After a long, long debate, and a ruined gearbox and other faults I decided to get rid of my Leon Cupra. I had been concidering the change for a while and had been looking for a clean 6n2. All in my local area were absolute dead. I really wanted a well looked after one and I couldn't source one at all.

 

After looking for a couple of months I realised that the problems were amounting on the Leon. I had also had 3 Polo's prior to the Leon, of which I had a mixture of experiences with them all. I contemplated getting a cheaper 9n2 but with the money I had, I wasn't going to get a decent one.

 

I always liked the Up! released by VW but knew it was out of my range. After figuring out how much I was spending on the Leon on petrol, insurance and tax I started to justify getting an Up! on finance. I didn't want to fix the Leon with the amount adding up. I did the maths and found a local '14 plate Up! and could do it on finance cheaper per month than my Leon's insurance was per month. It looked great and after a drive, it also felt surprisingly good for a tiny 1.0l. The change from a 1.8t to the Up! was evidently noticable, but I was more concerned for the financial benefit. I went for it. I got £340 for my Leon and I am due to pick up my Up! next week from the KIA county garage. It comes with a year warranty and the package is over 3 years. I wasn't sure about committing to such a long programme but I think it will help. It's a 3dr Move Up! With a nice set of diamond cut alloys and all I could really need. Small, but efficient without being as dull as an i10 or anything similar.

 

I have a few questions if anyone could help. Firstly, are there any pages similar to this that cater for current Up! Drivers and fans? I'd like to get to know what people have done and any problems I may come across. I've found this page really helpful and have learnt so much as a non-mechanic. I've searched but there only seems to be one Up! page which I think is inactive.

 

My second concern is about mods for the Up! with the car being technically not being owned by me (Yes, feel free to mock all you like) I've heard mixed stories about what you can do to your car. I'm guessing these are at least sensible...

 

- Keep all original parts

- Nothing perminently irreversible

 

I don't intend on doing anything for now, maybe nothing until I have the option to buy the car at least. I am currently paying £XXX a month until the final sum payment. I don't drive like a knob, I look after my cars too. I'm thinking about buying some wind deflectors which I've never put on any of my cars. Same for roof bars. Other than that I'd only really be tempted by coilovers and a nice set of alloys. All these can obviously be put back to standard.

 

one question I have about the roof bars...

 

Without sounding stupid (I know very little about cars) Would a set of Polo bars fit an Up!? I've seen the Thule ones listed and they're ££££. I've seen second hand ones for a lot less. I'm guessing it's a width change in the fixing points, but I don't know if there are a better set or equivalent replacement?

 

If anyone knows anything regarding  what I have asked then I would be extremely greatful. Any other recommendations or ideas would also be appreciated!

 

Thanks.

 

keep life simple and keep it std till you own it