Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.8t - Thinking about buying one

[adam_w_1]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum. I'm from Essex, and have only ever owned diesels (both 206's - a 1.4hdi and a 1.6hdi). Fancied something new, so going to go wild and look into a 1.8t Ibiza Cupra.

What are they like?

Is there anything I should look out for when buying one?

Basically, I've found a really decent low mileage one (30k) on a 55plate that's for sale. Price and spec is very reasonable, however the service history has gone 'missing'. The trader has since replaced the cambelt, water pump, brake fluid and given it a full service/MOT. Despite the work done by the dealer, is the car still a 'safe' purchase?

Common sense says that with only 30k on the clock, major damage should have been done providing the oil levels were kept topped up, however I'm having a niggling doubt about it.

Was an active member of a few peugeot forums, so look forward to learning a lot and helping out where I can on here.

Thanks,

Adam

 

[great_kahn]

I wouldnt buy anything without full service history. Keep looking, no rush.

 

[adam_w_1]

I do agree with the whole service history thing, or did. I've read so many things online that has made me doubt whether it's really THAT important? A lot claim that the car's condition is a better sign of how it's been kept (matching tyres etc.)?

Do you know if there's a way of confirming it's mileage without the service book?

 

[great_kahn]

I do agree with the whole service history thing, or did. I've read so many things online that has made me doubt whether it's really THAT important? A lot claim that the car's condition is a better sign of how it's been kept (matching tyres etc.)?

Do you know if there's a way of confirming it's mileage without the service book?

Old Mot's?

 

[Blanco92]

Definitely do a VOSA check on that car before buying, that gives you the dates and odometer readings at each MOT. They'll help verify the mileage. If the VOSA check comes good I'd consider the car still.

 

[lawrieIbizaMk4]

They're good engines, don't think there's too many problems associated and they're good for tuning. Only down side is its hard to find one that's not been modded or tinkered with! Keep an eye on the for sale sections on the seat forums and a beauty is bound to come up. I've made the mistake of rushing into buying a car and it ended up biting me in the arse! So take your time, at least if its on a forum you get a rough idea of how it's been cared for and what problems it's had (if any)

 

[adam_w_1]

Thanks the advice!
Bought a red cupra petrol recently, and love it to bits!
I don't know why I spent so much time and money on my old diesel - the 1.8t engine is fantastic; flexible, powerful and sounds great.

Already considering visual mods ha

 

[R1ch85]

I'd still consider a car without a full service history. My car doesn't have one but it gets regularly serviced by myself with high quality bits and pieces.

Thanks the advice!
Bought a red cupra petrol recently, and love it to bits!
I don't know why I spent so much time and money on my old diesel - the 1.8t engine is fantastic; flexible, powerful and sounds great.

Already considering visual mods ha

Where abouts are you from? I used to own a red Cupra 1.8T that was for sale round here recently.

 

[adam_w_1]

Yeah I went with it in the end. The car is absolutely immaculate, so would have been silly not to! Got a very comprehensive 15 month warranty too.

I'm from Loughborough, but bought the car from a garage on the M11 near Birchanger services. Not really Bristol way!

I see you've had a play with your Ibiza - what did you have done to get 256/255? 28mpg is respectable with that performance!

 

[R1ch85]

Yeah I went with it in the end. The car is absolutely immaculate, so would have been silly not to! Got a very comprehensive 15 month warranty too.

I'm from Loughborough, but bought the car from a garage on the M11 near Birchanger services. Not really Bristol way!

I see you've had a play with your Ibiza - what did you have done to get 256/255? 28mpg is respectable with that performance!

I've got a hybrid turbo setup, bigger injectors, fuel pump, MAF. Pretty much all the trimmings apart from exhaust manifold and rods. 28mpg is ok as an average lol, I've had up to 33 on a long run, and as low as 21 on a tank too I've a dodgy coilpack at the moment which I really need to sort out.

I've made a couple of changes since those RR results so it should be 260ish by now