SEAT Ibiza hatchback (2008-2017) | owner reviews: MPG, Problems & Reliability

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I've experienced one problem after another with this car. I picked this car for it's style and performance which are both good and it still had 1 year of manufacturer's warranty left which was fortunate. It went into the workshop in the first 2 months of owning it because it burned a litre of oil every 500 miles. This was fixed under warranty but oil still needs topping up and SEAT insist this is normal 2 months after that the radiator went. The car had 22,000 miles on it and the warranty was 1 week out but to SEAT's credit they paid for it. It took weeks to fix because they couldn't source a radiator for my car and wanted the courtesy car back that I needed for work Now 18 months later at 40,000 miles the radiator has gone again and despite claiming 2 year parts warranty on the website they insist mine is void and will have to pay to have it fixed.

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I bought the car from new as I wanted something economical for a 50 mile daily commute. I haven't been disappointed, and the car hasn't given me any major problems despite nearly covering 110k. Whilst it is proving to be this cheap to run I will be keeping it. Only problems I have had are with the boot lock, and fuel tank filters failing (which were later the subject of a recall). In order to get the best fuel economy from the car keeping within 50 to 60 mph yields the best results on a longer run.

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Hi, I've had this car since new and in the 5 years since owning i have been very disappointed with its reliability and aftersales service received. I bought from a main dealer. It has done 60,000 miles in 5 years. Given the large number of excellent reviews it could well be the case i have been unlucky but felt the need to write an honest review my experience. My car has been back to the garage for fault repairs a large number of times for repair. I personally feel the number of faults is unreasonable. Some of these have left the car usuable for weeks. Some are minor but the after sales service i have received has also been shocking. Seat have not been interested! On one occasion i was told a component was out of stock and i they would have to hold my car for up to 8 weeks as the part was on back order (i had to refuse to leave the showroom and make a scene before they would even consider providing a courtesy car, then they asked me to pay £12 per day! If you purchase this vehicle the following faults may occur: Day 1 - V.loud rattle in the dash (3-4 visits to resolve, eventually replaced the plastic trim on the dash which solved the problem) Following the above repair the car was returned with the trip computer/ ecu fault - spare keys stop working, immobiliser kicked 6 months - electric mirror knob falls off (unfortunately whilst they were folder up) 18 months - turbo fails, car in limp mode (advised 8 week wait), after i make a scene in the showroom they provide a courtesy car and cover the fee. They miraculously source a part from an alternative source within a week. 18- 28 months - no problems 28-34 - various engine faults unable to diagnose 35 months - took for early service before warranty expiration as engine sound v.loud. Timing chain was about to fail and water pump was leaking. Both were changed 46 months - injector failure (2 injectors) 60 months - epc and engine light, limp mode - currently being diagnosed There has also been a couple of investigations and recalls (bonnet catch, turbo repairs)

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Since I passed I always bought cars from a British make; cars such as Vauxhall or Ford but for a change I went for a seat ibiza. The design is what attracted me to this car. Its very stylish and has eyes turn around. When I found out it its owned by VW and has VW engine built in, i knew this car would be reliable. Now that i have purchased it and driven the car. Positive: Great reliable petrol engine for quick short trips. 1.2 fuel is great, £20 for half a tank and that lasts for a good 2 weeks if driven daily. Road tax, insurance, maintaining all of it is cheap. Affordable and a great price. Negative: Back seats are so uncomfortable but decent enough space for a person to sit. Interior is so basic and lacks quality but hence the great price. If you get a ibiza basic design,no button keys, you will have to open the door manually.

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very bad after sales cluch pedel noise after 1500m still wating for new one after 5 weeks

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Nice well equipped little car and my third SEAT, but plagued with unexpected problems. In theory cheap to run with good mpg and £0 road tax but not after paying out for repairs. Along with the usual expected wear and tear on a car with 48k on the clock, in the last year it has needed a new fuel pump (£350) and a new EGR valve (£1100)

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SEAT Ibiza looks fabulous with efficient performance engine.

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This is my 4th SEAT Ibiza, my previous one was a 1.2 TSI SE Copa with a DSG gearbox. I have always found them comfortable even on long journeys, enough power to cruise on motorways with plenty to spare. It is more economical than the last one as I think they have upped the gear ratios as I get 15 more MPG than the last one. My son bought my last one as it only had 15k miles which daugher-in-law drives and she loves it.

