Buying a used Ibiza 1.8 20V Turbo

[Andy25]

Hi there

Basically, I'm looking into buying either a Mk3 Ibiza Cupra, or a Mk4 Ibiza FR & I'm looking for a bit of advice.

I've been looking on various websites (Autotrader, Pistonheads, Motors, etc) trying to get a feel for what sort of price I should be paying, etc. I'm preferably looking to buy a Mk4 FR, I don't really want anything more than 60,000 Miles on the clock either, I'm thinking I'll have to pay between £3,500 & £4,000 for something along those lines however I will be paying cash which should knock a little bit off - does this seem about right?

I've been using the search function on the forums to find out what I should be looking for when buying a used Ibiza, and from what I can gather so far, I should be looking for:

• Rear washer pipe can fall off
• Rear wiper may not function
• Creaking or bumping noise when going over bumps
• Boot handle tends to fail
• Electric windows can come off the runners
• Climate control can be an expensive fix if faulty
• Front lights condensating
• Top strut mount bearings creaking when turning steering wheel
• Noise from rear brakes when reversing slowly

The only items on the list which I'd be concerned about is the creaking over bumps, climate control, condesation in lights & creaking when turning the steering wheel.

How can I check if the climate control is working?
Is the condensation in the lights an easy fix?
What causes the noises when going over bumps and / or when turning the steering wheel? Are these to be seriously avoided?

Thanks for reading & thanks in advance for any help!

 

[rf860]

Hi there

Basically, I'm looking into buying either a Mk3 Ibiza Cupra, or a Mk4 Ibiza FR & I'm looking for a bit of advice.

I've been looking on various websites (Autotrader, Pistonheads, Motors, etc) trying to get a feel for what sort of price I should be paying, etc. I'm preferably looking to buy a Mk4 FR, I don't really want anything more than 60,000 Miles on the clock either, I'm thinking I'll have to pay between £3,500 & £4,000 for something along those lines however I will be paying cash which should knock a little bit off - does this seem about right?

I've been using the search function on the forums to find out what I should be looking for when buying a used Ibiza, and from what I can gather so far, I should be looking for:

• Rear washer pipe can fall off
• Rear wiper may not function
• Creaking or bumping noise when going over bumps
• Boot handle tends to fail
• Electric windows can come off the runners
• Climate control can be an expensive fix if faulty
• Front lights condensating
• Top strut mount bearings creaking when turning steering wheel
• Noise from rear brakes when reversing slowly

The only items on the list which I'd be concerned about is the creaking over bumps, climate control, condesation in lights & creaking when turning the steering wheel.

How can I check if the climate control is working?
Is the condensation in the lights an easy fix?
What causes the noises when going over bumps and / or when turning the steering wheel? Are these to be seriously avoided?

Thanks for reading & thanks in advance for any help!

tbh i've not heard of any problems with the climate control. Just make sure all the buttons on the climate control work as they should.

the condensation in the lights is cured by puting small holes on the access covers and/or sticking some silica gel packets to the access cover

the creaking going over bumps is the console bushes on the wishbone, these are VERY common to fail on the mk4, so most owners upgrade to the bushes fitted as standard to the cupra which eliminate the need for them to be done again as they are a solid bush and have no voids in them.

 

[D1x0n]

to be honest with you mate... no matter what car you get it's going to have problems or probelms that can occur in its life, even if its out the showroom. when buyin the car take it for a proper test drive. when i test drove my cupra before purchasing it the, spring snaped with a bang.
(new springs thank you and money off)
new or old your guna get probelms. that the whole experience of buying a car mate.

as for your questions...... ive had none of these probelms (touch wood) so cant comment.

 

[Andy25]

Thanks for the information guys, I suppose I'll just do the normal and check everything I can before buying and hopefully if I look after it and get it serviced regularly, etc it'll stay good to me!

Looking forward to gettong one so much, I can't wait!

