspectors are pretty thorough, and conduct a visual inspection of components for leaks ect. If they can see it and it's on their list they will inspect it.

This might be more of service,maintenance question but I am puzzled by different responses from VW dealers on the DSG unit.

It supposedly runs on DG200 transmission with Dry Clutches which means the unit is sealed and requires no regular oil change. (As per VW)
However, some dealers are saying they require $550 oil change at 60,000km while some others say it doesn't state service schedule for the unit. A third-party specialist has told me that while it wouldn't require usual 60k oil change like DQ250 with wet clutches, it would benefit to change the oil.

So I am really puzzled by the conflicting information and was wondering if you can give an advice as the car I'm looking to buy has 95k on the clock and doesn't have a record of an oil change. (I heard DSG failure will lead to huge bills.)

Also, I can read online that VW owners overseas are able to get free DSG software updates from the dealers. Would it be the same in NZ?

Thank you,

Daniel

Hi there,
Castrol specs show the 1.2 Polo DSG as fill for life, however in my experience with fill for life, it is best to have the fluid replaced. This is possibly that we expect a much longer life from a vehicle than the country it was built in. If there is no record of replacement, then it may be best to have it carried out, especially as these transmissions are very expensive if things go wrong. Only the dealers would be able to comment on the updates if there are any outstanding. This could be classed as an enhancement recall.

Really appreciate your advice, Cade.

Just for clarification, are you referring to the gear oil, the sealed mechatronics oil or both?
The gear oil change looks quite straightforward with regular 75w/90 oil, however the special fluid in a sealed mechatronic unit could only be replaced at a VW I guess?

Thanks,

Hi there,
Sorry but I don't know enough of the specifics of these gearboxes to know, but I'm picking that it would be the mechatronics oil. Which could possibly may only need changing the once which would be better than risking problems with the fill for life oil.