New car buying help - possibly seat leon fr 2.0 diesel?

Buffman

Buffman

Buffman

Soldato
Joined
4 May 2007
Posts
9,884
Location
West Midlands
Got a car conundrum so would appreciate ocuk help

So my current situation :

Car: suzuki sx4 2010, 1.6 diesel circa 90bhp, 125k miles
Broke down today with broken selector cables which ive had done before (cost circa 300£ and done by a crap garage. I now know a good independent)

What it needs done (ASAP)
Service + wheels changed over to owned winter tyres. Estimate £3 to 400
Gearbox selector linkage estimate £200 to £300
Oil leakage circa £100 (guess)

It is currently also leaking engine oil (onto the coolant bay) and the oil light has come on. Need to drive it 250 miles back home on Monday :eek::eek:

Im in two minds wether to drive it to WBAC / similar or have my trusted independent look over it. Likelyhood is i will want to change next year as id like something reliable.

Mrs drives a fiat panda 2011 with 125k miles which she uses irregularly so i can use that for a week or so to work if needs be. She doesnt drive for work/ does very low mileage in it (circa 3k)

I have 4 years no claims and never bought a car before (inherited my current one)

My requirements
  • I Drive circa 16 to 18k a year. Commute is 30miles each way (30ish mins on a good run and probably 28 miles of which is motorway/dual carriageway)
  • Like the size/length of hatchbacks (particularly due to my houses drive layout so similar to my current 4.3m length)
  • Want it to be reliable and will probably keep this car for 5+ years / until 150k+ miles of possible
  • 50mpg or better would be nice (or better)
  • Want 3 years old or under (my company car scheme requires under 6 years old if i get promoted next year but they're fairly flexible on this)
  • Leather/part leather /decent spec
  • Air conditioning
  • If it was within 100 miles of Warwick that would be nice but can travel
  • Budget 10 to 13k and would like to maximise value for money /bang for buck (eg could pay 13.5k ish for better model). Will be paying cash(unless there's good finance which i can pay off with no cost).
  • Do a 350 mile trip to Glasgow up to 4 times a year, plus trips to Northumberland.

Nice to haves
  • Automatic gearbox if its not likely to cost much more /throw up issues?Whats the impact like to fuel economy? Do ocuk recommend DSG gearboxes?
  • Circa 180 bhp (my current motor is circa 100bhp so might not make a big deal if its say 150 bhp rather than 180?). Ive driven a 200 bhp Toyota rav4 auto hybrid and liked it, similarly a 460bhp mustang GT... (i cant afford these ofc)
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Android auto
  • Heated screen for winter, may be better than my current car which is slow to heat up.
  • Comfortable to sit in (ive previously sat in a mates leon fr for circa 500miles and liked it)
  • 5 doors
  • Not keyless entry if its likely to be stolen (this is driven around Birmingham.. ) this puts me off focus ST diesel which i think is keyless and easy to steal?
New car considerations
Frontrunner
Seat leon FR 2.0 - 150 or 184bhp. Decent 184bhp model with circa 30k miles/2 years old looks around 13k

I believe its only 2017 models that have android auto / 2017 models have been refreshed (altho this means £145 road tax rather than £30 for 2016 models..)

Others
Volvo v40 D4 R design (190bhp)
Dont really like the handbrake being on the passenger side on this, plus the screen is small amd and seems fairly low headroom? (only sat in back of one)

Golf 2017 or newer (adaptive cruise plus android) - dont think i could afford same spec as seat leon equivalent?

Ford focus 2.0 - can get 150bhp and 184bhp. Can get a good model for 2years old/30k miles/leather spec for 12kish
Lots of these in zetex spec/red/black wheels look a bit chavvy? Some good spec titanium x models with leather seats.

Can get similar ST models for 13.5kish with good specs/seatsST models - worry they would get stolen which puts me off them

Alfa romeo giulietta (circa 160bhp). Circa 2 years old/30k miles
Concerned reliability isnt great on these

Mini cooper s diesel
Would the mpg/depriciation/cost be similar from these?

Mazda 3 - seen quite a few fairly cheap 2016 models but looks a bit long for me plus no android

Bmw 320d?
Are automatic boxes better in bmws than other manufacturers? Likely to throw up many issues?

Example motors :

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201909202433636?atmobcid=soc3
 
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I would take a Leon or a similar Skoda over the golf. Would be the same engine, but cheaper and more kit.
The 2.0 has the good gearbox. Avoid the 7 speed dry clutch from smaller engines.
Giulietta is hard cheap plastic all around. Looks like a Vauxhall combo van.
Particularly don't like the Focus. Or the Volvo. A Mazda 3 wouldn't be as fast/punchy as the Seat but the auto is more reliable and the steering is more enjoyable. Also has plenty of kit.
One problem I had with my previous Leon, 15 plate was the paintwork easily chipping. But seems like a modern problem, as all paints have to be water based.
 