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Solid all round little runner. The 1.2 TDI lacks power on the motorway and overtaking, but that is to be expected from a small economic diesel. The suspension is firm but not noticeably uncomfortable, and the car holds the road well. Interior is lacking in quality materials but the kit is fair and the price is even fairer. Space is adequate for a 3 Dr SC model but I would suggest the 5dr for those regularly having rear seated passengers. I do most of my commuting on the motorway and I'm not the slowest 0-60 driver out there, yet I'm still seeing solid mpg returns. Overall an ideal little hatchback, I've previously owned a 2012 corsa and I much prefer this, from styling to practability.

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Bought the car from new and it is ideal for commuting along single carriageway roads where my speed seldom exceeds 55mph, regularly returning +70mpg. Excellent road holding and grip and like the firmer suspension. I would not like to use it regularly at motorway speeds, but it suits my purpose.

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After a lot of research, I set my heart on getting a SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive. Even though many dealerships tried to get me to buy the petrol model (loads about) I hung on until my local car dealer had one come in for part exchange. Although I wasn't bothered about the colour as long as it did the job, I am pleased to say my gold Tribu 60 plate car is easy to spot in the car park!! I am really happy with the MPG I get out of the car, free tax and cheap as chips insurance. Handles well on the country roads and seems to adjust its response depending on how you drive. One thing I would suggest though is to make sure if you do lots of short trips around town to take it for a 15 min drive in low gear on a motorway, otherwise you will find the DPF won't regenerate. Clever light system, when you have side or main lights on and you are steering to the left the left fog light will come on to light up the kerb and vice versa. Boot is huge for the little hatchback. Would definately recommend this model. Only one gripe is that it is currently in the garage getting a new injector!! Luckily I got a years warranty on the vehicle!! Phew!!

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No problems

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No major problems after known need to change gearbox on purchase. Mileage now 90,000

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Never had a single issue.

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some electrical problems

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had problems with the front lights foging

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rust on all alloys, drums, exhaust, brakes, plastic trim problems inside car,mot fail all after 6 month of buying car

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Never had any problems

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Was recalled for some work, slight inconvenience but covered by warranty. Otherwise no issues.

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Been ok a couple of niggling faults fixed under warranty

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No problems.

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No troubles as yet (touch Wood)

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It has run smoothly since I picked it up and have not had to worry about any oil or coolant change. No problems with any electrics or trimmings

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In the last 2 years I have had no issues at all. Its been a fabulous car

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Most Reliable car owned

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never misses a beat.

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It's never let me down - what more can I say.

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At only a few weeks old it struggled to start, the mpg varies greatly depending on where you fill it with petrol

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Only one minor problem very early on, sorted under guarantee.

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No problems to report, other than 2 recalls for minor things

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always starts . Ac stopped working and had other electrical faults.

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In 1.5 years there's been no problems problems with it at all. It's used quite infrequently but is always fine.

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never had a problem with my lovely seat

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Car was supplied with a dent, which took months to repair

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once had a problem with the DPF system, turns out the engine needed the latest software installing (or something like that)

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x3 new engines replaced under SEAT warranty. Dsg software /mechanical problems.

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Faultless, nothing has worn out, broken or fallen off

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never broken down unexpectedly

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Only problem so far has been a sticky handbrake, other than that fine.

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My car has taken me all over the country to watch touring cars and hasn't missed a beat

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Very reliable car, only called out the breakdown services once in five years, that was to change a tire that had a nail in it

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Various Issues faulty radio, trim issues, and engine idle issues when stopped

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Had a problem with a wheel bearing which took the dealer a while to find but it was done under warranty. No other problems at all.

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it hassnt let me down or cost much on the servicing just a few suspenshion bushes

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Have had some issues, which have been fixed under warranty.

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Always starts never fails

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Very good, although Catalytic converter failed recently.

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Havn't had any problems yet

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Needs a new engine at 15 months old with 10,000 miles on the clock.

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No problems have been identified so far

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Nothing has gone wrong in 15000 miles

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Not had a single problem with it.

