2005 seat ibiza cupra, what do you think?

[G600]

Has anyone driven one? I'm looking for something fun but not too expensive to run and they look like they could tick the boxes, 180bhp and 35mpg are appealing. If not any ideas for around £3500? I've ruled out the integra type R because I cant find a good one.

[VR46]

Very good cars but for 3.5k I'd look at the leon cupra or golf gti/v6 4mo.

[Codswallop]

Handling is reportedly rather inert. More fun options for you to consider;

Clio 172/182
Civic Type R (just about in budget)
Accord Type R
MG ZS 2.5V6

[G600]

Thanks I thought the handling might not be great, I had a corrado until last week so I'd like something that can live up to that.

The old shape leon and golf just look too bland to me to be honest.
A friend had a clio 172 which went threw a con rod which really put me off (stupid I know but I've always been a bit worried about french reliability anyway)

I didn't realise I could get a civic type R in budget I'll have a look thanks. edit its £400 a year more to insure than the accord

The accord type R I've looked at but as with the integra there aren't many about, my dad had 2 from new so I've always liked them.

Edited by G600 on Saturday 9th June 17:34

[tomsugden]

Audi S3. Great cars, I miss my old one.

[G600]

tomsugden said:

Audi S3. Great cars, I miss my old one.

Just checked and the insurance is high out of interest what are they like to drive? I thought they would be the same as the golf of the same age (ie a bit dull)

[tomsugden]

I had an old shape, 225bhp, 2002 model. Very nice place to be, handled well, and easily capable of 35mpg. The haldex 4wd was also surprisingly good in the snow. A great all round car.

[R0G]

I have a 2008 petrol 1.4 SEAT IBIZA SPORT - in yellow - great drive and economy

[fozzymandeus]

Another reiteration that Haldex 4x4 cars are great for snow. My wife's Audi TT is very reassuring in snow and ice.

A vote against the 1.8t 20V engine though, overall. It's pokey, with no detectable lag, and lots of torque. However it's characterless, gruff and prone to developing vacuum leaks into middle age. Additionally it seems to cook its ignition coils regularly.

Overall though I'd say go for it.

Edit:Duh. I thought you were on about a Leon.

Edited by fozzymandeus on Sunday 10th June 13:21

[Rutter]

R0G said:

I have a 2008 petrol 1.4 SEAT IBIZA SPORT - in yellow - great drive and economy

I have a 2012 petrol 1.4 SEAT IBIZA Cupra - in grey - crap drive and economy

[rb5er]

Plenty of much better cars out there.

CTR's are a bargain now.
ST170
Leon cupra-r
328I
ITR
Racing Puma
etc etc

[Baryonyx]

They didn't seem to sell very many of that generation of Ibiza Cupra. There are many cars I would choose ahead of it though, including a Leon Cupra R 225.

[kazste]

Used to have the diesle version, pulled like a train especially after a remap. Handling isnt great as youd expect but put afront and rear anti roll bar on it and it gets quite nice.
Diesel one will give you 50mpg and better acceleration once moving, but slightly worse handling.

[G600]

Thanks everyone, I've just put a deposit down on a Leon cupra.