Buying an Ibiza

[gt driver]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to buy the following spec Ibiza:
2004 Seat Ibiza S
1.2 Litre
64k Miles

Its my first car and i would like to know what i should look out for on this model when considering to buy one.

Also, the guy selling it has just informed me that the interior fan doesn't work. He's assured me that this is a quick fix and isn't a problem. Does anyone know about this as a fault or experienced a similar problem?

Any information/help would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks
GT Driver

 

[andy17]

This is a good thread to look at
http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=108848

And also have a look on 'what car' reviews. Tells you all the things to keep an eye out for

 

[stezo2k]

Listen out of knocks, bangs while going over bumps. also essentially check service history, if the timing chain hasnt been touched it may need checking out (can slip on the 1.2)

i've got the 1.2 myself and its a cracking car, only downside is the power. i would personally go for a pd100 diesel engine, better MPG and faster but thats just me. i think you can get that in the S/SX

 

[gt driver]

Cheers guys.

Keep um comin .

I've read the common faults post too. Correct me if i'm wrong but i'm looking out for:
*Suspension knocks/bumps/rattles - Usually bushes
*Rear windscreen wiper/pipe issues
*Loss of power or 'flat spot' when driving
*Problems with electric windows and regulators
*Misted front/rear light clusters

I'm a bit concerned about the internal air blower not working. Anyone got any advances on what could cause this?

 

[stezo2k]

you've pretty much hit the nail on the head there with those points, those are the main things to look out for. i wouldnt say theres anything else major

the fan thing might be a big issue although theres a chance it could be small. could be a fuse or something or an electronic fault. personally i would tell the seller to sort it before you buy it or get him to reduce it by say £100+ because of the problem

 

[RaggedLob]

Great choice mate, i basically have the same car, check things more thoroughly than you normally would, especially relating Timing chain and ignition coil issues, purely because they can be quite frequent..

Bit concerned about the interior fan not working, could be something simple like a blockage, or more expensive like a pump/compressor failure,

Best advice: get a Buyer's check from the AA..

oh, and Enjoy the car, i love it!

 

[accampos]

well thanks a lot for starting this thread, reason being is that i'm looking to buy a mk4 ibiza as well just got one doubt about it, its a 1.9 tdi 130 bhp but its not the FR is it the same car but with no FR?

cheers boys

 

[conkerman]

Go for the PD100.

A great little caar.

If you are reasonably competent with spanners most of the things that break are not too bad to do. Agree about camchain, if its not been changed. ther will be ones that have been done. Could be a good bargaining chip if you have a tame mechanic.

Window regulators fail as well, common on a lot of cars!

For the one you are looking at, my first thought is walk away unless cheap, sounds like someone elses trouble Fixing cabin fans can be a pain in the proverbial

I would actively recommend you kick the tyres, the front ones, push them backwards with your foot, if they excessive play fore-aft and the movement is loose then the bushes have had it.

I need toget the last of the jobs done on mine ASAP. Got Lazy boy disease at the moment.

Conks

 

[kidinspace]

Pretty much got all you you need to know there on the 1.2, my advice would be to keep it well serviced and you can easily get 400+ to a tank with sensible driving.

well thanks a lot for starting this thread, reason being is that i'm looking to buy a mk4 ibiza as well just got one doubt about it, its a 1.9 tdi 130 bhp but its not the FR is it the same car but with no FR?

cheers boys

From what I understand is all the 1.9 Diesels are the same engine block, but they are mapped to different power levels / turbo's run at different pressures. The names refer to the trim level's too, Cupra is top line (160BHP), FR is one below that(130BHP), and Sport is one down again(100BHP).
I may be wrong...

.G.

 

[accampos]

From what I understand is all the 1.9 Diesels are the same engine block, but they are mapped to different power levels / turbo's run at different pressures. The names refer to the trim level's too, Cupra is top line (160BHP), FR is one below that(130BHP), and Sport is one down again(100BHP).
I may be wrong...

.G.

cheers matey, i was a little bit unsure, then by the looks of it it's a FR but without the nice badges on the seats and all over the car

as for GT Driver, tidy first car

 

[conkerman]

The early 130's weren't FR's as FR's didnt exist back then Mate of mine bough a ver y early 130. Was so impressed we bought a 100. which in turn impressed my mate. Funny old world eh

There are some engine differences iirc. Conrods and other bits and bobs.

The 100 HP motor is great in the Ibiza, pretty nippy. And its very simple to remap.

Conks

 

[ibizasaremylife]

have a 1.2 myself,great first car,nice mods also available fromthe dealer even!!! got a couple of lil bits myself,if ur interested check out my album on my profile