SEAT Ibiza FR (2009 - 2017) 1.4 TSi FR 3d DSG (2009/59) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Young and sporty I guess, though I'm neither!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Everyone likes it, think it looks cool, like the performance and interior.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No - that engine is just too risky for me.

What are you likely to buy next?

Maybe something a bit bigger, like a Golf with a diesel engine probably.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£13,000

When did you buy the car?

February 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looking for something quick but economical, 1.4 TSI engine fits both bills.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Very nice, comfortably cruises at high motorway speeds with plenty of mid-range punch for over-taking.

What's it like to park?

Rear visibility is a little limited, I'd recommend parking sensors (mine didn't come with any). Also be careful if you are parking on the road, the tyres are very low profile and the alloys very easy to kerb - it doesn't help that the sides of the car have a convex shape making it really hard to judge where the wheels are in relation to kerbsides.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Oh yes! Despite having only covered 38,000 miles this has had two replacement engines, the second engine only managed to last around 11 months before it died. There is a pretty serious issue with the 1.4 TSI (in particular the twin charge units used in the FR and Cupra) that lead to engines dying.

What's most practical about your car?

When it works the engine is fantastic - fast when you want it to be, economical when you drive carefully.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The DSG gearbox is nice but takes a while to get used, especially if you are coming from a traditional torque converter auto.