SEAT Ibiza (2002 - 2009) 2.0 Sport 3d (2003/53) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Not sure - that I'm young(ish) and sporty perhaps?
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Looks cool, but not sure about SEAT as a manufacturer, despite the Volkswagen ownership.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No - been let down by too many problems. Well-looked after cars with only 50K on the clock should not need suspension rebuilds and new starter motors! Shame, because its a decent car to drive.
What are you likely to buy next?
Something bigger and more reliable - VW Golf maybe? Definitely not another SEAT!
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£6,995
When did you buy the car?
January 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Not bad I guess - the car had very low mileage at the time.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Decent(ish) performance, group 7 insurance, good looks and equipment.
What was the dealer like?
Ok - a Mitsubishi/Kia dealership so they didn't know much about SEATs!
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
2.0 engine has plenty of torque, meaning motorway cruising is easy. Nowhere near enough power to bother Type-R/GTI/Cupra drivers, but performance is still reasonable. However, I can see why they discontinued it for the 150bhp 1.8T unit after just 1 year. Handling is pretty decent, but the ride is very harsh - potholes are a nightmare!
What's it like to park?
Easy - power steering and small size take care of that.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Was ok for the first 2.5 years, but then the problems started...issues with the front suspension (springs, bushes and anti-roll bar needed replacing at 50K), starter motor and engine management sensors (both also at 50K). And I havn't even driven it hard!
What's most practical about your car?
Small, nimble and easy to park - handy when you live in a city!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Traction control and ABS - useful in the snow recently.
