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Ibiza 1.2 buyer - anything to look out for?

bozwellox

Jazz Maveric
Jan 8, 2007
136
0
Oxford
Hi everyone,

I am about to start the hunt for a decent Ibiza 1.2 for my wife and was wondering if anyone has any tips/things to look out for etc. I've seen a few up for grabs at around 50,000 miles - when should the cambelt be changed?

Any help gratefully received!

Cheers. ;)
 

bozwellox

Jazz Maveric
Jan 8, 2007
136
0
Oxford
Only got about £3K max to spend so looking at older ones (02/03/04). So, any advice on what to look for?
 

Matty.

________
Jan 7, 2008
1,058
0
Larkhall, Glasgow
Arite cool, looking for about 4/4.5 for mine :)

Err, trying to think now
From my experience (only a year n a half) check the gear linkages (move gearstick between gears) and see if its rough, its quite fragile the ibiza 1.2 gearbox and mines has been in a few times due to it
Thats all ive had problems with on mine, ive heard some people say about suspension squeeks etc, but that could just be wear and tear.

Think i seen a thread like this or similar, will take a look and let you know
 
Oct 17, 2006
2,141
0
Mid Wales
Hi everyone,

I am about to start the hunt for a decent Ibiza 1.2 for my wife and was wondering if anyone has any tips/things to look out for etc. I've seen a few up for grabs at around 50,000 miles - when should the cambelt be changed?

Any help gratefully received!

Cheers. ;)

The good news is that the 1.2 doesn't have a timing belt - it uses a chain instead. There have been some cases of the tensioner failing causing similar damage to a belt failure, but these aren't that common.
 

Matty.

________
Jan 7, 2008
1,058
0
Larkhall, Glasgow
Yeah forgot to mention, check if the timing chain has been changed on it. As there has been problems with it on some folks ibiza's. Not mine yet fingers crossed

But imo your kinda in a hit and miss with the 1.2, some can be good some can be bad.
Some folk have lotsa problems with them and some folk have none!

Check this link for some more stuff..
http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=176141&highlight=1.2+problems
 

superkully

Full Member
Jul 1, 2004
95
0
- Check the front and rear washer jets to see if they're working. The pipes can freeze and and pop off connecters. Not happened to my front ones but a few times on the rear, not a show-stopper but something to haggle about (you can fix yourself).

- As Matty said, check for squeeks from the suspension - this will be the bushes.

- On cars built before 2004 make sure they have a full service history or had the new improved chain tensioner fitted. My Ibiza '03 1.2 has the old type tensioner but has been serviced on time and is now on 108K miles.

- Don't worry about the engine being a little juddery when idling or a little noisy when cold - this is normal.

- The clutch should be light to depress, if it isn't the hydraulic system needs looking at.

Mmm... what else has gone wrong?

Look for a car which has been well maintained with a proveable service history, I've seen a couple down here being used as learner cars, not sure how to check for this on the V5 but deffo ask.

Sure there are problem cars, but then you get the same with Mercedes and BMWs :)
 

immersion

Auto emoción
Nov 1, 2008
86
0
Ireland
- Check the front and rear washer jets to see if they're working. The pipes can freeze and and pop off connecters. Not happened to my front ones but a few times on the rear, not a show-stopper but something to haggle about (you can fix yourself).

- As Matty said, check for squeeks from the suspension - this will be the bushes.

- On cars built before 2004 make sure they have a full service history or had the new improved chain tensioner fitted. My Ibiza '03 1.2 has the old type tensioner but has been serviced on time and is now on 108K miles.

- Don't worry about the engine being a little juddery when idling or a little noisy when cold - this is normal.

- The clutch should be light to depress, if it isn't the hydraulic system needs looking at.

Mmm... what else has gone wrong?

Look for a car which has been well maintained with a proveable service history, I've seen a couple down here being used as learner cars, not sure how to check for this on the V5 but deffo ask.

Sure there are problem cars, but then you get the same with Mercedes and BMWs :)

Yes this used to annoy me and also when stopped at traffic lights slight vibration but it is only a 3pot! same in all the 1.2's ive driven
 

Altech

Ibiza PD170
Oct 3, 2007
1,996
0
London
Give the front suspension a good looking over, especially the anti roll bar. Any movement can mean new bushes. The parts are fairly cheap to buy but the labour to fit them can add up.
 
Feb 28, 2008
3,990
1
Scotland
yeah watch for your fuel as it seems to disappear if you blink, well mine does anyways, im due to go mental at mine, also watch for anti roll bar and wishbone bushes
 

ettlz

Active Member
Sep 21, 2006
141
0
yeah watch for your fuel as it seems to disappear if you blink, well mine does anyways, im due to go mental at mine, also watch for anti roll bar and wishbone bushes

I think mine does OK on petrol, but The Growl at 5000rpm is definitely something to be enjoyed in moderation!
 

kidinspace

Service Desk Specialist
Dec 3, 2008
1,227
1
Glasgow, Scotland
www.flickr.com
yeah watch for your fuel as it seems to disappear if you blink, well mine does anyways, im due to go mental at mine, also watch for anti roll bar and wishbone bushes

Depends on driving style and how much stuff you bolt onto your car! :p ( ScottHmk4 ) :p

I'm getting about 47 - 50 Mpg / 420-ish Miles to a tank with mine, although I do give it a full service every 8 weeks... :(

.G.
 

stezo2k

Anjuna Monkey
Mar 15, 2008
2,804
1
Dudley
Also check the front lights for condensation, some ibizas suffer with it. not a big problem i know but i can imagine it can be annoying
________
Trichome
 
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