The skeptics me 250.000 km ago recommend avoiding the car to chipping am I happy to disappoint

Purchase: the car was purchased in early 2005. Actually, I was looking for a 110HP TDI; although I had always ridden Gulf I did not like the Golf IV. The Audi I found expensive, bare and boring. So I was looking for a Seat Leon, which I liked a lot better. Still, I did not really have the good is in that car. The Seat Ibiza I found quite nice, but really was not a candidate - a little small. Until I looked a better Ibiza; I should note that I found it a nice cart. For the joke "I made a test drive with a 130 hp TDI. Then it was clear: this is not quite what I want. What a tremendous power! Moreover less expensive than Leon, but packed with extras: airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, cruise control, EPS / ASR, rain sensor, fog lights, tinted glass, trailer hitch, central locking + AB, alarm Class III, automatic dimming mirror, air conditioning, heated and automatically folding mirrors, heated seats, trip computer, alloy wheels.
I could sit perfectly fine with my 1,93m. And then space. The space me at all disappointing. So I proceeded to buy.

Appearance:
I'm still going to appreciate better the car in appearance. Although I Leon I still like the Ibiza is more dynamic and more modern. The FR and Cupra versions, it is a wonderful trolley - standard is not much special. This applies to most cars.

Inside:
Strikingly beautiful chimes and dashboard a bit 'turn to you. " Fine. Less strong is the material used; many hard plastic. This allows squeaks and rattles there 'ns what. Less strong is also the choice of the fabric of the seats; This is highly contagious and stains go out there difficult.
The soundness of eg. Materials is less than I was used at VW.

Comfort:
Here I can be brief here, the car bounces hard pruning. You've got to love it. I find a rigid suspension car fine, but even worse I'm so occasionally on the cobbled streets with speed bumps. On the Dutch motorway on the other hand I feel that aiming it as pleasant. The handling is good. If you have hard enough going through the bend he tends to understeer - typical VAG. My previous cars - VW Golf - had here otherwise many more problems.
The ride is sweetened by pleasant things such as seat - I'm really going to appreciate! What also strikes me is the relative calm on board. With 120km / h the engine is running below 2000 rpm. It is - contrary to what you often hear about VAG TDI's - no noisy diesel. Newer types which I have driven seem to be much noisier than my own Ibiza.

Performance:
This is the strongest point of this car. The first 60,000 I have enjoyed the tremendous torque. Later I 'm additionally let chip tuning for 170hp and 400Nm of torque. Because of this he can only 3rd gear lost all traction; the traction control is busy. Consumption is also not changed after the chip tuning: on average 1 in 18 - in winter somewhat less efficient, more measured in the summer. Actually quite frugal. And looking at the current market; so many diesel power there is in this class no longer available - especially if it must still be economical.

Reliability:
That is so far 100%. Did have some nasty repair the front suspension and the tires cupping (uneven wear, leading to vibration). Furthermore, it appears the clutch to slip occasionally - speed walk sometimes even a little faster than what he conveys. The dealer can not fix this. The link is tested at every turn and all approved. Nothing wrong apparently.
Finally, you may hope that the low beam does not go much on the front, you can get yourself almost not to replace the light ...!

Cost:
In addition to the repairs to the front suspension and extra tire wear (see problems) so far nothing extraordinary.

Conclusion:
A really fine, cool, reliable, effective, economical and fast cars - but you have to live with some minor inconveniences like a very hard suspension and rattles.
However great value for money. The market currently offers no serious alternative to diesel more area in this category. Last week it test driven the new Audi A4 Common Rail. Of that I was, I am not impressed and with a big smile stepped back into my Ibiza.
Hopefully I can also still some years ahead!

Problems:
- The Achilles heel of the Ibiza is the front suspension. Various repairs had about stablisatorstangrubbers, rubber supports, arm rubbers, spring pins, etc. - more often than I would like.
- One of the electric windows arrived at a certain point no longer up. This is free remedied by the Seat dealer - beyond the warranty period; this was a known problem. Preventive replacement of the window mechanism other one does not, however, did.
- Of course you do with such a car more tire wear. I drive an average of 45,000 km with the tires. What is worse; The rear tires are cupping. This I have with Gulf experience too, but not as much as with the Ibiza. Even the acclaimed Pirelli Zero Nero cupping plenty. The bands swapping back and forth only makes it worse. This allows bounce even earlier with the car. Because of this I have already replaced the tire by 25,000 km. That's way too fast. The next time I try Goodyear.