Michael Marini said:
The 2.0 has the good gearbox. Avoid the 7 speed dry clutch from smaller engines.
Click to expand...

Thanks for input, do you mean the good automatic gearbox? Looks like thats a 6 speed DSG but im not sure if its wet or dry.

Would an auto gearbox need much more work over a lifetime / reduce fuel economy significantly on longer motorway runs? I presume not as they'll be in 6th gear.

Do you know if seat leon fr has adaptive cruise on the FR models from 2017? It appears not and is only on (some) xcellence models from what i can see.
 
The 2.0 use to be fitted with the 6 speed wet clutch. Not as smooth as the 7 speed dry clutch but not problematic, which is much more appreciated IMHO.
From last year, I guess, VAG replaced the 6 speed wet clutch to a more robust 7 speed wet clutch. It's better to drive and as, if not more, reliable. To be safe, stick to a 2.0l engine and you'll get the good autobox.
Automatic gearbox needs oil change at 3 or 4 years time or related mileage, but that will keep the box running nice for years, so never a wise move to ignore that.
Some options from the Leon are not just trim related. So worthy checking case to case, as one would be able to spec few options, regardless of trim, same can't be said of the A-Class. To have parking sensors, 1-1.5k package with loads os useless options included.
I would highly recommend test the Mazda. Drove my brother's Mazda 3 manual and was much nicer than my remapped 260hp Leon auto. Owned a Mazda auto CX5 after the Leon, and before the A-Class. Very nice automatic.
 
Leon FRs tend to come quite well-specced but as above it can vary, if you can get one with the Winter Pack you'll get heated front seats, heated windscreen washers and headlight washers (plus a bigger screenwash tank and a notification when the fluid is running low). For some reason they made front parking sensors an option extra (they were standard when mine was bought new) so look out for those if you want them. The infotainment system is decent and gives you lots of information and options. Auto lights also went optional for some reason, that one linked doesn't have them.

My folks have a Mazda3, some aspects of the interior are higher quality but overall I prefer the Leon. The Mazda infotainment is fairly basic e.g my parents 2015 one didn't even come with DAB. The driver info display in the instrument panel doesn't do nearly as much as on the Leon, which can show navigation, phone info, speed, oil temp etc whereas on the Mazda you have no options at all. There are a few other annoying things, like it doesn't have coming home/leaving home lights that stay on when dark, the mirrors can't auto-fold when locked, the headlights don't come on automatically when it rains etc. Little things that are nice to have. Rear visibility is worse too, although I feel like rear legroom is a bit better in the Mazda. Theirs is a 2.0 petrol SE-L auto I believe, it came with heated seats, nav, HIDs etc but not much else as Mazda tend to lock a lot of options away behind specific trim levels. Watch out for corrosion on the alloy wheels, Mazdas are always bad for this and my parents neglected to get it sorted while it would have been covered by the factory warranty so they look an absolute mess now.

Personally I went Leon as it looked and felt like the more modern car with a bit more tech.
 
I've a 16 plate Focus 1.5 diesel Titanium spec that I've had for nearly 20 months (put 35k on it) and it's never missed a beat, returns nearly 60 mpg and it has a decent amount of kit for a Focus, when I was having it serviced I got 'loaned' a Leon FR and even though it was newer than the Focus I didn't like it anywhere near as much, didn't feel as comfortable or as well built (felt really tinny). It 'only' has 120bhp but I find that it's more than enough for what I need it for (I was coming from a 15 plate BMW 320 petrol 184bhp I think) and doesn't feel slow in any way shape or form.

TBH any nearly new Focus, Golf, Leon etc. would feel better than the Suzi and it's just a case of you trying out different cars and seeing which one you like best.
 
You should be able to pick up a nearly new Leon FR towards the top end of your budget. Admittedly my one is a petrol but my 1.4 TSI FR Technology Estate came with plenty of extra kit as a pre reg with 10 miles on the clock for £15.6k. Not sure if that was the best deal either as I had to find myself a company car replacement without a huge amount of time to shop around.

One thing I will say is that the idea it is a Golf with a different badge for less isn't quite accurate. The nasty cost saving measures on the interior being the biggest clue as to where the money was saved. Personally, I'd still take the Leon over the Golf even if it was my money I was spending.

The biggest downsides and disappointments I've found with it are;
Built in nav - basically useless. Driving on the A14 it will divert you off at the slip road, straight over the roundabout, and back on the A14... at multiple junctions. It also asked me to turn right on the entry to a dual carriageway :eek:
Adaptive cruise - this is the only adaptive cruise I've used so maybe I wouldn't like any system but it seems massively over caution and slow to respond to cars moving back into lane 1.
Speedometer - needs 10mph markers not just every 20mph. Also I hate the changing range to get around the fact that zero is at the 6 o'clock position. True form over function!
 
