VW Polo Turbos, anybody know anything about them?

[Paradroid]

I own a 64 Plate Polo Blue GT (6C I believe). I got an EPC light about a week ago which has now been diagnosed by me "ex VW Mechanic" as a Turbo failure. Rather annoyingly I have an MOT due in 6 days time and being a self employed "in-house tutor", my car is vital to my earnings. The car has only done 38k miles, are they not supposed to last longer?.

VW have quoted a crazy price of £1600 for a new Turbo Unit (out of the question), there is also a cheaper repair kit available but there are no UK stocks, it needs to be ordered in & wouldn't arrive in time for the MOT.

My Mechanic has suggested I purchase a used unit i.e. a scrapyard Turbo (they go for around £200), he will then order the repair kit in & sort my original unit out to keep for spare?

Does this sound a reasonable suggestion or would I be better off buying a fully refurbished unit? I've found one for £350 (Birmingham) but they also want the original one to be sent to them. This unit is backed by a 2 year warranty. They say its made by Mitsubishi but is compatible??

Just looking for opinions really as this is my first car with a turbo & I'm clueless really.

[iichel]

If it were my car, I'd go with the 200GBP turbo and a repair kit and swap it. Make sure the mechanic changes all the gaskets, O-rings and other seals.
The 1.4 TSI ACT is a very reliable engine, but if it were indeed a turbo failure, that's the best way to do it IMO.

[MJGTI]

Get the is38 on there!