Meanwhile, the 200,000 km. in sight I have a lot of fun still.
Yet I have the user fees changed somewhat downward.

The window mechanism is again faulty. I had experienced before, but it was replaced neatly as a guarantee - it was a well-known manufacturing defect. The other mechanism preventive replacement did not happen; the first had failed. Now it is broken and it falls outside the warranty period. 250 euri checkout.
In addition, I have to again charge for the front suspension; cantilever holder and even a broken spring. That was 10,000 km. ago. And last week I hear geknak again with the front suspension ... now I really starts to irritate. Pity Seat!

I also finally found tires that barely cupping: Michelins. A bit expensive but satisfactorily.
Consumption remains good, around 1 in 18. And then a wonderful car. Especially the engine does the trick I think. Meanwhile I think secretly about a possible replacement in the long run ... but no idea what to buy. I want a fast, reliable diesel (because: 35,000 km / year) from the small segment. The new Ibiza I do not really like, but there is little alternative ... the polo I like but there is no speed diesel available. So I drive but equally by!
Update 215.000 (215.000 km)

Currently almost 20,000 more and tellertje gives more than 215,000 km. to. What should I write 'ns? There is little new. The beetle still doing fantastic! It consumes little oil, he does it in good faith and will continue as the fire department. The Michelins under it have been a good choice. He cupt still do not - and this is the first time, cupten all other bands. Nothing to complain? Maybe some trifles. I hear 'ns a bonkje the front suspension (as said is that the Achilles heel) but there is nothing under the car lot. There is occasional moisture under the headlight, aesthetically is less. Fuel consumption over the whole mileage (now 165000km) an average of 1 to 19. It's actually not that far from the Ecomotive values, if you take into consideration that my old beetle 100 horses need additional feed.
The market still offers no alternative - the new Ibiza after then but I do not like, and VW chooses (oliedom) in order not to spoon into the Polo TDI 143pk, so I drive through nice. I hope also to be able to for a while ahead!
On to the 3 tons (245,000 km)

Now I'm back 30.000km further.
Satisfied? Yes and no, not at all.
Yes, I still have fun every day. The bomblet - the everyday nickname - still puts a smile appeared. He runs like a tit. And he never let me down. He remains economical. On average in 2011, up to now thick 1 to 19 (real consumption, not the computer usage). And frankly; I think it is still a kek trolley, loved can watch.
And - after seven years - I've found a new storage compartment. Bottom left handlebar. I thought it was the fuse box, so when I wanted to replace a fuse was found the fuse box does not sit there. Or a pocket ...

No:
Not only was the air conditioning part, also the fan of the fan. And that last the entire dashboard had to get out because they do not bijkonden different. I was not a fan of. But alas, it was. Additionally, brake pads and -klauwen, Anyway: together 2,100 euro. Anyway: you have to relate repair / maintenance of the mileage you drive it, so it is about to see it again.
Also, two new bands for it (after 52.000km Michelin Exalto sports): Michelin MI Sports. I have great experience with Michelins on this car. The back straps have now traveled 67.000km and are still expected to just pass inspection next month. And without cupping - so in that sense I am a happy traveler.

There are occasional small things. Sometimes "knoekt" the car at the suspension, but it is not clear where this comes from. The button of the (delicious) seat hit for 2x unattainable, but it is neat and free remedied by Seat Traa in Nijmegen.
If the car has been driven and the engine then has been off a few minutes, it will take longer to start. This is a known problem with these diesels after high km.stand. It's all in the electronics and remedy at JD Engineering for 75 euros. When chipping they consider standard. But mine is there already chipped. In a sense the discomfort is not very; he always starts. It just looks so silly out.

Last summer we went to Poland and the Czech Republic with the Ibiza, especially many roads. As you walk hard against the stiffness of the car on bad roads (or what passes for 'road'). I learned no longer to drive carefully over cobblestones: at speeds above 90 it is doable. But that may not always ;-). And a screaming girlfriend next to you will also get bored eventually, though you therefore no longer hear the creaks and squeaks from the dashboard.

