Should my new 2010 SEAT Ibiza be using so much oil?

On 12 November 2010 I purchased a SEAT Ibiza ST 1.2TSI DSG. The oil warning light came on after six weeks' use at 1,700 miles. I had been advised by the salesperson that the warranty would not cover engine damage if it ran out of oil, but hadn't realised (as I was subsequently advised by my local dealer) that this engine can have a very heavy oil usage in the first 10,000 miles or so. Fortunately I was a few miles away from my local dealer after a trip back to Cornwall. It could have been seriously inconvenient having to call breakdown services at night etc particularly during the bad weather. It also stuck in the gullet a bit at having to pay out £10.58 for oil for a new car. Obviously, I will keep a bottle of oil in the car from now on but is the information I have been given about this engine correct and is this satisfactory performance for a new vehicle in this day and age?

Asked on 24 December 2010 by DL, via email

Answered by Honest John

This is the first I've heard of high oil usage while this engine is running in. It's logical if the engine is built to very high tolerances and filled with synthetic oil on the line. But watch the consumption and if it doesn't bed in then yes, permanent high oil consumption in a new car is unacceptable and renders it of "unsatisfactory quality".

Tags: warranties consumer rights oil

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