04 Ibiza or Fabia?

Kalashnikov_Kid

Hi there

The oul' lass is changing car and trading in her 99 Polo 1.4 for either an 04 1.4 SEAT Ibiza or 16v Skoda Fabia. Dealership service is not an issue, as she will be buying from a local dealer who spcialises in VW/Skoda and cuts below the rest on trade-ins, so average prices are irrelevent too.

She is looking for another small 1.4 petrol car primarily for urban driving, which will also have to be fit for occassional Dundalk-Dublin motorway driving for the next 4/5 years. We might consider a 1.2 Ibiza to lower insurance, but would question its performance on motorways?

The 1.4 engines on both are identical but we both agree that the Ibiza looks nicer and is quite similar to what we are driving now. However, from searching reviews and other posts here the general consensus is that the Fabia is a reliable and capable car, while interior and electrical problems seem to tarnish the Ibiza's reputation.

The Ibiza is favourite atm but if theres a big gap in reliability when compared to the Fabia we could change our minds. Although I presume that the Fabia is heavier and less economical making the Ibiza better for town driving and would it be fair to say that an Ibiza would hold its residual value better?

I was wondering if anyone here has any views or experience of the above 2 cars it would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

KK

bazz26

Kalashnikov_Kid wrote:

Hi there

The oul' lass is changing car and trading in her 99 Polo 1.4 for either an 04 1.4 SEAT Ibiza or 16v Skoda Fabia. Dealership service is not an issue, as she will be buying from a local dealer who spcialises in VW/Skoda and cuts below the rest on trade-ins, so average prices are irrelevent too.

She is looking for another small 1.4 petrol car primarily for urban driving, which will also have to be fit for occassional Dundalk-Dublin motorway driving for the next 4/5 years. We might consider a 1.2 Ibiza to lower insurance, but would question its performance on motorways?

The 1.4 engines on both are identical but we both agree that the Ibiza looks nicer and is quite similar to what we are driving now. However, from searching reviews and other posts here the general consensus is that the Fabia is a reliable and capable car, while interior and electrical problems seem to tarnish the Ibiza's reputation.

The Ibiza is favourite atm but if theres a big gap in reliability when compared to the Fabia we could change our minds. Although I presume that the Fabia is heavier and less economical making the Ibiza better for town driving and would it be fair to say that an Ibiza would hold its residual value better?

I was wondering if anyone here has any views or experience of the above 2 cars it would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

KK

Ibiza and Fabia are basically the same car based on the Polo platform so I would think with the same engine both cars would have similar fuel economy.

I would go with the Fabia myself, it feels better screwed together than the Ibiza and feels more grown up. I would not fancy a 1.2 litre Ibiza if doing a bit of motorway driving.

eamon234

Definitely the Fabia - better built (even though they share a lot of the same parts) and will hold it's value better and if you can pick up the estate version it's well roomy! I wouldn't say it's any less economical than a 1.4 Ibiza

Steer clear of the 1.2 Ibiza either way it's a pain on the motorway - I had the misfortune of driving one across France last year - never again!