SEAT Ibiza 1.9 TDi S 3d (1999/V) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Cost me £6k from a main dealer with 27k miles and FSH when it was 3 1/2 years old. Starting to depreciate quickly now it's getting older, like most cars in it's class that have been replaced.
Costs
Insurance is higher than you might think, group 7. But economy makes up for this, £30 fills it up and is good for about 450 miles depending how heavy your right foot is. Servicing can be pricey, cost me £240 for a 40k mile service from a SEAT dealer.
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On the road
Driving
Drives perfect for my liking although steering becomes a tad vague when pushing it on the motorway. Neat, sharp, short gearchange. Firm suspension means a harsh ride in town but composed on the A, B & M roads.
Performance
Happy doing 40mph in fifth, drop into 4th and accelerate and the huge mid-range grunt makes overtaking a easy pleasure. Sharp handling. 0-60 is quicker than quoted 12 or so seconds. Be prepared for Turbo lag in 1st gear. Worth the wait though.
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Living with it
Reliability
Never had a mechanical problem in a year of driving it. You can't beat VAG engineering.
Image
Everyone I know seems to like my Ibiza. My wheels are not standard though because the factory steels wheels are awful. Most of the time people are thinking of a Cupra and comparing the differences, but is that a bad thing?
Comfort
Not the most comfortable on long journeys but this car was never built for that. Nice driving position, well set out dash means everything is within easy reach.
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Security and Service
Security
Poor really, only comes with immobiliser. Driver airbag only aswell. The indicators flash when using the remote central locking. No deadlocks.
Service
Had to pay for a courtesy car even though I was handing over neally £250 for the service.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Brakes will wear quickly, as with any Tdi because of lack of engine braking so avoid heavy late braking.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes