1996 Seat Ibiza Salsa 1.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A low maintenence, ideal first car

Faults:

The bumpers have faded in colour badly and "back to black" spray didn't work.

The fanbelt went faulty at 61000 miles.

The bonnet opener snapped and the bonnet also doesn't close properly.

The paint is rusting in spots at 6 years old.

General Comments:

This car is very nippy for a 1L. The pickup speed is slow, but it will comfortably do 70mph.

The front seats are uncomfortable.

The doors are too heavy for the size of the car.

Fuel consumption is quite high.

I crashed this car at low speed into the rear of another car and the whole front practically fell off; bumper, headlights the lot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th September, 2002

1996 Seat Ibiza Salsa 1.0 Litre from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An ideal first-time car

Faults:

The alternator went. The new one was not fitted right, therefore the drive-belt came off more than once. Water leaked into the cylinder block which led the car to be running on three cylinders instead of four. The handbrake itself broke off from the floor of the car. I had to pull-up the carpet on the floor and weld it back (tricky job). The handle on the drivers side door had a mind of it`s own. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it did not (it always seemed to be broke when my hands were full and it would be raining!!!). The fan behind the radiator broke which made my car overheat when in traffic.

General Comments:

It`s a great cheap car apart from problems I had. However I know it`s only a one litre, but it is as slow as a tractor. There is no power whatsoever. The inside is nice and there is plenty of room (mine is only three-door!!).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th May, 2002

1996 Seat Ibiza GT 16v 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Economic, yet a fast and fun car to drive

Faults:

ECU became faulty causing the immobiliser to fail intermittently.

Cam belt failed at 54000 miles.

Power steering problems when cold.

General Comments:

I initially bought this car for its looks as it was purple with nice 16" alloy wheels and only had 23000 miles on it.

It's very well equipped with electric windows, power steering, ABS and electric mirrors.

Off the mark it's fairly rapid with a 0-60 around 8 seconds, but top speed is only around 125mph and you have to push it to get there.

Handling is excellent, with very responsive steering, but this is at the expense of comfort as the ride is very harsh due to the stiff suspension.

The seats are comfortable with the GTI logo embroided into them. The driver's seat is height adjustable.

For a GTi I've managed to get 45mpg on a good run. Not bad for a performance car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st August, 2001

28th Jun 2004, 02:55

A top speed of 125mph from a 1.8 litre engine... what more do you expect?

10th Jan 2005, 16:38

The Cupra 16v is a 2.0 litre I think you'll find...

13th Jul 2005, 13:02

No there is a 2.0 Litre and a 1.8 GT 16 valve, mines purple and very quick 147 BHP well worth the money I paid £1750 with only 71000 on the clock, but 1.8 very rare.

12th Dec 2008, 03:40

Hello!

My name is Nick and I come from Croatia! I have an Ibiza 1.8 16V and I think it's a hell of a ride!

Maybe it is a problem to start the engine because of this stupid code, but once you solve this problem it won't happen again!!

1996 Seat Ibiza CLX 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Excellent all-rounder

Faults:

Nothing!

General Comments:

This car is extremely reliable no matter what the weather conditions. It is fast, economical and comfortable.

The only (minor) quibble that I have with it is the lack of interior shelves for stuff.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th March, 2001

1996 Seat Ibiza CLS 1.4i petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A slow but well built runabout

Faults:

Brake caliper had to be replaced.

Left wheel bearing needed replacing.

Rocker cover gasket needed replacing on 45,000 miles.

General Comments:

Decent enough car with good comfort and reliability.

Very slow however for a 1.4i - 0-60 in 15 seconds. Far slower than my previous car - an AX GT.

Reasonably good value car if somewhat unspectacular.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th February, 2001

10th Jan 2002, 08:32

My girlfriend has one, she thrashes the life out of it, doesn't look after it, won't service it and it still refuses to break. I'm glad she doesn't treat me like her car.

It must be built like a tank.

1996 Seat Ibiza CLS 1.9 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Economical

Faults:

I have only had it a month now, I've had no problems yet.

General Comments:

A good economical car, which is fairly nippy for a diesel.

On the downside it's a bit noisy and rattles when cold (The whole dashboard shakes). It's a good looking car, but the build quality needs improving, the door trims are plasticy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 2000