eggcatcher

My fun's engine is on the way out, seeping oil past the rings on pot 4, whilst driveable for now, it will need replacing. If I need a new lump, am thinking of something newer and more efficient. Not wanting to go tdi, to much work involved and adds weight. Also not keen on the 100bhp 1.4 idea as from what I've seen on it, it's revvier and thirstier. Not wanting to go bigger for insurance reasons. I realise any swap will affect premium, but swapping for same size is easier to convince them it was done for efficiency. Ideally I want to improve mpg, and any performance gains is a bonus. I've seen the 05-09 polo 1.6, with 100bhp and 43mpg (in a heavier car than the fun truck), and this appeals. More frugal and efficient, enough grunt to be fun on a b-road, without needing to go to silly speeds. Has this swap been done? Mechanically, does it fit without too much work? If I got a rear-ended polo, could I make use of other front end parts, suspension, hubs, brakes etc? Failing that, is there another 16v 1.6 that fits?

I'm looking for the soft top option for the Fun, as I will use the rear seats all year round. Any ideas where to source one from please?

My new Fun truck

Will sort some pics later, but just got a 99 (T plate). Lowered onto Audi alloys, re-sprayed red. Rear turrets have been fixed, and underside cleaned and treated, and interior, well in a word, de-yellowed. The owner I purchased from has had it 10 months, with the work being done by the owner before him. That owner had clearly looked after and cherished it, so it wouldn't surprise me if someone recognises it on here.

Hi, not just new on the site, but new to Skoda's in general, for that matter new to anything not japanese. Unfortunately I work in the oil and gas industry, and the 2 year oil price slump has finally lead me to need to tighten my outgoings, and admit my pride and joy (Accord type R) is a little too expensive, and 220bhp is a bit pointless when it only gets used for schoolruns or taking my bike to races/triathlons. However being a car guy, a clapped out mondeo diesel was never going to be an option, the criteria was cheap to run, have back seats for my 2 boys, and be able to carry a bike, whilst still being a bit unique. A few of my fist options were ruled out as they were expensive to buy and/or run, but then I stumbled accross the Felicia Fun pick-up. Whilst not being a fan of VAGs in general, retro VWs are amongst the exceptions, and I've always liked the caddy, so finding I could have a rebadged one that does everything I want meant it went to top of my wishlist. As luck would have it, only roadworthy one I could find for sale was just 5 miles away, and is now mine. It's already got a couple mods done to it, but as it's brought to save me money, won't be doing to much initially.