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Looking at possibly buying an Ibiza fr tdi!

Adamroberts

Active Member
Apr 9, 2011
141
0
Hi guys!

I have been a member on here for a while (looked at Leon cupra tdi's before) and I am looking at changing my car.

I currently have an mg tf 135 (convertible) and it just isn't practical for me, plus as a student it is pretty expensive to run (it loves petrol).

Now I have started to look at diesels and I have a few options that catchy eye, which are:

Seat Ibiza fr tdi
Fiat grande punto sporting tdi
Fiesta zetec s tdci

I have looked for a cupra tdi too but there aren't many around :(

Now out of the three the fiesta is the best in terms of mpg and tax, followed by the Ibiza and then the punto, all three are similar prices to insure so that isn't a worry really.

The issue with the fiesta is that I have had a fiesta zetec 1.4 before and I just have a feeling that there wont be much difference in the feel of the two which would bore me quite quickly. This is a bit of a problem because this car has got to last me 2 or 3 years until I finish my course and can afford something new.

The issue with the fiat is that I have heard that there is a common issue with both the turbo and the gearbox. These issues cost 350 and about 800 respectively which scares me!

Now with the Ibiza I don't really know of any major issues which is good but this is where you guys come in! Is there anything that I should be aware of before taking the plunge?

I know this is an Ibiza forum but does anyone have any opinions on these three vehicles (good or bad).

Also (thanks for getting this far btw) I have seen two fr tdi's that are within my budget which are fairly close, one of these looks to have a fmic, refurbished black wheels and appears to be lowered. Normally I would be put off with mods but the fmic really got my attention because these are fairly expensive to install and would I be right in saying that there is a high chance of it being re mapped because of the fmic? And if so is there actually any way I can physically check for a remap?

Thanks for reading guys! Any input would be great!

Thanks!
 
My sister has the grand punto 1.3 multijet diesel, really easy and comfy to drive, has a magical engine that never seems to use fuel. I think they look ok too

Go for the Ibiza if you want performance and the punto if you want mpg

Saying that I have just done a 220 mile round trip I'm my remapped tdi and although mostly motorway managed a 63mpg average for the journey
 
Thanks for the reply!

The fiat that I am looking at is the 1.9 multijet so the mpg is much lower than the 1.3.

Do you know of any common faults with the Ibiza that are worth noting, like with the fiat?

I may be wrong in saying this but I read the post and I got the impression that you weren't happy with 63mpg? That's awesome mpg compared to what I get haha! (40-45mpg lol)
 
I cant really comment on the Fiat or the Ford as ive never driven either. In theory the Ford should be a bit cheaper on the cost of parts.

The Ford and the Ibiza are a world apart in image though. My auntie (who is retired) drives a Fiesta zetec but I don’t know any OAP’s driving an Ibiza FR. ;)

Not sure about insurance on the others but I have found the FR quite cheap at (old) group 8, which is very good for the performance. The older design 1.9 Tdi engine is a little noisy (well quite a bit to be honest) when stone cold but quietens down once over 10 mph. Where it shines though its eagerness to rev and feels almost like a petrol. It actually dose not sound too bad in anger either as it has a nice deep growl with the turbo whistle on top.:D

Performance delivery is good for the power. As with all diesels it delivers its best in the mid range which is where you really want for over taking and pulling on to a busy motorway. I don’t hold much for 0-60 times unless you want to kill your clutch and tyres but when looking at them remember that the FR is 6 speed and requires to be in third to hit 60.

The interior is a sporty design but in truth the plastics are cheap and easily scratched. Mine is 4 years old with just 14k miles and already gaining rattles by the day. This is the area where the Vag group obviously saved the pennies compared to VW.

Most common faults are all listed on this forum which are mainly small niggly things. Major breakdowns seem fairly rare. Just search away.

Overall it’s a fun drive for low running costs. Fuel consumption is good and 45-50 mpg around town and 60-65 mpg on a re run are realistic.
 
Thanks for the informative reply!

I know what you mean about the fiesta, they are a bit shopping trolley ish!

One of the ibiza's that has caught my eye has got a forge inter cooler fitted. What sort of performance gains does that give and what sort of value do these have second hand?

Does the reg kc06 eyy ring any bells with anyone? It is a silver Ibiza fr with black wheels and a forge inter cooler. It also looks like it may e lowered.

Thanks!
 
Be willing to cope with the crashy suspension and road noise with the Ibiza.
Having said that, I've just gotten used to the road noise, and I like my music loud anyway. :p The crashy ride still bugs me though.

In my opinion (Although probably biased), I'd have the Ibiza, purely because I think it has the best engine, and arguably, the most reliable, in terms of mechanical problems. Second to that would be the Fiesta. :)
 
Thanks lambro6

I would agree with what you are saying about the Ibiza having the best engine out of the three.

Just called one garage about a black fr and they seemed very good, they answered all of my questions very well and gave me a good valuation on my car.

The only thing is that they are not open on Sunday's, so it looks like I may be taking a trip up next week!

The black Ibiza has 70k on the clock and is a 56 plate, would anyone be put off with this milage and look for one lower or is it nothing to worry about?
 
Yeah I am aware of the face lift, I am making sure that all of the ones I go for are the facelift versions, I just think they look much better!

Thinking about is, 70k on a 6 year old car is only just over 10k a year!

I saw the flip key mod earlier and I really want to do that :p what are the rough costs for doing it?
 
100 sport remapped, 130pd or cupra Tdi all the way, Bullet proof! Did 146k in my last Ibizia tdi no issues what so ever and very cheap to run! Fiesta is abit girly imo and i cant comment on a fiat! personally I love VAG tho so maybe a lil biased!
 
I'd try and get one with low miles, 70k is okay as long as it's been maintained well. Clutch/flywheel changes are more likely to be needed closer to 100k, and if you send it into a garage to be done, I'd imagine you wouldn't see much change from £1k for the job.

But as said, as long as the clutch is still nice and light and there's no nasty vibrations, the clutch and flywheel will be fine.
Adamroberts said:
I saw the flip key mod earlier and I really want to do that :p what are the rough costs for doing it?
Click to expand...
Depends if you want to convert an existing key to a flip key, or you want an additional flip key. Converting an original key to a flip key can be done for under £30. Adding a flip key to your existing compliment is pricier.
 
It turns out that both models I am looking at have full service history which is great!

Its a difficult one though because I have don't know whether to buy a standard one but with 70k or buy a slightly modded one with lower milage....
 
Adamroberts said:
Its a difficult one though because I have don't know whether to buy a standard one but with 70k or buy a slightly modded one with lower milage....
Click to expand...
I'd go and see/drive both and see which you prefer (assuming you haven't already?). And I'd drive the standard one first, so you know what they should be like.
 
I was in the same position as yourself

the fiat I found had an extremely tacky interior
the ford just didn't do it for me, too common maybe?

ibiza is perfect, PD130 remaps to 160-170bhp which is great, and if you are careful with the clutch you won't be paying out to change that, they are well equipped look smart and great fun to drive, £130 tax and I had about 50mpg with very spirirted driving!
 
Yeah I love the fact that it is £115 a year for 130bhp (well 170 with a map)!

I pay double that for the same bhp in petrol :-/
 
Have a good look at the front tyres and make sure the inside edges of them are still there.
Make sure the clutch doesn't rattle on idol or slip when you boot it from 2000 revs.
Make sure all the instruments work.
 
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