Faults:

When I bought the car it had no engine!

The ECU was not working right with the engine and had to be changed (luckily I had a spare one!!

As with all VW/Seat/Skoda's the rear wheel-bearings were on their way out.

The ignition switch is giving trouble, which I will repair when I have more money.

General Comments:

I had a 1995 Ibiza which has done 160,000 miles, and I thought it was time to replace it. I couldn't find any other car I liked, so I decided to get the re-vamped version of the Ibiza. This car is a 3dr. which I think is a much better looking car than the 5dr.

My Mother is still driving my '95 car, and it is still trouble free.

I can only praise the Ibiza, it has once again been great value for money.

I bought the car without an engine and I found it a very easy car to work on. The only real problems I have had are related to the engine transplant.

The car handles like a more expensive sportscar.

The cabin is very quiet, however the seats aren't as comfortable as the ones in my previous Ibiza, I hope to fit the more comfortable Cupra seats soon.

The engine is excellent, and very responsive, there is a noticeable difference in power between the older single point injection engine and the newer mpi engine. The engine is also a lot quieter. I have found myself shocked on a number of occasions when I am going a lot faster than I thought!

This car is excellent on petrol, and I frequently get 450 miles to the tank of petrol in mixed driving conditions.

The 3dr is a really good looking car, which can look even better with a few minor additions. The previous owner of the car added tinted windows, which contrast well with the car's red paintwork, I intend to add some body-colored door handles in the near future.

Faults:

The rear discs have been replaced twice, once under warranty. The front discs weren't replaced until 85,000 miles!

Driver door lock won't work with the key, a peril of using the remote central locking all the time.

Slight corrosion on the alloy wheels.

Side skirt jack point covers are very hard to refit successfully after the first removal.

General Comments:

Wow, what a fabulous car. 100% reliable, bearing in mind I've done 97000 miles now, fast, still looks like new and still has people commenting on it, even after 5 years.

I love everything about it and still glance back after I've locking it, sad I know!

The interior has worn exceptionally well, the orange glow clocks look great at night and the leather wheel, gear and handbrake levers all add to a lovely tactile experience. I have the copper body colour which is certainly the best choice.

Running costs are very low considering it's a GTi. I converted to LPG (liquid petroleum gas) 50,000 miles ago and now pay 35p a litre and still get 30mpg, so I'm getting the cost equivalant of 60mpg!

Insurance is fine, although I am 36 with a full no claims in the north of Scotland!

The biggest saving I can recommend is changing the tyres to 195/50 V15 from the standard size, they fit perfectly and only cost £160 a set of four, a fraction of the standard tyre price.

The only extras I have fitted are a 6 disc cd changer, K&N induction kit and I had the skirts and spoiler painted the body colour which really looks good for such a small outlay.

I usually change cars every 2 or 3 years, but I'm holding on to this one for good I think (and a Celica GT4 purchase is imminent to give me weekend thrills!)

I highly recommend a Cupra Sport, especially when you consider the current second hand prices. Buy one.