Faults:

The rear discs have been replaced twice, once under warranty. The front discs weren't replaced until 85,000 miles!

Driver door lock won't work with the key, a peril of using the remote central locking all the time.

Slight corrosion on the alloy wheels.

Side skirt jack point covers are very hard to refit successfully after the first removal.

General Comments:

Wow, what a fabulous car. 100% reliable, bearing in mind I've done 97000 miles now, fast, still looks like new and still has people commenting on it, even after 5 years.

I love everything about it and still glance back after I've locking it, sad I know!

The interior has worn exceptionally well, the orange glow clocks look great at night and the leather wheel, gear and handbrake levers all add to a lovely tactile experience. I have the copper body colour which is certainly the best choice.

Running costs are very low considering it's a GTi. I converted to LPG (liquid petroleum gas) 50,000 miles ago and now pay 35p a litre and still get 30mpg, so I'm getting the cost equivalant of 60mpg!

Insurance is fine, although I am 36 with a full no claims in the north of Scotland!

The biggest saving I can recommend is changing the tyres to 195/50 V15 from the standard size, they fit perfectly and only cost £160 a set of four, a fraction of the standard tyre price.

The only extras I have fitted are a 6 disc cd changer, K&N induction kit and I had the skirts and spoiler painted the body colour which really looks good for such a small outlay.

I usually change cars every 2 or 3 years, but I'm holding on to this one for good I think (and a Celica GT4 purchase is imminent to give me weekend thrills!)

I highly recommend a Cupra Sport, especially when you consider the current second hand prices. Buy one.

Faults:

"ECU" needed replacing, which the dealer did under warranty.

...apart from that cannot fault it!

General Comments:

I bought this car for its very cheap insurance group being a 1.4, & the fact it was basically a Volks Wagon Polo with a more attractive shell ;)

After driving a 1.1 Saxo for 2 years, the Ibiza was a vast improvement. Like my Saxo, the Ibiza comes with electric windows & sunroof, great for summer. Although both the saxo & the Ibiza are rated at 60bhp, the Ibiza has a LOT more torque and will cruise at 90mph quite well. Will top out at 105mph with the introduction of a K&N 57i induction kit.

As a student, needed a reliable, cheap car which has Volks Wagon respect. There aren't many about so you stand out in the crowd, & this car doesn't come with the kind of reputation a fiesta or 106/saxo has (bad). It's a more mature car, but still with that sporty image.

Handling is underestimated for the amount of roll. That's why I'm dropping it 40mm & getting sum 17"s very soon. Brilliant car!! Love it!

Faults:

Not a single thing!

General Comments:

Wow!

Regarding by pretty much all as better looking than the VW Polo, the Seat Ibiza is superb value for money. The 1.4 SXe has the exact same engine as the Mk4 Polo (AEX) and Mk3 Golf.

It's very nippy around town and will hit 110 before running out of beans (On a private road obviously).

Engine is very quiet and being VW, will happily see out 120k miles.

Trim: Again, it shares the same interior as it's VW brethren and the trim & extra level is quite impressive. Sun roof, electric windows, power steering & rev counter.

I bought the car after killing my MX5, so was on the hunt for a car with a cheap insurance rating. It stands out amongst the crowd of boring little 1.1 Saxo's and 106's. You simply get much more car for your money.

I would quite happily buy another Seat, as VW seem to spending all of their R&D money on diesel cars these days.