2016 evaporator

[Redpolo]

I’ve been looking to replace my 6R polo which is going great but has 235k on it.

There’s a local 6C for sale which would be perfect but it needs an evaporator replaced to make the aircon work. I was told by the auto electrician that 3 other circa 2016 polo owners have come to him with the same issue and that the entire dash has to come out to replace it, he’s quoted $1,400. He seems to think that cars made in 2016 have this issue and it’s making me want to avoid that year model. I tried to get a quote from the vw dealer and after chasing it up twice they still never called to give a quote.

Can anyone tell me if they changed the aircon with the facelift in 2015? And if this problematic evaporator was resolved in 2017?

I really don’t like idea of someone removing the entire dash, I’m worried they’d snap a clip or something would rattle forever and I’d be stuck with it. And am I being dramatic by avoiding the newer year models for this reason?

I am thinking of getting a 6R with low ks. Better the devil you know?

[Brissie_Mick]

I've got a 2016 Comfortline 81 TSI with a leaking evaporator and condensor. Over $3K is the going rate here to replace, clean out the system, replace valves, regas, etc. I have similar fears regarding dash removal etc. I don't think the AC changed until the 6th gen Polo was released.
As per this thread - 2016 Polo GTI Air Condition stops working after 10 minutes

[Lucas_R]

Far out....big job - shouldnt be happening on such a new car. I just found these pics of the repair on a Polo: Pics on Facebook