Hi guys, I'm new here, I just bought a 98 Felicia Estate here in Sweden with 175,000 KM on the odometer. It seems to be OK, but I'm nervous. I bought it off a shady russian, but for what seems to be a good price.

The first thing I want to do is merely cosmetic, replace the rear hatch.

Around the bottom of the rear window, this thing is rusted to hell. I was thinking about buying a used one in better shape and installing that. How hard do you think that this will be?

It starts a little hard (but seems to always start)., anyone have any recommendations on what to do?

Getting hold of one will be more difficult than changing it - it's a piece of cake. A few bolts and you're away.

I read somewhere that estate and hatchback tailgates are the same? Surely a hatch tailgate is more plentiful? And I've seen plastic tailgates for sale from Jorily, maybe a bit pricey tho?

Estate and hatch tailgates are the same.

I found a guy here in Sweden who has one in ok condition. All the wiring is easy, like for the hatch release and lights?

Thanks,

Ty

IIRC it's just on a single cable? The hatch release is mechanical and part of the body. Only number plate lights, heated rear screen and wiper motor connections to make. I -think- the water hose for the washer nozzle is the only thing that needs a bit of effort, I think I just did mine with a straight connector to save any bother. But this was years ago, so I could be miles off!

Another update:

I just got a quote from the guy who has the extra hatch with window and wiper. It's 350 Krowns, or £35. I'd say it's a deal!

I hope all the connections are as simple. It's crazy how rusted out the one I have is. It's on the inside mainly, stuff in Sweden rusts an ungodly amount though.

Another update:

I just got a quote from the guy who has the extra hatch with window and wiper. It's 350 Krowns, or £35. I'd say it's a deal!

I hope all the connections are as simple. It's crazy how rusted out the one I have is. It's on the inside mainly, stuff in Sweden rusts an ungodly amount though.

Good deal - go for it! And welcome to the forum!