I've got the week off work during easter so I'm going to use that time to have a look at a few and hopefully buy one.

When I've been looking about it seems that the closest ones which I'm interested in are 120miles+ away!

 

[D1x0n]

jus dont be a tyre kicker.
run it, boot it, stop, turn and listen.
and check ALL lights and buttons. and ul be fine mate and if you got any probelms then your in the right place

 

[Andy25]

Yeah cool, thanks

Well hopefully in a couple of weeks I can stick a new thread on and show everyone my new motor!

I've been browsing through peoples pictures, etc & have noticed that some of the FR models have an FR gearknob and steering wheel, where as most that I've seen on autotrader don't - is this a custom modification or are these items only included on some FR models?

 

[Lee - Cupra]

I got my mk4 Cupra 5 weeks ago and I'm loving the car more and more, good luck with finding yours

 

[rf860]

Yeah cool, thanks

Well hopefully in a couple of weeks I can stick a new thread on and show everyone my new motor!

I've been browsing through peoples pictures, etc & have noticed that some of the FR models have an FR gearknob and steering wheel, where as most that I've seen on autotrader don't - is this a custom modification or are these items only included on some FR models?

no they will be facelift models which were 56 plate onwards. i just had a quick look and it looks like you will have to get a pre-facelift one on your budget.

 

[Andy25]

I got my mk4 Cupra 5 weeks ago and I'm loving the car more and more, good luck with finding yours

Thanks

Do you mind me asking what mileage was on it and around what price you paid?

Have you got any planned modifications?

no they will be facelift models which were 56 plate onwards. i just had a quick look and it looks like you will have to get a pre-facelift one on your budget.

Oh, I see. That's a shame because I like the look of the steering wheel and gearknob, I suppose these could probably be purchased as aftermarket parts though if I look around maybe..

 

[rf860]

Thanks

Do you mind me asking what mileage was on it and around what price you paid?

Have you got any planned modifications?



Oh, I see. That's a shame because I like the look of the steering wheel and gearknob, I suppose these could probably be purchased as aftermarket parts though if I look around maybe..

they are really expensive to buy as parts from the dealer and chances of you getting them through the likes of ebay are really slim and even still expensive. Gear knob is around £75 and the steering wheel is £200+ from dealer

 

[Andy25]

they are really expensive to buy as parts from the dealer and chances of you getting them through the likes of ebay are really slim and even still expensive. Gear knob is around £75 and the steering wheel is £200+ from dealer

Owch, that's a little steep for a couple of FR badges! lol..

I don't even think the chances of finding one written off at a scrappy are very high at all as you don't see them knocking around too much

Would be more worth my while going for a facelift model instead of trying to add them aftermarket I would imagine.. I suppose they could always just be an afterthought. If I come accross them then great, if not then I'll just have to do without!

 

[luke c]

Just messages you mate

 

[.Phase]

Selling mine =]

but won't be under 4k I'm afraid

good luck finding one, they're pretty sound cars just check services have been done on time!

 

[Lee - Cupra]

Thanks

Do you mind me asking what mileage was on it and around what price you paid?

Have you got any planned modifications?

I paid £5000 for it (from a independent dealer), it has 50000 on the clock and its in mint condition

So far i have fitted:
006 forge dump valve
cone filter
lcr front splitter
Ive fitted carbon fibre vinyl to my roof, rear bumper, front bumper & badges
double din head unit

Today I have just picked up some TT Comp alloys which i will be swapping my tyres over off the cupra alloys tomorrow and fitting them to the car

 

[Andy25]

Just messages you mate

I can't respond to private messages yet, I will do once I'm able too

Selling mine =]

but won't be under 4k I'm afraid

good luck finding one, they're pretty sound cars just check services have been done on time!

Any reason for the sale? Are you going to be buying another SEAT?

