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Things to look for when buying an Ibiza FR TDi?

landy91

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Hiya folks, been lurking for a week or so but only just registered.

I'm looking to buy an Ibiza FR Tdi as I've basically fallen in love with the looks and, after today, how it drives too.
I had a small drive of a 2006 (sadly post facelift model, so no interior FR styling except for the dash) and I loved it, seemed to drive all top notch but then again I have no experience of diesels.

It has 107k miles and the last service stamp was 96k which isn't bad, but the dealer said they would do a service and give it a stamp for me before they sell it. Cambelt was done at 68k also.

Anything I should look out for or be wary of? Don't want to buy a turkey that's all.

Cheers guys!
 
Offer me enough and I'd sell mine too as I'm wanting a family car now (estate)

Mines also had the cupra dials fitted too which are far nicer and easier to read than the fr ones
 
Thanks for the offers guys but unfortunately I'm not paying cash, else this would be a much easier ordeal. Have to get it financed through a dealer sadly.

Both have nice looking cars though!

Looking at the five doors as it would be easier what with having a kid on the way and that, but they're much more expensive and harder to find...
 
I've got a 17 month old mate, and had no problems whatsoever with my 3dr it's been a great car and does everything

It was fine with the baby seat with isofix base and now I have the recaro expert car seat for him, it fits us 3 easy a pram and can squeeze a full monthly shop in the car too so don't look straight at a 5dr as they don5 offer much more space at all
 
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lee_fr200 said:
I've got a 17 month old mate, and had no problems whatsoever with my 3dr it's been a great car and does everything

It was fine with the baby seat with isofix base and now I have the recaro expert car seat for him, it fits us 3 easy a pram and can squeeze a full monthly shop in the car too so don't look straight at a 5dr as they don5 offer much more space at all
Click to expand...

Okay cool thanks! Only difference is the missus has a two and half year old from her last relationship so won't be the three of us haha. Is it okay for strollers and that? She has this massive Silvercross stroller thing and it only just fits in my Astra now... Bloody women and kids.
 
I have a massive silver cross pram that converts into a stroller and that fits fine, end of the day it's a 5 seater I'm having another child next year and if the ibiza is still around then that will be our transport, I only want a bigger car cos the missus is wanting a couple of dogs
 
Space shouldn't be a problem then, thanks bud. Yeah my missus wants a dog soon too and I won't settle for any thing smaller than a German shepherd haha.
 
Yeah we have had german shepherds our last one died last year, so she's wanting another next year as well as another baby,
If you're wanting to transport the dog as well I suggest an estate as hairs will go everywhere, my dogs are always in the van so my car stays animal free
 
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Agree with lee, I'm a shade over 5 foot and can use baby seat fine in a 3 door fr also with isofix (this is genius lol) I am determined my new baby isn't cramping my style ;) I have the recaro travel system and all fits in fine in the boot, although I would suggest just to be on the safe side take the pram with you to test drives :)

From an engine point if view, just check it's been regularly serviced, u said it's had ITs belt done, n it should be fine. I bought my fr at 55k, also new to diseasals. I got the belt done immediately. In the first year I put on 60k, serviced every 10k (myself) and belt again at 12 months, she's sitting at 125k now and still going strong, she's enjoying a year off the heavy duty commute tho currently as I'm on maternity lol. Engine wise they seem damn solid if looked after :)

Things that have gone wrong for me....not much really! I've got a dodgy lock solenoid problem that quite a few have (open drivers door, car doesn't register it's open so after a small amount if time the car locks itself so if you haven't put the keys in the ignition or opened a door that hadn't got the problem then the alarm goes off lol) . The EGR went in mine so that was replaced, that was roughly at 100k, think the part was £80 from eurocarparts but I waited for a discount code lol and I see now there is another cheaper brand available. Think that's about it other than general wear n tear stuff! Considering the mileage I whacked on her she's surprised me how reliable she's been! Oh aircon check that! Mines not working, said pressure switch needed replacing which got done but still didn't give out cool air when charged, found a replacement pump for it, if that doesn't work our mk4 expert on the forum badger said wiring can be iffy so check ac works if that's something that will bother you (interior screen will flash upon starting the car if there are probs)

A facelift is nice, I love the bumpers and fr seats in mine, only down side is mines a very early facelift so no aux input, but not a problem if like me you're gonna replace the headunit :)

Hope that's helps :)
 
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I've had no real problems with mine tbh, I had the turbo go but that's about it. I'm sat at 82k and the car is a pleasure to own and drive
 
Yep it can, I have a spare engine at I was going to do a big build on so buy mine and get a 2nd engine free lol
 
listen for rattles , get quite alot of them!
air con compressor
dont forget to check EVERYTHING works - so they fix it before you have it
check for leaks as best you can - foot wells , boot lights etc

aside from that there good just make sure its serviced regularly
 
What shape astra? IMO you'll be taking a significant step down in boot size compared to an astra! The ibiza boot is smaller than my old Corsa C for sure.
 
Dual mass fly wheel, has it been replaced?

Look for shaking when idle in nuteral for tell tail signs of it coming to the end of its life.

Make sure both door switches work - i.e. does the interiror light come on when the door is opened with ignition on - the switch is a pain int he **** to get to and wears easily.

Have a listen to the car when rolling over small uneven surfaces, clunking on inclines/cobles can indicate worn drop links.

The fr derv also eats arb buches.

Apart form what other folks have mentioned here i cant think of anything else.
 
Well guys thanks for all the replies!

I've gone ahead and bought it, shall be picking her up thursday and will post pictures for all to see haha. I took a friend of mine, who's a mechanic and a bit of a VAG nut, loves his 1.9 TDIs and he said she's in great nick for the age and mileage. He gave her a little spin and said clutch feels fine and turbo so not worried about that so much any more.
Had a look at the service history and receipts etc, I can't remember specifics but she's had a fair bit of work done by the previous owner, who was a woman (so hopefully she hasn't been ragged around by some young lad!) but it seems she took good care of the car.

Thanks for the info Little Red, very helpful! Except the height thing, I'm a touch over 6'3" so I'll be having that seat right back haha! I'm not worried about the interior styling so much any more as I'll be buying seat covers, being a spark my old car was constantly covered in mud and dust inside so I'm determined to keep this one clean!

I'll probably get her in for a good service once I've saved up a bit of money after buying her, that or I'll get my mate to do it and give him a hand.

Cheers again guys, will let you know how it goes!
 
It's good that you have a decent mechanic friend (and fellow VAG nut) to help you look at the car. I'm sure you won't be disappointed in your recent purchase :)

Get a readers ride started and uploads some pictures!
 
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