[Ragavsr]

Went through the entire end story and it's a rather sad story after all the money and effort you have put in.

I have gotten my car repaired at Jai Prakash's garage once for a similar issue, belt and pulley replacement for a Figo and he came across as someone knowledgeable and punctual. I am quite surprised he didn't do a competent job. You should have asked him to resolve the issue somehow or just put back the old parts and give it back to you. However, at 1.78L KMs, a VW isn't a Toyota or Honda to last long. Belts snapping and killing the engine has been an old VW Audi pain point. Also better to keep these cars stock and not modify them too much.

[Thad E Ginathom]

As the owner of a cousin GT TDI, this is especially tragic to me. Heartfelt condolences and sympathy.

January of last year, I fear that I could have lost mine! And it would have been due to my neglect only. Thank goodness for Chennai climate, and the fact that a single day without car ac, even in January, is so uncomfortable! The AC mechanic saw that the coolant reservoir was empty! I had not checked in a while. The car was driving perfectly, and there was no warning light at all. He regularly works with my FNG and took the car to him after diagnosing that the intercooler[?] was damaged and coolant was being lost as well as getting into the oil. Replaced. All is well. But it could easily not have been.

I followed your mod/diy threads with interest. I didn't actually do any of them, although now I wish I had, as the parts are hard to find and VW-India plastics age badly. I needed to replace the cabin light. I asked for the upgrade unit. Part not available. My FNG had a Skoda in for scrapping, and gave me the unit for free, warning that it already had a crack. Subsequently I have sourced online, but wish those China parts/prices were still available: more so, that I had taken advantage of that at the time, when you did.

Major suspension and steering service happened this year: I had grown so used to play in the steering that I didn't notice it and it took a couple of days to relearn the as-new steering!

I have never looked after a car like you do. Mine has city scars and dull paint. But I have never really wished for another (wouldn't say no to a gifted GTi!); it fits me like lycra; it defines my driving style, even though I use so little of its potential. I have never even given it the highway miles it deserves (just one trip to Bangalore in the past decade) although I may do so next month.

But we, me and my TDI, have often thought of you and yours. And we grieve for its loss. So sad, so sorry.

No crying smilies. There is a point of distress beyond which they look silly. The actual tears in my eyes are real.

[kns008]

Thanks for penning this down. This is such a heartfelt goodbye to the beloved car and it does justice to it. When I looked at the interior pictures before scraping, I couldn’t believe it has been driven for almost 2L KM. I wish you good luck with your new car and may you drive to more than 20L km.

[PrasannaDhana]

Man, what a car and what a tragic end!

I have always loved this thread and enjoyed every update of yours. We all know how much you loved this car.

It is what it is, I guess! Anyways, congratulations on the Jazz. Please do put up an ownership thread for it.

[kaps454]

Originally Posted by ssjr0498

3. Generally, it is recommended not to underuse or 'baby' a diesel engine, diesels like to be driven hard and give the Italian tune up at least once a week!

Hi, you are definitely knowledgeable as you diagnosed the problem from the video itself. Just wanted to know the reasoning behind the above statement
Thanks, kaps454

[tbppjpr]

Sad to see one after another Polo going away which have been loved so much through out their lives. More so because these sweet little cars are so much abuse friendly and built to last which require very minimal maintenance, but with the expectation of same perfection as perfect they are.

I have been trusting only VW service station since I got Polo in 2011 but had to get the suspension job outside last year since it was kind of modification with aftermarket spares for lowering it a bit.

I chose a high profile Bosch workshop in my city dealing with German cars but ended up with wrongly fitted ball joints which resulted into front wheels getting pushed backwards. I took the car back to them for the checkup, but received a blatant excuse that its my spare parts which must be at the fault despite paying much higher service charge than rest of the market.

I had to visit different workshops to get the suspension reopen and reinstall but the efforts went into vain. Finally the issue was identified and resolved by the experienced VW workshop during regular service visit.

Now gearshift cable is pending for the replacement but I have been postponing since the part has got super expensive at the VW workshop. I also thought to get it replaced outside but now have zero confidence visiting FNGs by going my own experience and hearing such horror stories.

Forget the car, even my wife's TVS Scooty got spoiled by the FNG which I had to trust for last few services because our nearby TVS workshop got closed. Recently a new TVS workshop opened and I left the Scooty to fix the problems caused by the FNG. The Scooty is somehow back in the shape and runs much smoother now.

I intend to get the Polo re-registered next year and want to keep it with me as long as I can. sadly no worthy replacement is available for Polo in such a small package today, not even at VW/Skoda.

Many in my family and friend circle come to me with Polos available in the used market and I tell them to avoid because those who are happy with their Polos are not going to sell them and those which are available in the used market must be having some or other problems caused by the hammers of the genius FNGs.

[Turbohead]

Gannu,
That GT TDI of yours actually hooked me on the car. We ended up getting the Vento diesel a year later simply because the Polo's back seat was not spacious.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this thread back then and even went to Jai Prakash on your recommendation. He was always good with us but this is sad to read.

