SEAT Ibiza (2002 - 2009) 1.2 3d (2003/03) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I make well informed purchases and do not care much for badges.

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

They like its curvy looks and the fact that it is much bigger than it first appears.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would buy another Ibiza but it would have to be a high end diesel or an FR model.

What are you likely to buy next?

Volvo S60, 3 series BMW or an Audi A4.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,700

When did you buy the car?

January 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

I bought privately and got a good deal after some haggling.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted a cheap runabout after owning an expensive sportier Fiat.

What was the dealer like?

N/A

What's it like to drive?

It's quite good actually. Good levels of grip for a chassis this old. Surprisingly pokey 3-cylinder engine.

What's it like to park?

Easy.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Oh yes...within a few months the heater packed up so it was booked into a local SEAT main dealer and the problem was traced to the heater control flap, which is a common fault apparently but still set me back almost £300. Next thing to go wrong was an engine light illuminated and a few days later the airbag light also came on and the reversing lights packed up. I contacted SEAT again who were probably rubbing their hands together at this point and I was duly quoted £100 to put the car on VAG-COM to diagnose the fault plus repairs...I thought 'stuff this' and went to a local auto-electrics garage who traced the fault to a temperature sensor on the engine...fixed for £70 all in.

What's most practical about your car?

The wheels. They are round and help the car to move along smoothly.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The free air you get inside the cabin.