1997 Seat Ibiza XL review from UK and Ireland

When I bought the car it had no engine!

The ECU was not working right with the engine and had to be changed (luckily I had a spare one!!

As with all VW/Seat/Skoda's the rear wheel-bearings were on their way out.

The ignition switch is giving trouble, which I will repair when I have more money.

I had a 1995 Ibiza which has done 160,000 miles, and I thought it was time to replace it. I couldn't find any other car I liked, so I decided to get the re-vamped version of the Ibiza. This car is a 3dr. which I think is a much better looking car than the 5dr.

My Mother is still driving my '95 car, and it is still trouble free.

I can only praise the Ibiza, it has once again been great value for money.

I bought the car without an engine and I found it a very easy car to work on. The only real problems I have had are related to the engine transplant.

The car handles like a more expensive sportscar.

The cabin is very quiet, however the seats aren't as comfortable as the ones in my previous Ibiza, I hope to fit the more comfortable Cupra seats soon.

The engine is excellent, and very responsive, there is a noticeable difference in power between the older single point injection engine and the newer mpi engine. The engine is also a lot quieter. I have found myself shocked on a number of occasions when I am going a lot faster than I thought!

This car is excellent on petrol, and I frequently get 450 miles to the tank of petrol in mixed driving conditions.

The 3dr is a really good looking car, which can look even better with a few minor additions. The previous owner of the car added tinted windows, which contrast well with the car's red paintwork, I intend to add some body-colored door handles in the near future.