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Haven't had an issue to date

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No problems as yet

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Only had one repair

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I'm a driving instructor, doing 30K miles per year, and this is my 3rd Ibiza. I do love them, particularly my current 1.2tsi. I just wish it was more reliable... Timing chain rattle (chain replaced), mis-fire, persistent engine management warning light (they think it's an ECU problem)... Most of this occurred at 45 thousand miles. I'll reluctantly use a Mazda 2 from now on, for reliability reasons. Such a shame, 'cos the build, performance, economy, styling all top notch.

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Well built reliable car and for the running costs performace is good

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Extremely pleased with my car.

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Good economical all cheap drive that provides reliability and comfort for the price.

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Fit for commuting purpose. Average fuel consumption of 74 mpg and zero road tax but unfortunately,compromised. Excessive engine noise and eco tyres are very noisy, which is wearing on my hour each way commute. Otherwise it is satisfying to drive with a narrow but potent powerband and decent ride and handling. Overall, good car ... shame about the dealer!

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Very happy with its reliablity and running costs. it has been excellent value for money and has served us well, covering many miles all over europe on holidays.

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Quick performance for the price

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Great car with no real problems, seats are my main bug bear just not comfortable not like my wife golf which are great. good car good dealer and good manafacturer why pay more money for vw or audi

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I owned an ibiza before, loved that one, love this one even more, like the shaping, the emissions are low and it goes a long way on a tank of diesel.

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So far so good, no faults with the car at all, would reccomend, the power for the engine size is amazing

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Very good performance from the 3 cylinerd 12 valve engine, poor clutch biting point needs lots of revs at low speeds. excellent space and i love the styling the economy is ok could be better.

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Very good.

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Had car for nearly 6 years now and been impressed by its reliability and, for what it is, performance. One problem was that the spring went in the front passenger side wheel but this was due to the cold weather last year. For the money i paid, i am satisfied with this car.

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Superb car thanks to the vw dsg gearbox.

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Great car; very practical and easy to drive and live with, partly due to the performance levels that it can deliver easily. Its harsh ride is the only criticism. Four and a half years using it and still brings a smile to my face when i see it and most of the times i drive it.

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Fine

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The seat ibiza has gone above and beyond my expectations. Changing from a bmw 118d; i was certain i wouldn't find anything "eco" engined that performed like my previous car. We tested vauxhall, peugeot, renaut, ford and citroen - none of them came close. Then we drove past a seat garage and thought it worth a look. An hour (and a test drive) later we walked out having paid the deposit on an ibiza ecomotive 1.2 se. The car is amazing; it grips the road like the bmw, it has a sporty steering wheel (unlike any car we test drove), cruise control, a/c, electric heated and movement mirrors, aux input - i could go on. The car was perfect. Ok, the engine can hum loudly when it starts up; but you soon forget that; it's fun to drive, it looks cool, it gives me over 60 mpg. It may not be as powerful as a 118, but it's spacious in the back, it accelerates perfectly (...once in second) and responds to your every whim. Inside the build quality is brilliant. There's no carpet on the doors - it's plastic but that makes it light (only 1,500kg i've been told) and that gives me great mpg and it still looks great inside - it's not lumpy plastic like the vauxhall; it's fine tuned plastic! Overall, this car has definately been thought through by someone. No other eco car has; they all have faults - this one doesn't in my opinion. It's the best repacement for a bmw ever. If you don't get one you will always regret it; unless you own a bugatti veyron.

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Amazing handling although the road noise is loud due top profile of tyres. Does not have any traction whatsoever ion snow or icy conditions.

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Excellent performance, economy,handling and looks.DSG Box superb in auto for town driving and manual paddleshifts for country roads or trackdays. Handling good but trade off is very harsh ride- makes you nervous if you hit a pot hole. more steering feel also needed (not as good as my focus c-max).

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Economical basic car

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Fun when you want to bash some b roads but not v comfy on long trips

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Reliable and roomy for a small car.

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Still looks like a nice shape of car and is a pretty good runner

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Great all rounder, sporty and fast when you want , or as economical as a diesel with the twin charger engine.

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Love it

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I've only had it 6 months but i've had no problems, except that the wind screen wipers are terrible and should have been replaced by my dealer before resale (so not really the car's fault).

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Living up to its green credentials the seat is proving that buying for ecological and economical reasons works. We have been very pekased with its economy, comfort and usability.

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Amazing car for the price i payd. only hassle is the colour and showing up dirt. Other than the stiching on the seats comming apart the car has been very good to me. still early days yet.

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