Newbie. 1.2 SX? Thoughts...

[MattyB801]

Hi all,

Brand spanking box fresh newbie here. (Been around alot of other forums for years tho). Learnt that the most info you can gather before buying a car the better, so here i am....

The missus is looking to buy herself a Mk4 1.2 SX Ibiza. Having just sold her Mini Cooper (pile of pants), shes after something reliable, economical and safe. Thoughts turned to the Corsa C, Micra and Fiesta mk6 but all have been discounted for looking crap. The ibiza seems good value and fully loaded really?

Currently trawlling Piston heads and auto trader, which has thrown up some nice low mile 04/05 models for around £4k which is nice.

Thing is, what else can you lads tell me about them? Most of her driving is round town, but my main worry is that the 1.2 3 potter really will faulter on dual carriageways and motorways? Is it worth the extra for the 1.4? From what i can see there are no MAJOR faults on these really?

Anyway, i'll let u lot do the talkin now....cheers.

Matt

 

[MattyB801]

Further reading has showed that there are in fact timing chain problems with these cars? Is the fault common? Should i look for a 2005 car instead? hmm worried now

 

[tom_iza]

hi Matty ive got a 1.2sx ibiza and have had no problems, its not being to the garage since i bought it and its used everyday. Its goin for a service in a couple of weeks and thats about it!

 

[tom_iza]

ive had it since january

 

[Guinness]

the 1.2 doesnt really have a massive problem with the timing chain as seat do a kit to fix this problem (not massivley expensive).. If she does mostly town driving the 1.2 will be better as the 1.4 is a bit slugish off the line but does have the better rev range on motorways.

The 1.2 for being a 3 potter 12v isnt too bad. I had one and it was a lot quicker than my mates corsa's, new micras etc. Plus you get high 40s for MPG and having a mate with a 1.2SX I can say it comes with a lot of good gear and defo a lot more than other 1.2 cars. I mean your lucky if a 1.2 comes with aircon let alone climate control.

If the timing chain puts you off a bit, then a PD100 might be an idea group 5 insurance 100bhp, 50+mpg easily achievable.

 

[lil3520]

bought my wife a 54 IBIZA 1.2 SX. 3 DR. WHAT CAN I SAY, SHE LOVES IT.

SHE USED TO HAVE A 1.2 CORSA. SHE FINDS THE IBIZA QUICKER THAN HER CORSA.

Took wife and the IBIZA down to OXFORD for lunch yesterday. great drive. touched 100 mph no problem. was very surprised how quick it was and a joy to drive.

 

[MattyB801]

Thanks for the replies.

I think the TDis are a little out of price range (only got about 4300 at very max) - but i would be well up for one otherwise. low down torque would suit her massively!

Thing is, once we've bought the car, we wont really want to start paying out £200-400 for a new timing chain kit as a precaution. Especially if the car has sub 30k - it seems crazy! I believe the modified timing chain kit was introduced on cars from 2005? If this is the case, it might be worth holding out for a later model?

As for the spec - its MASSIVE on the the 1.2 SX compared to the fiesta, micra etc. And by the sounds of it, you guys seem more than happy with the performance?

Sounds good so far!

Matt

 

[tdi_chris]

hi mate, my 1st car was a 1.2sx but a 52 reg and it was brilliant, put up with loads of abuse and never had any problems! I've now got a 1.4tdi sx which is just as good but a bit quicker now its remapped the 1.2 engine has a nice sound and is quite nippy low down. good choice if you get one

 

[MattyB801]

Cool, cheers.

Nice selection of 1.2 SX's available at the mo! Many with sub 30k for about £4000. The metallic grey or ice blue would be nice!!

Hopefully the closer we get to xmas, the more people will be willing to let their cars go for a little less cheeky but hey...

If anyone knows of any low mile minters that come up, give us a PM!

Matt