Ibiza TDI's - thinking of buying one...
Discussion
Hi all -
I'm looking for a new car to replace my 1.4tdci Fiesta, and an Ibiza is the best contender so far. However, I've never driven a VAG car before, so I'm unaware of any potential problems with them.
I'm looking at the 1.4 TDI's for the low insurance grouping, and the 100bhp 1.9's. Are there any common problems or issues that I should look out for when I'm on the test drive? What common faults do each of the engines have?
I'm under the impression that the 1.9's are near bombproof, but I don't know much about the 1.4's.
Any advice would be appreciated!
I'm looking for a new car to replace my 1.4tdci Fiesta, and an Ibiza is the best contender so far. However, I've never driven a VAG car before, so I'm unaware of any potential problems with them.
I'm looking at the 1.4 TDI's for the low insurance grouping, and the 100bhp 1.9's. Are there any common problems or issues that I should look out for when I'm on the test drive? What common faults do each of the engines have?
I'm under the impression that the 1.9's are near bombproof, but I don't know much about the 1.4's.
Any advice would be appreciated!
Don't know what sort of age you're looking at but I found my sister a 52 plate 1.9 red I tdi a couple of months ago and she's loving it. She does 70 miles a day commute on a mixture of roads from lanes to motorway and a tank is about £40 does aprox 500 miles (she's a fairly sensible driver). Whenever I've driven it it always impresses me with the torque and performance available.
Don't take this the wrong way but it would wipe the floor with your current TDCi Fiesta in terms of performance, I speak from experience having sold Fords for 2 years. Probably not quite as economical as the Fiesta mind.
Don't take this the wrong way but it would wipe the floor with your current TDCi Fiesta in terms of performance, I speak from experience having sold Fords for 2 years. Probably not quite as economical as the Fiesta mind.
1.4 is just a 3-cylinder version of the 1.9, basicly the same engine. 1.9 is the one to go for if you can afford it.
My opinion is they are both very noisy and un-refined compare to a modern common-rail diesel, and the power band is very narrow. Having said that though once the turbo is spooled up they are pretty nippy, and the economy is very good too.
Ibiza is a pretty good car, better than the Polo it is based on in some ways. Not sure about common faults as I don't own one, check this page - http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=...
My opinion is they are both very noisy and un-refined compare to a modern common-rail diesel, and the power band is very narrow. Having said that though once the turbo is spooled up they are pretty nippy, and the economy is very good too.
Ibiza is a pretty good car, better than the Polo it is based on in some ways. Not sure about common faults as I don't own one, check this page - http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=...
Edited by va1o on Saturday 11th April 15:18
If you can stretch to the 130pd tdi go for it. I know its a bit more expensive but fun factor is imense. I bought mine brand new just under 3 years ago and gave it to the wife when I upgraded to the passat in oct (dog and golf clubs). Sadly shes decided she wants to chop it in for a fiesta! Not sure what the 100pd is like but my only criticism of the Ibiza tdi is the poor brakes. 1 brake upgrade later and it wasnt a problem for me.
I have the Ibiza Cupra TDi and its a hoot to drive.The driving position for me is almost perfect.I was also impressed when I loaded it up for a short family break in Windsor.Its very long legged on the motorway and returned an avg of 51mpg despite overall motorway speeds fairly far north of 70mph.
kennym999 said:
If you can stretch to the 130pd tdi go for it. I know its a bit more expensive but fun factor is imense. I bought mine brand new just under 3 years ago and gave it to the wife when I upgraded to the passat in oct (dog and golf clubs). Sadly shes decided she wants to chop it in for a fiesta! Not sure what the 100pd is like but my only criticism of the Ibiza tdi is the poor brakes. 1 brake upgrade later and it wasnt a problem for me.
Fancy a swap? 
How have you all found the reliability of the diesel Ibizas overall, as well as the service quotes? I've spent a fair bit on keeping the Fiesta in a decent state (I service it twice a year due to the mileage I do), so the overall costs will be important... What about things like tyres/exhausts/shocks etc?
And is there a particular mileage I should be wary of? i.e. one where things tend to begin failing?
The 1.9tdi is an ace engine allround, it is not the most refined but makes up for that by being as bomb proof as an engine can be, I have had 4 cars with different versions of this engine, one went to 200k before I sold it, it was still going fine then.
The only thing I ever did to it apart from servicing was had the injectors re done on the Passat at 168k (£350).
A good tip if you are looking at cars with different possible powers outputs is to check the engine code and KW figure to make sure you are buying the correct powered tdi. SOme dealers will say it is a higher powered version when it isnt.
As the above said, make sure it has had regular oil changes with good oil.
I managed to average 70mpg in a golf tdi! (Once and I was trying, but you can't say better than that really)
The only thing I ever did to it apart from servicing was had the injectors re done on the Passat at 168k (£350).
A good tip if you are looking at cars with different possible powers outputs is to check the engine code and KW figure to make sure you are buying the correct powered tdi. SOme dealers will say it is a higher powered version when it isnt.
As the above said, make sure it has had regular oil changes with good oil.
I managed to average 70mpg in a golf tdi! (Once and I was trying, but you can't say better than that really)
Edited by Seez on Tuesday 14th April 17:00 Due to my Crumby Typing
Edited by Seez on Tuesday 14th April 17:05
Hi, I know you're looking at an Ibiza, but if you can handle the 'skoda' name, I can heartily recommend the Fabia vRS (PD130 engine, 1.0tdi, all of them are I think). It's probably similar in price to the 130hp Ibiza and - really not wishing to upset anyone here honest! - I prefer the impression the skoda gives. Its a little Q-car, and you never get hassled by the saxos and corsas when driving it.
edit: sorry I should point out that the Fabia vRS and the Polo GT (9N..or is it N9?) are practically the same car as the Ibiza TDi 130, hence the recommendation.
edit: sorry I should point out that the Fabia vRS and the Polo GT (9N..or is it N9?) are practically the same car as the Ibiza TDi 130, hence the recommendation.
Edited by GT6VRS on Thursday 16th April 15:06
Thanks for the suggestion - I've seen a few vids of a chipped VRS on 'tinterwebs and I know they can be real beasts!
I'd be absolutely fine with a Skoda, but I'm quite keen on how a car handles, and I've looked at Ibiza's because the suspension is meant to be stiffer than other VAG's. Is the VRS still a decent drive?
I'd be absolutely fine with a Skoda, but I'm quite keen on how a car handles, and I've looked at Ibiza's because the suspension is meant to be stiffer than other VAG's. Is the VRS still a decent drive?
Ah.. yes that is where it all goes a little bit wrong. It's not a bad drive, but I think the general consensus is that it's a bit pedestrian/safe feeling and that the cars really should have had a rear Anti-roll bar fitted from the factory. However once fitted, the ride is supposed to be 'transformed'. I'll be ordering mine after pay-day
Build/feel wise, it's very solid, and feels just like a recent polo. Not sure how the Ibiza's feel on that front so cant compare.
Build/feel wise, it's very solid, and feels just like a recent polo. Not sure how the Ibiza's feel on that front so cant compare.
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