1987 Seat Marbella GL 0.9 petrol

Summary:

The most joyful and practical cheap car I can imagine

Faults:

Nothing serious, the fuel gauge failed at 118000km, but started to function again at 124000km.

Driver's door requires some force to close properly and the lock of the tailgate malfunctioned due to excess dirt (after proper cleaning it works fine).

General Comments:

The car is very pleasant to drive, provided the weather is good and you don't run at above 100km/h. On wet roads you can hear the water thrown from the tires splashing onto the bodywork and you can really feel the wind throwing the car around.

Very economical, average of 5,5 liters/100km, however at 135km/h this increases to 8l/100km.

Very tiny tires (135/70/13), should be replaced with something wider otherwise cornering is an adventure.

Actually you can get some decent performance from the 39 horsepower, but you should keep it above 3500rpm and press hard.

You can fit in almost anything if you remove the rear bench, however that's a risky business since there are no power brakes and a loaded car just CAN'T stop.

The only expenses so far were oil change at 120000km and 2 new tires (135/70's are practically for free).

I have been told that 1100cc, 55 horsepower injection engine from Fiat Panda 4x4 can be mounted as well as bigger engines from Fiat Uno, I am not sure if the car can withstand it?.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th June, 2001

13th Feb 2004, 16:09

I totally agree with all of the comments made. I have recently bought a third hand Seat Marbella and it is the best £225 I have ever spent. It is the funniest car that I have driven. On the straight it does 85mph which the fastest I have ever heard of one going. Quite interesting to drive in the snow!

12th Jan 2008, 02:37

I also agree with reviews that are written here. I just would like to say something new and it's about space in drivers seat. As I am tall around 6 and 4 I had to move front seat from its rails back for a beat (it's well fixed, no fear of moving) so I can seat properly. Bit of improvisation makes it more amusing :)

Cheers to all Marbella fans!