The question is: by driving or exchange? (it goes on the car).
I myself drove two tons of private mileage along. What I find important is reliability, speed, and still an economy car over a lot of mileage. A car loosing something in you. A practical car, which is not too large. With those assumptions, I see on the market today no better choice than the car I have now. The new Ibiza I do not look. The polo, but which has no quick diesel. As there would be in the 143pk engine, I would consider it. Fiscal technical paper, this is not an attractive car, so it will not come to the market.
Anyway: thus driving. And there is absolutely nothing wrong. On to the three tons!
Another safe and fine years later, 3 tons in itself (285,000 km)

What was noticeable this year?

Positive:
- 100% reliability again. The score for reliability I have therefore increased to 5 stars.
- Average fuel consumption has improved to an average of 1 to 19.2 in 2012 (on lifetime average of 1 in 18.9). Fairly normal driving, at some sprints and high cornering speeds after.
- Lasting a big smile when pressing accelerator. Still unbelievable. Even the auto mechanics turn after turn, impressed by the power of the trolley.
- Had no nasty surprises or costly repairs in 2012. Oil consumption is negligible. Comes whistling through servicing and MOT. I had meanwhile have otherwise expected given mileage and frightening stories about the rapid wear chipping. I get the impression that the TDI ASZ block is simply very good. Perhaps one of the best blocks of VW ever?

Cost Valuation therefore increased to four stars.

Negative:
- abrasion on driver's seat; I might still buy but seat covers.
- Air conditioning pump piece, estimated costs almost € 1,000. I have not repaired. Not bad, the aircon I used barely and I miss him not.
Too bad of futile repair air conditioning in 2011
- the "knoeken" remained on the front suspension, but no one can find the cause. Annoying, but apparently not harmful.

Striking:
- the earlier problem of slow start (see previous update) is gone after a new battery.
- Slipping clutch is also virtually disappeared. Occurs only rarely. Crazy is that.
- Slight damage had in Austria by a omvallend traffic because of a gust of wind. Which fell right on my hood and right fender! I have repaired damage neatly by excellent repairer.
- A slight imbalance in the front wheels can not be addressed more; there are small succeed - according to the band farmer by the speed bumps in combination with rigid suspension and alloy wheels. I feel it only from 130 km / h. Maybe I again new wheel bearings as it goes bother me too much, but really need is not.

In short, had another great car year with the bomblet, and we are trying to do in 2013.
Another trouble-year (308.000 km)

The past year has again TDI neat, reliable and economical eaten are of kilometers. Consumption over the year 1 to 19.
No problems.

Only a small touche in the winter by my own fault; my predecessor stopped on a cobbled road in winter a little faster than I was on my summer tires. The damage was minimal, but a waste of costs. However, the truck has become more beautiful than ever. I also let put new velgjes on. There was no need really but it seemed fun to me 'ns alternate. One mistake I made thereto: Maxxis tires instead of Michelin. With rain that offer little grip dangerous, especially for a car with so much torque and swing. These tapes go there soon so again from Michelin and come back.

About Car nothing but praise. Soon we get to the family with the arrival of the 1st small. I see that the ergonomics of the luggage is adequate. Of trade I do not want to know, before I have too much fun with this bomblet! He is not for sale ;-)
The best of VW (in Seat) (316,000 km)

Meanwhile tapped the 316,000!
The car came again smoothly through the MOT. Something small is replace the front suspension, I do not know what - but it should not have a name.

The mechanic stated: what is a good truck this! Old-fashioned quality. And what a rap thing!

I smiled course. Indeed, I still enjoyed daily. It's a wonderful thing. Or start of usage to be visible. In paint and interior (especially the handles).

Motor he remains perfect. Maybe this is the best engine that VW has ever made. Still consumes no oil. 100% reliable. Durable. Fast and powerful. Economical. Consumption remains around 1 in 19. The winter months are less efficient, but not this year and stay between 1 in 19 and 1 in 20.

There has been little exciting, but that's good news. For the enthusiast, I have uploaded a photo (taken today). I have winter straps laid out and you will see (driven 250,000 km with) my old velgjes. I let them focus and (although not new), they still look fine. In April my new velgjes go there again.

I'm not afraid of theft. The current value of the car on the market is low. Only the lover will'm able to appreciate. But he is not for sale! There is indeed no alternative that I can take seriously.

Moreover, the car is also (as a 5-door) practical enough for our 1st little. So far, everything fits just in.
4 people is the way it tight (especially the back). It is rare, but still. The stiffness of the car still leads comments from people in the back seat. So be it.

