Buying New Seat Ibiza?

[sickular.]

Hi all, new to these here forums. My girlfriend has been looking at a 1996 Seat Ibiza GTi. Its got 137,000km, cat back, lowered and going for $5,500. Looks smexy as in the photos.

I have not had much experiance with SEAT at all so I am wondering what I should be looking for in the car with this many K's, and how much hassle/price to expect for repairs and parts??

And overall are they a good car? And any other relevant info for a pre purchase of one of these would be muchly appreicated.

Thanks for your time.

[Mischa]

5500$ they must be on crack... probably worth half that (if that). welcome to the forum.

[IbizaGTI]

these are great cars! My 95 Gti has got a little less k's on it but has given me no trouble at all.

Do the right thing, take it to get an inspection. check the usual, head, rust, body work etc. but if she's sweet, take it home...
And enjoy the ride :)

Welcome to the forum

[sickular.]

I looked it up on redbook and $5500 is over the redbook value. But also the car is rather rare as there is only ONE ibiza on carsales.com.au. I spose this is a bad indication of availability of parts already.....

It has a nice custom interior and the owner sounds like he has looked after the car. Still do you experts think that he is asking too much for the car?

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/07/37250971-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/07/37250841-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/07/37250811-1.jpg

Also noone has mentioned how getting parts for it is, or if the Ibiza 'requires parts' often....? And do you guys think that you have to be an 'SEAT entusiast' to own and maintain one? I like cars but not THAT knowledgeable on them, Especially Euro cars. Any info is appreciated :)

[Golf Loon]

That looks good mate. Price is a little on the high side, but there are not many out there.

The 8v GTI is the pick of em, engine and gearbox is bulletproof and all mechanical parts are same as Mk3 Golf GL.

The only things that are tricky are SEAT specific parts, but I can help as can other companies out there.

The Redbook have no idea, you could pay $3000 for a scruffy one in Sydders or $6k for a mint one.

If it goes great and looks good and you want it buy it they are great cars.
Good Luck.

[Cupra]

I agree with the guys above, if it goes like stink & it should, buy it you'll love it.

[aliasmk2]

The Km's are not an issue as it is said that a VW motor is not worn in until it has done 100k
5.5k could be a bit on the high side but it depends on the condition & how much you value the custom interior, as well as the whole car
All in all its a good car but try to haggle the price a bit

Ian

[sickular.]

sounds good, thanks for the advice so far, the main thing we r worried about is if a mechanical part fails and keeps the car in the garage till it's fixed then not being able to get the part, but golf loon you said all the mechanical parts r from a golf?? Is only body parts that are hard to get? Also for mechanical parts are they going to cost an arm and leg?

[Golf Loon]

If you buy parts from a specialist, like me, nothing on that car is very expensive. If you go through VW it will be expensive and they dont want to know as its for a SEAT.

[hugh.venables]

My daughter recently bought a 1995 Cordoba which is the sedan version of the Ibiza. It is in good condition but had been poorly serviced and needed a bit of sorting out. Almost every part on the car has a part number moulded, printed, cast or stamped into it. Take that part number to a VW dealer and they will get it for you. I believe that is true for the parts that are for Seat only but I haven't had to test that yet. I didn't consider any of the parts I needed very expensive although a screen washer pump would have been around $100.

I would say that the quality of the car is very good. That Ibiza you are looking at looks in very good shape and most cars of that age have done a lot closer to 200.000 km.

If you are not handy yourself you will have to find someone to service it who is prepared to deal with the parts issue. A VW specialist makes good sense. If you are handy there is lots of good advice on this forum and Matt (Golf Loon) will send you parts.
Good luck.