In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Fox (2006-2012) owner reviews

"The Fox is a great first car, thanks to compact dimensions and excellent driving manners. It’s not as posh inside as modern Volkswagens, but it’s spacious for its size and cheap to run."

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by Richard Ingram

16 Jun 2017

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Carbuyer Rating

2.3 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.1 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

28%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Brakes, Electrics, Engine, Gearbox / clutch, Suspension, Other (1 case)
Other (2 cases)
Electrics, Engine, Suspension, Other (1 case)
Electrics (1 case)
Suspension (1 case)
Electrics, Engine (1 case)
Brakes, Electrics, Engine, Gearbox / clutch (1 case)

Review 1 of 18

Tell us what you think about your car?

I bought this car as its second owner in June of last year. I think I can honestly say that it is without a doubt the WORST car I have ever owned. In the 14 months I have owned it I have paid more than twice what I paid for it to begin with just to keep it on the road. It was fine until December when it broke down for the first time -so off to the garage. On that occasion there was something wrong with the coolant tank. Broke down again in January and again in February. Finally needed a whole new engine in late February. Since then have had to replace the motors in BOTH front windows, the clutch, the breaks, four wheels, two shock absorbers and the list just goes on. I got into it this morning and found that the power kept dropping away. Since I have now lost all faith in the car I decided to give up on my trip and return home. At which point the power cut out altogether and left me stranded in the middle of a road in the face of oncoming traffic for several seconds before I got it to move again. It is in the garage now but I am on the point of selling it for scrap just to be rid of the thing. Interestingly the breakdown man who came out to see me this morning has worked for Volkswagen in the past and told em that they refer to the 1.2 Foxes as "choo choo trains" because they're so noisy. He also told me that they are regularly in for repairs because they are so poorly designed and that they rarely get past the 60,000 mile mark without needing their engines replaced. I can't wait to see the back of it. It has been a never ending cause of stress.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Mechanicaly wise it has been good but had a major problem with water leaks into cabin

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

This is the FOX, not the POLO: It has caused me more problems than anything I've ever owned. One of THE worst made cars known to man. Bought the car off a guy in Gloucester, first owner, the car had 50k miles on it and it immediately had problems. Steering pump had to be replaced along with the exhaust, speedo sticks and needs to be replaced, head gasket is totally gone along with it being disgraceful on petrol. No air con, electric windows or even five seats, missing a lot of basic attributes for a 2007 car. I cannot wait to be rid of it. There's a good reason not many people have them... AVOID AT ALL COSTS

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

The only jobs apart from running servicing and consumables has been the nearside CV coupling and one coil pack.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

VERY RELIABLE

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Had to replace front seal on gearbox plus new bushes on the suspension arms

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

I think its a very under-rated little car. Could probably do with a slightly more powerful engine but doesnt exactly struggle getting around. Interior plastics are too hard but controls are easy to use. Its actually quite spacious inside with plenty of leg room and a reasonable boot. Doesnt come with air con as standard which is a let down. Overall a great car for a good price and a desirable badge

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

It's an excellent city car - easy to drive and easy to park. It's perfectly adequate on long journeys, reasonably quiet and fast enough to keep up with the traffic. - my only criticism is that the driver's seat could provide more back support. . For a non 4x4 it has good traction in snow, much better than my other car which has wide, low section tyres. It's been 100% reliable so far and servicing costs are low using vw's pay-in-advance offer.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very good value

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

This car was purchased new from VW Norwich in 07. At 1200 miles the engine management light went on, there was a loss of power, VW did what they say were extensive searches and found no faults. I learnt how to drive it but was aware that overtaking was not a reliable manoeuvre for it to do. I kept driving the car and in 2016 had what appeared to be battery problems so replaced and then further problems and a breakdown and was told it was the alternator so that was replaced. Then the worst thing happened. Driving at night, travelling at 60mph on A47 the engine warning light illuminated and a couple of pings and immediately the engine completely cut out. I had no lights, little control and I drifted to a stop luckily on the hard shoulder. The RAC said it was the battery, and it was charged again and off I went but broke down three more times before getting home, with the same shut down and loss of control. This is a really unnerving experience . The car went to another VW garage and after diagnostic testing was found to have a throttle body full of gunk, this was cleaned and, remarkably, I left the garage and drove brilliantly until - 900 miles after leaving the garage the engine management light came on again. I have grave concerns about this car, I felt that VW left me with limp excuses when the car was in warranty and after that I was driving a car with frequent power loss and was being fobbed off. The reality is i won't be purchasing from VW or that group next.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Lovely little car until it hit 89,000 Miles. Power steering, all electrics, braking system (foot and hand), screen wash systems and cooling systems failed within 2 months. Started to look into repairs but we decided to cut our losses and are looking at a Citroen C1/Peugeot 107/8/Toyota AYGO. Cheaper tax, insurance and running costs. Repairing all its faults would mean we were paying more than it is actually worth. The only good features about it seems to be it is good for city driving, easy to park, has decent leg room and being a 3dr it's more roomy than you'd think. But if you were looking into buying one I'd buy a new one when they're released in the UK. DO NOT BUY 2005-present if you will hit 85,000 or more!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

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