As a substitute I'd like to buy a new VW Polo variant with 150 hp TDI. You get the picture: it is not there.
So on to the 4 tons of this bomblet!

The 1st picture also leads to reaction. For the enthusiast, this is the second-engined 1000pk DAF Turbo Twin Jan de Rooy in 1987 Paris-Dakar win (when it REALLY was a rally, 12,000 km!). A few years ago I rode, photo was taken at DAF.

Furthermore, I like to follow your car reviews. Although I must laugh at the car which reviews several hundred kilometers on the clock. These are not reviews; which is nothing more than a first impression.
Good luck with all your holy cow!
Amazement! (337,000 km)

Time for an update!

What are the peculiarities in 2014?
Some minor inconveniences.
The ESP warning light goes off after 10 minutes to burn. The garage it does not get out. There is no fault in the system. A burning lamp is of course not bad, but a little disturbing (but maybe I nag a bit).
The Maxxis tires will soon finally end once the winter kit boils. In wet weather tires which are in fact dangerous. Low grip. Wear is also on the high side. That perhaps is what my driving style with high cornering speeds and sometimes spirited acceleration.
The seats begins what to wear and no one can make it seem.
There's another annoying 'knoek' in the front suspension, but in the meantime I'm used to it. While it is not beautiful, it just does not belong. But apparently it is not harmful.
Finally, the stove comes too slowly to temperature. It takes fifteen minutes well before it comes out warm air. Not good. Let me look at the next turn.

Then the good news.
Furthermore, there are no problems. In fact, he is getting better walk. I find that quite strange. He remains fast and reliable. The strange thing is that the car has become some 10% more efficient after replacing the timing belt & water pump around 3 tonnes. Understand someone? In 2014, my average consumption 1 at 21 (consumption varies between 1 in 22 and 1 in 20).

I find it incredible, especially considering the manufacturer of 1: 19.6.

According to the on-board the car is moreover not become more economical. At first the car was 0.2 liters / 100 km less efficient than the on-board computer. Now 0.2 liters / 100 km more economical.
Oil consumption is nil.

Chipping
The skeptics me 250.000 km ago recommend avoiding the car to chipping am I happy to disappoint. All major parts are still doing well and I still have not had major repairs (apart from the air conditioning, but that is a separate matter). My feeling is that nearly 160 hp-particles are still present, and more importantly, the Newton gauges too.

Damage ... ai ai.
Unfortunately I have suffered some minor damage. I hit a curb with the right front wheel, resulting in a scratched rim. I have repaired and refinishing immediately. Cost around 120 euros painful, but I had yet over.
Furthermore bumped a bike on my car. Happily returned the insurer (after much hassle, though) from injury. The damage is not too bad, a small well in the bumper. Recovery costs 500, so I have not yet done so.

Ibiza as a family car?
The Ibiza is emerging as an acceptable family car, as long as you are with one little one. On holiday fit everything in there perfectly, and that I had not thought of when I saw all the stuff. I realize, however, that in case of a 2nd baby is done. Perhaps Ibiza our 2nd car and go our current 2nd car (Kaa Fjord) out. It also depends on how long the Ibiza continues to do so well and lack major repairs.

We drive so wonderfully on and I really enjoy all of kilometers!

Finally a striking event.
Ronald Tameling (journalist of AutoWeek) increased in May in touch. Because Ibiza 30 years consisted AutoWeek wanted to write an article about different generations of Ibiza. I wanted to contribute to this, I liked this the appointed weekend off. Later he called: the weekend was opposed. I would hear when it would go well. Then I never heard from him. I've tried to call him, but he did not answer the phone. A few weeks later, the AutoWeek was with other Ibiza's on the shelf.
Well. Not neat Ronald.

My joy is happy about the Ibiza no less.
Finally, the photo of Jan de Rooy's Turbotwin I removed and replaced with a current picture of the Ibiza, which you see on the 1st picture.
Hassle (370,000 km)

4 tonnes is in sight!
Last year I drove the rally ramble them by several European countries over beautiful roads. We had a lot of fun! In addition to regular sessions I had no appreciable cost. Nearly 100% reliable. First time I've had one crack in coolant hose. This allows the liquid ran away but turned solved with a couple of bucks. Average consumption remains one of 19 oil consumption is nil. However, there is some visible wear on eg handles inside the car seat. But I have still a lot of fun with! Also chipping the car did not hurt - I ride with it all around 270.000km. How long would he continue to do it ?????