2012- Seat Ibiza 1.2 TSI- Should we buy this car?

[cameroon95]

Hi Guys,

Looking for some information and help here.

My missus is looking at getting a 2012 TSI this weekend, she likes the fact that they are a wee bit nippy and nice looking. We originally looked at the 1.4 Toca Sports but the better performance of the TSI swayed it that way.

Bit of background context- she hasn't had much luck with previous car reliability with clios and golfs and we want to get something she will enjoy driving but be reliable.

I've done some reading online and heard some horror stories of engine failure and timing chain issues( the main reason we went off the ecoboost) on earlier models.

Were these issues fixed by seat on the 2012 model? What should I look out for ?

I don't mind the odd niggles with cars but to read that engine failure is a possibility on such a new car is a bit alarming.

Thanks!

 

[RUM4MO]

Hum:-
1.4 might be slow but very reliable
1.2 TSI 8V and chain driven ------
1.2 TSI 16V and belt driven, can be faster and maybe reliable

 

[camelspyyder]

I've got a 1.4 and its not that slow if you keep the revs up.
I've had a 2014 1.2 TSI 8V for 3 years and it was sweet, much faster than the 1.4 and more refined than the later 1.2 16V.

However in 2012 the correctional modification programme to the 1.2 was still ongoing at Skoda, so probably SEAT too. Maybe look for a 2013 or newer Ibiza.