I had a two year love/hate relationship with my cordy 16v which finnished on good terms as i like to.
Follow this list and you ''should'' be alright:
1. Pedal box - this is an expensive one to go wrong, get under the dash and check it well for cracks, signs of bending and snapped welds.
2. Clutch - they are heavy but make sure its free flowing and smooth, as this puts strain on the pedal box and replacing the clutch, cable and box can easily get upto £600!
3. Low miles - the higher the milage the more your gonna spend, 100k miles is brakes, clutch, head gasket, radiator territory.
4. Corrosion - you dont want any of this if possible, once it sets in its going to be a sod to remove with out new panels. Also check the underneath as the brake pipes and exhaust suffer.
5. Exhaust - can be expensive as they are lengthened ones for the cordys and not
ibiza fitment.
6. Service history - can't emphasise this enough, mine had a full one and still cost me £4000 over two years.
7. Sunroof - mechanisms are good at jamming up unless used regularly.
8. Skirts and lights - rare as rocking horse poo and will cost you to replace so make sure the lights are crack free and jacking point covers are present and correct.
Think thats all the major stuff really, can be a very good buy and without a doubt the most fun i've had in a car for the money. There are plenty around if your willing to travel, but dont pay over the odd's they arent worth
ibiza money as not as popular. £1500 really ought to see you in an average mileage mint, late example.
Good luck
