2001 Seat Ibiza 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Disappointing, very disappointing!!

Faults:

....I can already feel the misery setting in and I'm not even trying to drive that car.

I hate to sound ungrateful, but I can only be honest!

I've had this Seat Ibiza for roughly 4 months now and I hate it! It has no 5th gear; it will slide into position, but when my foot goes down on the accelerator, it sounds like it's not in gear.

The clutch is so stiff it gives me leg ache, and it's so high that each time I change gear, I find myself swinging on my steering wheel, left to dip my clutch, then right to accelerate and continue with my drive!

I tried to lock the car on Thursday last week, before spinning the key in its lock a few times in the same direction. I pulled out the key and the barrel came out with it... what is that...!

I had to leave the car at work as it wouldn't stay started; my other half did something so we were able to bring it home, but now I have to climb out of the passenger door and walk away from the car without locking it. The part needed is on its way and soon it will be fixed!

If it rains I get a wet left foot - water drips in from near the clutch! I have to take a spare pair of shoes to work or wherever I'm going; if not I have a day with a wet foot... not too comfortable!

New set of spark plugs gone on it...

There is so much wrong with these cars. I still have more to whinge about, but my thumb is starting to go limp!

I love to drive, and while trying to drive this Seat Ibiza, I'm slowly forgetting what driving should really feel like. This is sad and no car should make anyone feel like that!

General Comments:

Stay away if you like to keep a smile on your face!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th June, 2015

9th Jun 2015, 09:53

Welcome to the world of VAG ownership. It's a love/hate relationship. Most love the way it rides and handles, but then the (un)reliability sets in.

#1 - you really should have test drove the car with a more critical eye. The clutch issue would have reared its ugly head before you bought it.

#2 - if you have a sunroof, check to make sure that the drains (usually located on either side of the opening in the front, if I recall correctly) aren't blocked. Don't use compressed air, or you may blow the hoses off the connectors. Just take a stiffer wire (but not with a ragged end) and try to run it down the drain line. This was a typical problem with VAG products, in the past.

#3 - Door locks and window regulators (gears or motors that raise and lower the glass) were chronic, and not cheap to repair, problems in the past.

10th Jun 2015, 21:35

Don't get me wrong - I DO sympathise with you, but is a 14 year old car...

2001 Seat Ibiza Chill 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good value so far for its age

Faults:

My daughters Seat Chill misfires, and does not accelerate at about 50MPH at times, which we have narrowed down to damp mornings. It will be fine while dry. Garage suggested we change the plugs, HT leads and coil unit. I will change plugs and leads, and wait to see if problem clears before changing the coil unit. The wasted spark coil unit fires on two cylinders at a time, so the ignition problem will affect two cylinders at a time, and this is probably the case. A previous comment said a garage called this a serious engine problem; not the case at all, just a nuisance that can happen on all petrol cars; HT leads and plugs need changing eventually.

Hard clutch, but solved by lubricating input shaft into gearbox casing with 3 in 1 oil or engine oil.

Only one door lock, failed, so got in through boot; easily fixed by garage, small part in door changed.

Engine light comes on now and again, probably related to misfire; not a problem, clears itself.

General Comments:

Nice car to drive.

Handles well.

Good spec.

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

Review Date: 20th February, 2011