Hello everyone,

I have just bought a boggo 1.4 8v Fabia Estate to use as budget motoring. Loving the juxtaposition of tappety, OHV engine and the VW-quality chassis. Having owned a Citroen AX, Toyota Starlet NA and an old Mini I can't say it's quicker than even any of them, but back doors are a novelty. Being 21 I was surprised at the insurance too, I only have a year's NCB but it's probably due to its lack of pace.

The speakers are much better than I expected to find hooked up to a (now discarded) cassette deck. The wing mirrors vibrate to loud bass and it's still clear. Stuck a large, ironic cone airfilter I had lying around on for the time being which is quiet to cruise but better to listen to on acceleration. No idea how VW signed off those engine mounts, they're so soft! :think:

I am also a recently qualified mechanic (though I am an estimator at an aluminium window company) so I'm hoping I can keep it going way past 100,000. Now it's at 95...

I'm going to search the forums for solutions but the 'character features' are at a glance:

*Oil warning light started flashing the other day and hasn't really stopped since, despite filling with a litre and a half.

*Coolant seems not to be leaking.

*Incontinent with oil.

*Poor fuel economy

*Engine warning light

*Feels hesitant sometimes on acceleration.

*Slightly eccentric idle

*Sticky electric windows

*Crap brakes

I am after some 16" steels to go on it if anyone has any lying around. It's not worth alloys, but I can't stand the 14"s and the wheel trim.

Hi and welcome aboard.

Hello Dethtardis and welcome along

Character features, what a lovely description