Buy a VW if you can afford it
Alarm stops working once a month.
Ignition failed twice.
Battery / Connection problem that can cause the car to die.
Not a bad car.
The car does have some issues with reliability. This wouldn't put me off buying another one, but I will probably go for a main stream make next time.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st October, 2002
Italian styling and German engineering- the best of both worlds!
Nothing yet!
An excellent car! A very good Fiesta, Corsa or Polo alternative -and a bit rarer too!
I believe that this was one of the last runs of pre-facelift Ibizas sold in the UK, so I guess that SEAT had increased the equipment levels to shift them quick.
It's appearance is a cross between a small Audi/VW and an Alfa Romeo. It looks sporty, with it's colour coded bumpers, rear spoiler and 14 inch wheels.
The interior features sports seats and is generally very well equipped.
It may not be high performance, but it does over 70 mph, reasonably quick off the mark and so its good enough for me. Although I wouldn't say no to a Cupra next time!
A few minor complaints are as follows: the boot needs a good slam before it shuts properly; rear wiper control often sets off the the rear wash wipe when not needed and also the absence of ABS- an important safety feature that should have been standard on all cars years ago!
The car is the ideal if, like me, you don't carry rear passengers too often. The rear doors are small and the 60 bhp engine does struggle when 4-up.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th September, 2002
Re: the comment above - I know that SEAT is a Spanish marque. I stated that the car had Italian STYLING, not Italian ORIGINS.
I have just lost my Seat Ibiza 1999 model - and am really upset as it is an excellent car! All round, I was unsure of purchasing first off, but after 15 months and nearly 20k miles ridden she finally had her last legs... or wheels should I say!
I HAVE had issues though - firstly, gears seized up, not good... thermostat went, which a Breakdown Cover Firm completely messed up and ruined part of my engine. Next the car wouldn't start up, had ECU diagnostic complete and nothing was found. The mechanics then decided to take off my air meter extender pipe and the car now sounds beefy without it, but it's not good. She finally broke down on me 2 weeks ago, the timing belt went, not hard to fix but the 1st value had got no pressure!
I have been assured she IS going back on the road though, so am happy for that! It will be nice to see another girly girl with my black and pink Ibiza.
But as time stands it's a newbie car for me!
A solid, reliable and enjoyable hot hatch
The clutch cable was rather sticky which lead to a a stiff clutch action. Since replaced.
The car is quite quick with a usable low down power range. However the car does not like to be revved too hard.
It handles very well when cornering and certainly goes where you point it. In addition, at speed, in a straight line, the car feels very solid indeed.
The cabin is not the most inspired, however the switches and buttons feel solid and everything is where you would expect and want it to be.
The seats are comfortable and supportive, and with height adjustment on the steering column and seat it is easy to obtain a comfortable driving position.
The cars appearance is easy on the eye and being black is not too overstated.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th June, 2002
23rd Jan 2004, 05:06
Italian Style you say?
For god's shake, SEAT Ibiza is a Spanish make!!!