Is the Seat Ibiza reliable?
While there are known issues with the Ibiza (see below), reliabilty shouldn’t be a cause for concern. That being said, the Ibiza was below-average in What Car?’s reliabilty index, while Seat as a brand performed better with a ‘good’ rating overall placing it ahead of Volkswagen.
With a large dealer network and a number of independent specialists, sourcing parts for an Ibiza won’t be an issue.
Engine: The 1.2 TSI is driven by a chain, which needs to be replaced every 40,000-60,000 miles. Listen out for any rattling because this could be an early indicator of the chain or tensioner failing.
Be wary of the TDI’s diesel particulate filters and exhaust gas recirculation valves getting blocked. Take any potential buy for a long test drive and check it doesn’t go into limp mode.
A loss of power, an oil leak, smoke or overheating can all be signs of turbo failure and affect cars with more than 70k miles.Early petrol models can suffer from coil pack failure. A rough idle is a clear indicator and only a replacement can solve it.
The ‘twin-charger’ 1.4 of the Cupra and Bocanegra suffers from turbo failure, misfires and oil problems.
Gearbox: If considering a car with the DSG automatic, ensure the gearbox oil has been changed every 40,000 miles and check it shifts up through the gears smoothly.
Body: The Ibiza is popular with first-time drivers, commuters and families alike so check the bodywork carefully for bumps and scars.
Air conditioning: Condensers and radiators can leak, causing a loss of pressure. Listen out for any hissing and make sure you get an icy blast of cold air when turning it on.
Windows: Electric motors can fail. Swapping the motor is the only cure.
Rear wipers: The pipe that feeds the rear wiper washer can come away from its housing and leak fluid into the boot. Simply reconnecting the pipe sorts it.
An expert’s view
Mark Williams, The Lion Garage: “The most trouble we’ve ever had with the smaller-capacity, turbocharged Ibizas is the actuator, which is electronic. It can fail if water gets into the plug, or the arm between the actuator and the turbo itself can seize, putting the car into limp mode. Overall, they’re pretty bulletproof cars, though. My favourite engine would be the 1.4 TSI. They tend to be pretty good, but then there’s nothing wrong with the late-generation 1.2. FR trim is probably the best.”
Also worth knowing
The fourth-gen Ibiza came in three bodystyles: five-door hatchback, three-door Sport Coupé (SC) and ST estate.
If you’re after a warmed-up Ibiza, go for the Cupra, with its turbocharged and supercharged 1.4-litre petrol sending 178bhp to the front wheels.
Seat also fitted this engine to the super-stylish Bocanegra (identifiable, appropriately, by a black ‘mouth’).
