1997 Seat Ibiza Cupra Sport 2.0 16v

Summary:

Very good, but you must put up with a lot of design problems

Faults:

The exhaust has all been replaced, steering rack and column also.

Passenger's airbag has been modified to stop noises.

Seat belts replaced due to non returning.

Dront engine mount replaced.

Clutch cable replaced every 10,000 mile service.

General Comments:

The car all in all, and is very competent, but under heavy breaking it squirms a lot.

Far too many small problems with squeaks and rattles.

Poor part standards.

Very poor dealer service, but getting a lot better.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th January, 2001

3rd Feb 2001, 18:28

So I'm not on my own. From the day I brought my 14 SXE (P) it has given me grief. It would cut out when I pulled up to stop at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. This took 2 main dealers 9 months to sort out, in the end they said it was the alanda switch.

The little beast also developed rust on top of both sills where the seam is. To add to my disappointment the exhaust has been replaced from the cat back.

My comment - poor.

1997 Seat Ibiza GTi Cupra Sport 8v 2.0

Summary:

Very underrated hot hatch

Faults:

Heatshield worked loose.

Passenger side door handle stopped working.

ECU became faulty - dry solder on one pin.

Water ingress caused by poor repair of the door handle.

General Comments:

A very underrated car with nippy performance in town and on windy roads.

Added a stainless steel Mongoose exhaust which improved the sound and increased performance slightly.

Price drop is alarming and I am finding it difficult to sell in the current market.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th January, 2001

1997 Seat Ibiza GTi 2.0 8v petrol

Summary:

She is sex on four wheels!!!

Faults:

ECU decided to pack up, which in turn ruined the fuel pump and ignition barrel.

General Comments:

Having owned my little Ibiza for just over two years now I can safely say I love it!

Having lowered her, added some cool M3 mirrors, a DTM Janspeed exhaust, and shed loads of ICE, she is a real head turner.

The guys in the other reviews ain't lying. Even though I have experienced some pretty bad problems, I love the car so much I just carry on.

Saxo's, XR3i's, and the like don't stand a chance.

My advice is that if you can get hold of one, do it... you won't regret it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st January, 2001

1997 Seat Ibiza Cupra F2 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Me and 9 other owner's including a priest have one of these

Faults:

Gearbox had to be rebuilt by Seat Sport UK.

Chews tyres big time.

General Comments:

Only take the car out at the weekend. It's a pity Seat Cupra Sport only built 10 of these. Simply fantastic short throw, 6 speed gear box, 200bhp engine, leather and carbon everywhere. Just every man's dream F2 car for the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th November, 2000

9th Apr 2001, 12:55

1997 Seat Ibiza Cupra F2

To the owner of the car described and the 9 others. I know a little bit about the car but I really need to find out more about it. I know that it was built to customer order only and I know around what it cost. I really need to ask about other details so if anyone knows about this very special car then please let me know. simon@edgestrip.com.

23rd Apr 2006, 11:04

Presumably the priest feels a need to outpace his guardian angel?

1997 Seat Ibiza GTi 16v 2.0 16v petrol

Summary:

Super hot hatch at a bargain price

Faults:

ECU ingested water after 13 months. Replaced under warranty.

Downpipe heatshield rattles. Replaced under warranty.

Plastic runner thing in the driver's door electric window broke under normal use. Out of warranty. Would not sell the plastic part, forced to buy a complete winder unit with a motor for £160.

Sunroof rattles.... dealer could not sort it out.

A/C stopped working, faulty seals and leaking gas, out of warranty (just).

General Comments:

Aside from the problems above, it's a great car and now there are lots of aftermarket accessories available, like engine mods, body kits, suspension upgrades etc. SJB Sport seem to be the tuning people for Seat.

Am waiting for the new Cordoba 1.8T.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th November, 2000

22nd May 2001, 14:08

What a surprise!

I too had a rattling heatsheild after only 2000 miles. Been to dealer to either be repaired or replaced 6 or 7 times (latest dealer theory was a stone trapped in exhaust!!) but starting to rattle again after 35000 miles.

As for the plastic runner on the electric window, mine too broke resulting in the window falling down between the door skin. luckily I still had 10 days warranty left.

I know I should sell the car before I loose too much money, but I will be sad to see a great car go.