Seat Leon FR TDI?

Vita · 27 Apr 2013 at 20:10

I have come across these. I'm in need of a car and this looks appealing, but are they any good? Would be used for commuting etc.

Went and viewed one today, seemed reasonable but the price was quite expensive for what seems to be a Golf in drag. The interior isn't the best but I'm not really fussed. The PD150 engine is reliable enough, but is their anything else I should know about them?

Would I be better off with a gold gt tdi?

GinG · 27 Apr 2013 at 20:16

To be honest the interior of these are the deal breaker for me, very ugly inside which is a shame as I think they are cracking looking cars from the outside!

The typical question is, what milage do you do and does it warrant the diesel over petrol?

Vita · 27 Apr 2013 at 20:20

GinG said:
To be honest the interior of these are the deal breaker for me, very ugly inside which is a shame as I think they are cracking looking cars from the outside!

The typical question is, what milage do you do and does it warrant the diesel over petrol?

18k a year now. I need something cheap and economical. I can put up with the interior, but then when it's 18k a year in an interior like that, I could possibly end up getting fed up. I have found one which is reasonably priced so I don't really want to miss out on it.

EDIT: MK1 version.

GinG · 27 Apr 2013 at 20:20

What is your budget?

Vita · 27 Apr 2013 at 20:25

GinG said:
What is your budget?

£3.5k for a Leon TDI FR. Most seem £500/700 quid above. High mileage as well.

EDIT: The one I went to view today at a dealer, wanted £3.8k, with no service history. :/

-Mike- · 27 Apr 2013 at 21:56

Then you're clinically insane. The 150 is not actually that reliable. No service history means you'd be mad to be remotely interested.

The 150 is the most common engine of all the Pd lumps to munch its camshaft and lifters. Correct engine oil and a strict service regime is crucial on these engines and even that doesn't mean you'll escape the dreaded camshaft problems.

Vita · 27 Apr 2013 at 22:00

-Mike- said:
Then you're clinically insane. The 150 is not actually that reliable. No service history means you'd be mad to be remotely interested.

The 150 is the most common engine of all the Pd lumps to munch its camshaft and lifters. Correct engine oil and a strict service regime is crucial on these engines and even that doesn't mean you'll escape the dreaded camshaft problems.

I just went to view it just to see one. Now I have done more research I see what you're talking about. Simply not worth it.

-Mike- · 27 Apr 2013 at 22:17

If you like I'll go start my ultra reliable tdi and record it! It is well on its way to camshaft for starters and lifters for lunch! I'd like to add its done way less than 100k with FVWSH.

You'd be far better off with a petrol engined car at the budget you've got. That or an OLD tech diesel engine such as something with the Rover L series. These engines are relatively strong and don't have camshafts made of chocolate!

fadetoblack · 27 Apr 2013 at 23:01

Or get a 130pd tdi

-Mike- · 27 Apr 2013 at 23:33

fadetoblack said:
Or get a 130pd tdi

Not as documented, but it suffers the same issue.

[TW]Fox · 28 Apr 2013 at 09:44

GinG said:
To be honest the interior of these are the deal breaker for me, very ugly inside which is a shame as I think they are cracking looking cars from the outside!

The typical question is, what milage do you do and does it warrant the diesel over petrol?

It's the mk2 that has the terrible interior. The mk1 has the dash from the Audi A3.

BD10NNF · 28 Apr 2013 at 10:51

I have a FR TDI. Its a good car but its so dull and boring like most dervs (I love the sound of a petrol engine and only bought it as at the time I needed to get a decent mpg). I'm selling mine or about to sell it.
I found for £3500 you are going to get a high miler. Mines on 126000 and still running smooth. Need to clean out the turbo though as I think it needs doing every year to keep it running. I got mine with f/s/h from an independent garage. I got it serviced by my mate when I bought it and nothing was wrong. I got a little lucky though as the guy who owned it before me was a mechanic so kept up with all the work. Shame he never kept the receipts though.

MagicBoy · 28 Apr 2013 at 11:03

-Mike- said:
Not as documented, but it suffers the same issue.

Usually when "serviced" by numpties who don't use the correct specification oil.

Mk1 interior is fine - the main dash and switchgear is lifted from an Audi A3. Door cards are SEAT parts and a bit cheap and scratchy, but otherwise it's nice enough.