2002 Seat Ibiza S 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Wouldn't buy another one

Faults:

The ignition coils went faulty at 10,000 miles, then again at 20,000 miles and again at 30,000 miles. The rear windscreen washer stopped working just 1 year after car was bought new, and again in it's second year. On the dash board the EPC light came on and the car shut down, and started to idle erraticlly, this happened when the car was 3 years old with 40,000 miles the fault was throttle body control was dirty needed cleaned.

General Comments:

This car was voted by "What Car" magazine as the best super mini in 2002, and also won best super mini in "Which" magazine for 3 years running. Only thing that wasn't mentioned was what happens after the 3 year warranty has expired on the car, My experience is it is plagued with electrical faults, even from new. The vehicle has good leg room in the rear if the driver puts his/her seat fully back. For a 1.2 engine the car is extremely quick The air conditioning that came fitted as standard is great. T.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st February, 2006

22nd Feb 2006, 06:31

Strange, I've had a 2002 Ibiza S for 3 years now (30,000 mile), and nothing has ever gone wrong with it.

24th Feb 2006, 14:52

Just as well dealers will be unable to fix.

7th Mar 2006, 05:49

Interesting. I've had an 02 Ibiza 1.2S for a year and a half (bought it at 2 years old) and the ignition coil has just failed. It's also got a dodgy thermostat on the heater, the dashboard lights sometimes flicker, and the boot light doesn't work: electrics are a real problem. Which is a shame because it's comfortable, roomy and great to drive (although having driven my mother's Polo while the Ibiza was in the garage, I have to say the 1.4l engine is much quieter and more refined than the 1.2).

2002 Seat Ibiza Sport 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A fantastic, fun head turner

Faults:

No faults on the car whatsoever.

General Comments:

The cars performance is excellent, it gives most boy racers a surprise as it's quite a rare car.

It's very well equipped & the build quality is excellent.

The handling is fantastic & it's grip is tenacious.

The seats hold you really tightly, but the suspension is quite firm around town. I suppose it's a sacrifice for excellent handling.

The clutch & throttle are very snappy, which make pulling away slightly difficult at times.

The car always gets attention wherever it goes. The fact mine is bright yellow probably helps.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th September, 2005

2002 Seat Ibiza Chill 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Super, except for the storage space in the cabin

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong, though I've only had the car for a few weeks!

General Comments:

I really like this car, and everyone says how good it looks. This is perhaps partly because I made the dealer remove the 'Chill' stickers before I collected it (at least it wasn't the 'Cool' model!) The dealer did a great job, and you'd never know they'd been there. The alloy wheels are beautiful, and really set it off. I'm not an aggressive driver, but was in a hurry and had to do a rapid overtake on a country road the other day. It did it with, I am sure, power to spare, and felt very safe.

I have found it really cheap to run - much cheaper than the Daewoo Matiz I had previously. One tank of petrol lasts more than a month!

The ONLY thing I think is very poor is the lack of interior storage space. When I say 'very' poor, I mean phenominally. Because the seats change height, a road atlas can't be stored there. The glove box is the worst I have seen. Seat decided to make it into a tray. Therefore there is no depth for storage, everything falls out when you open it. There is a drinks holder, but it is useless unless you're sitting with the car stationery, looking at the scenery! It is so shallow, the drink would fall off while driving. I've bought a drinks holder from Halfords and modified the design, so now (as long as there isn't a passenger) I can have a can of drink on a long journey. I am a diabetic, and there is nowhere to keep my testing kit, sugar, etc. Nowhere to store tapes. I am looking for a seat back storage device. Shouldn't be needed! Believe it or not, there is less interior storage space than in the Daewoo Matiz.

Having said all that, with just a few weeks' experience, I am very happy with the car, and enjoy driving it. Despite the issue above, I am glad I bought it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th May, 2005