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TheVoice said:
Leon FRs tend to come quite well-specced but as above it can vary, if you can get one with the Winter Pack you'll get heated front seats, heated windscreen washers and headlight washers (plus a bigger screenwash tank and a notification when the fluid is running low).
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Maundie said:
...
Click to expand...

lordrobs said:
You should be able to pick up a nearly new Leon FR towards the top end of your budget....
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input guys. Do you know if there's much difference between "excellence" models well specced and FR? Mainly the sports styling i assume and also may impact resale? Plus the led lights? (im not too bothered on resale as its highly ill keep it till its a sub 3k runner, would just like the good engine.

Couple examples i may try...

Fr model (dsg). Unfortunately white but hey. I think i would pay more for the cyan colour or red

Excellence model 2018(with heated seats
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201905168016745?atmobcid=soc3
Edit : looks like this might actually be 150bhp but says 181bhp?


Fr model 2017 (with DSG but no heated seats)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201909142212655?atmobcid=soc3
 
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I have a 66 plate pre facelift FR 2.0 TDI and its a good car for the money. I have the winter pack so heated seats etc and also the convenience pack which adds auto lights and wipers. If full link isn't activated (I thought all the facelift FR's had it but not sure) it'll cost you around £200 unless you haggle for it when buying, this is needed for Android Auto, Apple Car play etc. Mines the manual box and I can achieve 60mpg when light footed but I'm averaging low fifties on the trip computer. I always have it in sport mode, mainly for the quicker throttle response and the red ambient lighting. :)
 
kinetic747 said:
I have a 66 plate pre facelift FR 2.0 TDI and its a good car for the money. I have the winter pack so heated seats etc and also the convenience pack which adds auto lights and wipers. If full link isn't activated (I thought all the facelift FR's had it but not sure) it'll cost you around £200 unless you haggle for it when buying, this is needed for Android Auto, Apple Car play etc. Mines the manual box and I can achieve 60mpg when light footed but I'm averaging low fifties on the trip computer. I always have it in sport mode, mainly for the quicker throttle response and the red ambient lighting. :)
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How much did yours cost/ when? Is it 150bhp or 184?and manual or auto?

Also, are you able to add android auto to pre face-lift models?
 
The Craig said:
How much did yours cost/ when? Is it 150bhp or 184?and manual or auto?

Also, are you able to add android auto to pre face-lift models?
Click to expand...

I bought it 2 years ago when it was 12 months old with 5000 miles on the clock from IMG Seat in Warrington. It's 150bhp with the manual gearbox and I paid £14500 for it. I had Full Link enabled to allow Android Auto etc and I'm pretty sure 16 plate onwards has Full Link capability, mines a 66 plate.
 
I drive the Suzuki s-cross sx4 2014 and I love it! Drives really well. Best car I’ve owned and super reliable so I’d think of repairing however sounds like it will be costly for you
 
The Craig said:
Thanks for your input guys. Do you know if there's much difference between "excellence" models well specced and FR?
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Not a massive difference really. FR has lowered suspension which does firm up the ride a bit which is the main difference for me. That white one also has the upgraded wheels which my one also has. Being 1" bigger you get a bit less tyre which again adds a bit more harshness and road noise.

Looking at those AT adds it reminds me just how badly these wear inside if not looked after. It probably won't bother most people but the scratched up plastics were a nightmare for me which was part of the reason I pushed for the pre-reg one in the end. Even that had a couple of marks on the interior plastics!
 
The Craig said:
How much did yours cost/ when? Is it 150bhp or 184?and manual or auto?
Also, are you able to add android auto to pre face-lift models?
Click to expand...

You can't add android auto to pre face-lift models.

lordrobs said:
Adaptive cruise - this is the only adaptive cruise I've used so maybe I wouldn't like any system but it seems massively over caution and slow to respond to cars moving back into lane 1.
Click to expand...

If you switch to sports mode adaptive cruise is a bit better and faster to respond but even so I rarely use it on my Seat.
 
_tucker_ said:
I drive the Suzuki s-cross sx4 2014 and I love it! Drives really well. Best car I’ve owned and super reliable so I’d think of repairing however sounds like it will be costly for you
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In addition to my gear linkage cables going, i also found out i have oil leaking into my coolant (completely full of oil :eek:
)

Looks like ill need to get rid... Waiting on another pick up now..:eek:

pcfarrar said:
You can't add android auto to pre face-lift models.

If you switch to sports mode adaptive cruise is a bit better and faster to respond but even so I rarely use it on my Seat.
Click to expand...
Thanks for confirming.

Do you know if all face lift models have adaptive cruise?
 
kinetic747 said:
That's not true, mine is a 66 plate so pre face lift and I had Full Link activated. I think 16 plate is the cut off but I'm not sure.
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Full link came out with the MY16 Leon refresh. So I guess cars after Sept 2015 ish should have it as an option. Although you'd definitely want to get the media system firmware updated if that's old as the earlier releases are full of bugs.
 
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