I paid £5000 for it (from a independent dealer), it has 50000 on the clock and its in mint condition

So far i have fitted:
006 forge dump valve
cone filter
lcr front splitter
Ive fitted carbon fibre vinyl to my roof, rear bumper, front bumper & badges
double din head unit

Today I have just picked up some TT Comp alloys which i will be swapping my tyres over off the cupra alloys tomorrow and fitting them to the car

Sounds nice, I'd not necessarily be looking to purchase from a dealer, I'm open to buying one privately as long as it's been well looked after and maintained, also I'd go up to 65k so still hoping I can find a bargin out there!

 

[.Phase]

Any reason for the sale? Are you going to be buying another SEAT?

nope none at all, fantastic cars and (I'd bet) you cannot get anything better for the same price!
Remap & RARB = an amazing car, cannot recommend those mods enough! Seriously!

I'm just ungrateful for what I have and want a VX220 for 4 months before I go to university!

 

[Andy25]

nope none at all, fantastic cars and (I'd bet) you cannot get anything better for the same price!
Remap & RARB = an amazing car, cannot recommend those mods enough! Seriously!

I'm just ungrateful for what I have and want a VX220 for 4 months before I go to university!

Well I only decided recently upon a new car and I looked at a few, Clio Sport, Megane Sport, Civic Type R, etc but as soon as I stumbled across the Ibiza's and had a look into it I feel in love!

I must be honest, I looked at this forum and I think that was the main point in my decision!

I'll probably be looking to get it to stage 2 in time, I'd be sure to upgrade the brakes along the way but hadn't thought about the RARB, is it really that good?

 

[.Phase]

Clio sport = no turbo, megane, old one is has ass :/ & new is 16K+ and more insurance, type R has an awful engine, so that's why I chose Ibiza, was cheaper insurance than Leon and cheaper than Polo + more equipment!

this forum is awesome =]
been so useful to me and I've learnt alot ^_^

RARB is amazing, I thought what on earth could a metal bar stuck to the lower screw of the shocks actually do? but corner hard and take roundabouts fast and it really does make a difference, makes the car feel like jelly before!

312mm brakes are also good
mine stop the car dead, the 288's just teeter on the edge of safe imo

good luck with the search!
If you have £6200 you can buy mine

 

[great_kahn]

Clio sport = no turbo, megane, old one is has ass :/ & new is 16K+ and more insurance, type R has an awful engine, so that's why I chose Ibiza, was cheaper insurance than Leon and cheaper than Polo + more equipment!

this forum is awesome =]
been so useful to me and I've learnt alot ^_^

RARB is amazing, I thought what on earth could a metal bar stuck to the lower screw of the shocks actually do? but corner hard and take roundabouts fast and it really does make a difference, makes the car feel like jelly before!

312mm brakes are also good
mine stop the car dead, the 288's just teeter on the edge of safe imo

good luck with the search!
If you have £6200 you can buy mine

Type r, awful engine?

Get a brain charlie.

 

[CJRamze]

Clio sport = no turbo, megane, old one is has ass :/ & new is 16K+ and more insurance, type R has an awful engine, so that's why I chose Ibiza, was cheaper insurance than Leon and cheaper than Polo + more equipment!

this forum is awesome =]
been so useful to me and I've learnt alot ^_^

RARB is amazing, I thought what on earth could a metal bar stuck to the lower screw of the shocks actually do? but corner hard and take roundabouts fast and it really does make a difference, makes the car feel like jelly before!

312mm brakes are also good
mine stop the car dead, the 288's just teeter on the edge of safe imo

good luck with the search!
If you have £6200 you can buy mine

I swapped from a MK4 Ibiza Cupra to a Seat Leon Cupra R MK1 and I've regretted it ever since! Hopefully these few mods I've got now will help out but I love the feel of the MK4 with 20mm spacers, Rear ARB and struts.

It was like a car on rails!

Type R whilst thirsty is one of the most reliable performance engines out there...