Fabia Vs Ibiza Vs Polo

[Dan_1981]

I think i'm right in assuming that these are basically the same three cars with a different body more or less?

Looking for the GF and have at the max 2k to spend.

She's only 21 but does have three years no claims, so if petrol needs to be no more than the 1.4 and if diesel - i'm not sure which engine would be insurable?

I believe the 1.0 is painfully slow as is the Sdi?

Looking for any pointers on any of these cars what to look for / what not to buy etc

Age range hoping for prob a 99/00 Polo, a 00/02 Ibiza and similar for the Fabia.

Cheers

Dan

[Dr G]

1.4 16v is a thoroughly decent little donk in these cars

[va1o]

Dr G said:

1.4 16v is a thoroughly decent little donk in these cars

Any of the 1.4s, petrol or diesel, are the ones to go for.

Avoid the SDIs and 1.0 models they are glacially slow.

BTW slightly off-topic but I'm sure you used to have a lot more posts OP, or have you made a new account?

Edited by va1o on Monday 6th July 02:39

[dxg]

I would avoid the high-mileage 1.4 petrols. Notoriusly short-lived unit.

The 3 cylinder 1.4 TDI is the one to go for (not sure if you'll get one in that budget, though).

Or the 65hp version of the 3 cylinder petrol, not the 55hp (not enough power for the weight).

[va1o]

dxg said:

Or the 65hp version of the 3 cylinder petrol, not the 55hp (not enough power for the weight).

Good call but the 3-cylinder would mean a 2002 onwards polo/ibiza (not sure about fabia) which would probably be over 2k?

[Dan_1981]

Thanks guys, i'll continue the search!

And yeah Va1o - this is a "new" account, my other one erm.... well lets just leave it at two years and 2000+ posts kinda stopped working.

Edited by Dan_1981 on Monday 6th July 09:33

[Deva Link]

va1o said:

dxg said:

Or the 65hp version of the 3 cylinder petrol, not the 55hp (not enough power for the weight).

Good call but the 3-cylinder would mean a 2002 onwards polo/ibiza (not sure about fabia) which would probably be over 2k?

The older 3cyl 1.2's had an issue with the timing chain tensioner that caused the chain to jump and it does a lot of damage. It was modified from about mid 2003 so if you get an older one then make sure it's been done or get it done.

We have a later (54 reg) Ibiza 1.2S and it's not a bad car, but it does eat suspension bushes - don't know if the earlier ones are the same, but it's a chunky amount to get then changed. Ours failed MOT at 34K miles due to bushes and also problems with the rear drum brake uneven application, they're not part of the service schedule although they had been cleaned and lubed once before.

[Dan_1981]

Oh and just one other questions - how long will the diesels go on for?

Seen this -

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLK...

Which seems quite tidy - however after speaking to the owner its done 130k, and it seems asimilar story with many of the other diesels on offer.

[va1o]

The Blue TDi looks OK, just make sure its in good condition will full service history and has had all neccssary parts changed etc.

[Dan_1981]

va1o said:

The Blue TDi looks OK, just make sure its in good condition will full service history and has had all neccssary parts changed etc.

Neccesary parts changed?

Imagining that its a full service history what inparticular should i be looking at having been changed?

Lots of questions i know - sorry about that!