Tell me about the Seat Leon Cupra TDI

MrSix · 20 Mar 2011 at 23:14

Following on from my last thread about a practical, respectable, fun, economical car I've considered lots and keep coming back to the Leon Cupra TDI.

My budget is around £5000, so I'm looking at around a 54-55 plate I think.

What can you guys tell me about this car? Anything to watch out for? Are they alright with a few miles on the clock?

Thanks!

MrSix · 20 Mar 2011 at 23:42

I would certainly have it remapped, as I have access to free tuning through a client of mine. Same with suspension, so it would be nicely kitted out once I owned it. As long as it did more than the 20mpg my MR2 gets me then I'm happy! Out of interest what's a real world MPG for motorway cruising in one of these?

Are there any parts prone to fail or become a pain at the mileage I'm looking at? I guess that's somewhere north of 65k.

MrSix · 21 Mar 2011 at 19:35

mjt said:
Not much to say really..
PD engines are very reliable and strong units. They're also economical.
The only issues are the ancilliaries - eg. boost pipes and whatnot.

RE: the car, it can leak

All good, Samco are a client so all hoses will be taken care of

MrSix · 21 Mar 2011 at 20:00

schnipps said:
Had my FR 5 years for nearing new, in all that time the things that have gne wrong are:

Engine coolant sensor - easy job takes 30 mins and its few quid from dealers
Glow Plugs - Can do yourself, tricky to get to plug 4 though
Coolant Temp Sensor - unsure was done under warranty

Thats it, expect 8k from a set of fronts. Do not assume remaps wont make the clutch slip and make sure the camblet and water pump have been done, its about 400 quid to get it done, shouldbe done at 40-50k max.

Mine has never leaked, rear wash is always breaking but thats about it, expect around 440 from a tank, pushing it hard will get you just over 400, and thats from someone who has had one for a long time so dont beleive the 500 mile crap.

Get a cable from ebay and they have released the new vag-com that allows you to clear and read engine codes for free so hook your laptop up and you can fault find with ease, change stuff yourself and clear codes. Nearly every possible problem is covered on the seat cupra forums.

Thanks for that post, very informative. 400 miles to a tank sounds like heaven...getting pretty fed up of 200-220 miles to a tank now!

Is it worth paying extra for a lower mileage example (60-70k) for £5k over a 100+k miler for £3k? Will the depreciation outweigh the extra costs to fix a higher mileage model?

MrSix · 21 Mar 2011 at 20:09

mjt said:
I would pay the extra.
They begin to rattle and generally get a bit tired, but then so do most cars..
Then you've got the possibility of the turbo going, which is a grand or so to fix.

I'd personally go with the late plates (54/55). Can't see them depreciating all that much tbh.

Cool, I'll keep my eye out for a nice example then.
From my limited research it seems like they've either been fettled with already by previous owners, or owned from new by one person and never modded at all - Just need to find me one of those virgins!

MrSix · 26 Apr 2011 at 19:27

Just an update - bought a 54 plate Cupra TDI in silver with 50k on the clock, 2 owners and lovely nick. My new suspension set up arrives next week and then I'll be fitting a removable towbar for carting my new pit bike around on at the weekends! It's sad letting my MR2 go, but actually this utility vehicle that's giving me 60mpg on a motorway run and will be 190bhp after a remap is rather nice!