Hello all, first post!

Im looking for a Polo for my first car and have been looking at both 1.2 and 1.4 petrol variants.

One particularly nice 2004 1.4 automatic  we looked at this morning seemed to be a little more noisy than I would have liked. It sounded like the engine was tapping and was evident at idle and on the test drive.

It didnt sound low down in the engine so Im hoping it isnt major bearings.

Im trying to find what engine would have been fitted to this car and to see if it has any common noise issues or if it is normal to sound a bit tapety! Any advice greatfully received!

Caitlin.

First Welcome to the forum.

 

Avoid the 1.2 engine as they have a nasty habit of self-destructing if/when the camshaft chain slips, the 1.4 16v engines are not normally noisy and as it was an automatic it should be a BBY engine code, it could be one or more of the hydraulic tappet blocks is sticking, or depending on it's service history it could be the oil pick-up pipe in the sump has become partially clogged so reducing the oil pump efficiency.

14 hours ago, nige8021 said:

First Welcome to the forum.

 

Avoid the 1.2 engine as they have a nasty habit of self-destructing if/when the camshaft chain slips, the 1.4 16v engines are not normally noisy and as it was an automatic it should be a BBY engine code, it could be one or more of the hydraulic tappet blocks is sticking, or depending on it's service history it could be the oil pick-up pipe in the sump has become partially clogged so reducing the oil pump efficiency.

 

Thank you for the welcome and the reply. The car had a fairly good service history but I'm a little wary on buying something that may or may not clear up with an oil flush. My dad is very handy with cars and has advised to keep looking.

Quick couple of questions not strictly on track with my original post but partly in repoly to your comment about the 1.2 engine.

Would a well serviced engine having 75,000 miles and a recent chain change be an issue and finally, would a car (2008 Fox, sorry not Polo....) with a high clutch biting point be an indication of a possibly worn clutch or simple mis adjustment?

 

Thanks once again.

Caitlin

I would have to agree with your Dad, that 1.4 shouldn't really be noisy, so keep looking for a quiet one.

 

If the 1.2 has a good service history and a recent chain replacement it should be OK but I would still be wary of buying it as the chain can jump at any time. if you look at this

You'll see what happens when a chain slips !!

 

A high clutch biting point on any post 2002 Polo/fox would be a worn clutch, as they are hydraulically operated and as such there is no real adjustment.

5 hours ago, nige8021 said:

I would have to agree with your Dad, that 1.4 shouldn't really be noisy, so keep looking for a quiet one.

 

If the 1.2 has a good service history and a recent chain replacement it should be OK but I would still be wary of buying it as the chain can jump at any time. if you look at this

You'll see what happens when a chain slips !!

 

A high clutch biting point on any post 2002 Polo/fox would be a worn clutch, as they are hydraulically operated and as such there is no real adjustment.

 

Well I'm happy that dad seems to know what he is talking about, he's used to older American cars! That 1.2 looks nasty! I would have thought a chain would be better than a belt but I guess they all do the same thing.

The Fox we looked at had the 1.4 engine and seemed to run very well but as said had a high clutch which I guess we could use as a bargaining point. Any idea of what an independent garage would charge to replace it?

I'm getting quite excited at the prospect of owning a little VW!

 

 

For an independent garage to supply and fit a clutch probably around £300

Thank you very much for your help and advice. I will post how I get on!