It's absolutely painful to see how this ended and I can't imagine what you went through.

It's only a matter of time you'll be able to find something that replaces it's loss in due time and I'm pretty sure you will whether it is 2 or 4 or no wheels at all.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by tbppjpr

Now gearshift cable is pending for the replacement but I have been postponing since the part has got super expensive at the VW workshop.

Don't wait! The price will not come down but it mat well become unavailable. Unless there is some chance of getting third-party alternative that is satisfactory.

What can I say, regarding FNGs? I think that the one I go to is good and trustworthy. Unless or until...

[subie_socal]

This is tragic end for a car that was beloved .
Though I discovered this thread only about 4 years ago, this was my comfort read go to, whenever I was bored. I really don't think there would be any other Polo like this in India, especially with the functional mods you have added over the years.

While Jazz may not truly replace the Polo, I'm pretty sure it's serving you well as a no nonsense hatch

Also, the German Motors (the FNG you've mentioned), is it the one near Kamakshi Hospital, Pallikaranai?

[famousshoes]

Dear Gannu
So shocked to read this, I am so sorry to hear of this painful experience.
So much of the tinkering that I've done on my own car has been through scouring this thread and of course dms to you and some other bhpians. I can relate to the sense of loss that you must have felt when the car left you for the scrap dealer's. Truly like the loss of a family member.
Feel so bad and wish I could do something to help you feel better mate.
I am glad though that your car has found a second wind and is buzzing around the streets of your hometown. That must be some consolation at least.
It seems like such a freak mishap though and i really wonder what that engine sound must have been.
I hope you will come to like the Jazz and its auto box. But something tells me its a stop gap arrangement till you find your next dream ride. I hope it will happen sooner than later!

[2000rpm]

So wish you had written here for help!! Thats what I do before any major decision with my cars.

An engine swap could have worked!! There were so many solutions we could have worked on!!

I have been in your place, where sometime I just feel like, bech deta hu. But I survived those moments, escaped evil FNGs, Took the effort and cost to tow the car to my reliable FNG and the car has been perfect for last 3 years!!!

VW ownership is like being an RCB Fan!! Emotional roller coaster!!!

[g_sanjib]

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

The Final Update - Part 2:

Farewell. You will be deeply missed. Hope to see you someday at Palakkad with your new owner!

I must say, Gannu, I have always loved reading your reviews and updates. I still remember a couple of years ago when you shared about your travel between cities with your wedding luggage—it was such a delightful read, especially the bond you shared with your car.

Whatever happens, I’m sure it will lead to something even better for you and your family.

Enjoy your drives with your car, and I hope you create many more wonderful memories with your Jazz!

[raghu.t.k]

Sad to see this happen to your GT TDI. I own a 2016 GT TDI and used to follow your thread closely. Though its nearing 10 years it has not munched miles like yours given that within the city I use another car and use this for long drives (read mostly Chn - TCR or CHN - BLR) .

Your thread would still serve as a reference thread for me.

[sudeepg]

The dilemma of a car owner who loves his car so much...

To see such an end of this Polo GT, in many ways feels like something that has happened to me personally. This thread was such a joy to read until now! Many DIY's I have undertaken have been inspired by your work on your car, Ganesh. I am sorry for your loss and hope time will heal your pain.

One of the ways in which this forum helps me maintain my car is also the experiences like these which puts me on the caution whenever I am handing over my car for mechanical work. Unlike Ganesh, I don't have the space and flexibility to do any mechanical work on my car. So I have adopted an approach of planning, making several considerations before getting anything done on my car. For instance:

I have stopped going all out with any FNGs with maintenance. Specifically for any engine related work, I always rely on a trusted mechanic at my authorized Maruti dealer. I have been fortunate enough to not be stuck like this, but I'd be very cautious handing over my car for any core engine work to an FNG. If I have to tow it 1000s of KMs to get it to Jeevan, I'd take that option over anything else - just for the sake of quality and accountability. Regardless of what we say about the incompetency of some authorized service center mechanics, they have an established process which is comforting plus, the backing of the company. This is my takeaway from this final update. Thanks for sharing this, Ganesh.

Never leave your car along with an FNG during its maintenance. Wait, watch and speak out if you are getting uncomfortable with something they are doing. It is better to ask, resist and clarify before something goes bad.

[AKSarkar1]

Some goodbyes are hard to say but they have to be said nonetheless! Your Polo has been an institution of learning for thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of VAG enthusiasts around the world, I remember seeing some photos and links of your car even on the Polo 6R UK forum, hence this goodbye funnily enough seems personal for everyone who knows you and your car. I myself remember coming back and reading your threads to mod my Vento.

For me, Mr. Gannu and his polo are quintessentially what TeamBHP represent the best, just car guys who are truly passionate about their machines who want to spread the joy! I would truly call this an end of an era.