Choosing a SEAT TDI - Advice Required

[towser]

Hi - I've narrowed my search for a car down to two models:

Pre-Reg Ibiza 1.9 TDI FR ( 130 bhp ) - next to delivery mileage, very good price. Test drove it last night and it was an impressive car for the money.

1 year old Leon 1.9 TDI FR ( 150 bhp ) - test driving at weekend, about £2k more than the Ibiza for an older / higher mileage car. No convinced it's worth that extra money on paper - may change my mind when I drive it however.

As I'm a SEAT newbie was really looking for some expert views on the choice above. I'm really looking for a good commuting car that will return good mpg but also have a bit of edge and fun potential should I need it. Not too bothered about interior space / load carrying etc....

Any help much appreciated.

towser....

 

[skullmunki]

I'm really looking for a good commuting car that will return good mpg but also have a bit of edge and fun potential should I need it. Not too bothered about interior space / load carrying etc....

Any help much appreciated.

towser....

think you have kind of answered your own question there!

 

[UncleFester]

Agreed - if you don't need the extra space of the Leon the Ibiza will be fine. There's a difference in ride quality though as the Leon is a bigger heavier car. Whether you think the Leon is £2k better than the Ibiza is something only a test drive will tell you.

 

[thebeno]

Hi - I've narrowed my search for a car down to two models:

Pre-Reg Ibiza 1.9 TDI FR ( 130 bhp ) - next to delivery mileage, very good price. Test drove it last night and it was an impressive car for the money.

1 year old Leon 1.9 TDI FR ( 150 bhp ) - test driving at weekend, about £2k more than the Ibiza for an older / higher mileage car. No convinced it's worth that extra money on paper - may change my mind when I drive it however.

As I'm a SEAT newbie was really looking for some expert views on the choice above. I'm really looking for a good commuting car that will return good mpg but also have a bit of edge and fun potential should I need it. Not too bothered about interior space / load carrying etc....

Any help much appreciated.

towser....

2k well spent IMO. Fantastic car, fantastic fun, fantastic economy...

Fantastic!!

 

[jonjay]

I feel the Leon interior is better. As for the mechanical aspect they are both fantasic.

 

[sssstew]

think you have kind of answered your own question there!

thats what i was thinking.

 

[towser]

thats what i was thinking.

So performance wise the Leon and the Ibiza are fairly evenly matched? Assume it's fairly equal also in terms of standard equipment / trim etc?

 

[Ant FR]

yep, plus the leon is an older design and does look a little more dated compared to the mk4 Ibiza.

Values could tale of a little quicker on the leon too as the Leon 2.0tdi Mk2 starts to take its natural place in the market. the mk1 cupra / fr tdi is still a bit artificially high at the moment, and this will start dropping soon. Bear in mind you can also get a 2.0 tdi Golf for the same price as the 1.9tdi leon cupra......

 

[Ol' Timer]

They are both good cars and the only real way to decide is to drive both and see if you prefer one to the other.

The main criticism of the Ibiza seems to be the ride but if you've already driven one and been impressed that shouldn't be a problem.

The Leon is slightly more grown up in its image and behaviour, although to look at it the other way the Ibiza is slightly more edgy and fun. As Ant FR says the Ibiza is also a newer model than the Leon.

They are both pretty well equipped, although the materials and components used in the Leon are possibly slightly more substantial. You are looking at the facelifted Ibiza, however, and I think the differences are less than on earlier models. The latest Ibizas have all the equipment you really need, including climate control, fully adjustable steering wheel and even a height adjustable passenger seat. You do lose some things like a soft feel coating on the door pulls but, as these disintegrated on my Leon and had to be replaced, I am all for simplicity.

One big difference is that the Leon is only available as a five door whereas the Ibiza can be bought in three door form. I personally prefer three door cars, especially as there is a history of Leons letting in water through the doors, so there are two less doors to leak.

As I said, they are both good cars – surprisingly fast, decent handling and excellent economy – so I would expect you to be happy with whichever one you chose.

 

[muddyboots]

Buy the Ibiza and spend the £2k on goodies for it, you might as well succumb now it'll happen anyway