Seat Leon opinions...

Chuchu

What are people's opinions of the Seat Leon Mk2? Have my eye on a 07 1.6, don't know a hell of a lot about em other than they have a VW engine... after driving my heap of sh*t punto into the ground for years I may finally be in a position to upgrade... but the process is being speeded up by the fact that we are expecting our first nipper in Sept... this 07 model is priced at c.14,900 I'm guessing I could get it down a fair but from that... but at any rate have yet to test drive and never even been in one, just like the look and size and don't want a bigger engine than that. Any thoughts appreciated, oh and does it have the isofit thingy?? Ta.

Stevie Dakota

Chuchu wrote: »

What are people's opinions of the Seat Leon Mk2? Have my eye on a 07 1.6, don't know a hell of a lot about em other than they have a VW engine... after driving my heap of sh*t punto into the ground for years I may finally be in a position to upgrade... but the process is being speeded up by the fact that we are expecting our first nipper in Sept... this 07 model is priced at c.14,900 I'm guessing I could get it down a fair but from that... but at any rate have yet to test drive and never even been in one, just like the look and size and don't want a bigger engine than that. Any thoughts appreciated, oh and does it have the isofit thingy?? Ta.

With a nipper on the way just make sure you get something with a big boot, not sure about the Leon but we outgrew a Golf VERY quickly. You'd kick yourself, and take a big financial hit if after a year with the Leon you had to get something bigger.

If that doesn't bother you the 1.6 is an old engine but has good reliability.

EPM

I drive a 2006 1.6 Leon. I cover a lot of mileage and it's never given me any trouble bar needing a new compressor for the air conditioning.

Which model are you interested in? Stylance spec is the one to go for, has everything in it. Drives similarly to a Golf, some of the interior plastics aren't great but mine has 75k up on it and nothings broken off or squeeks. Still looks like new when it gets a hoover.

If you get the sports pack you get sports suspension and some fantastic seats along with either 16 or 17 inch alloys depending on the model - this does make it very firm.

The 1.6 everyone says is an old engine but its got enough go for what it is, I get about 33-37 mpg from a tank depending on type of driving (this is with air con on).

Have you got a link to the car? Price might be a tad high if buying with cash (presuming the Punto is past it) Mine has ISOFIX on back seats - can't disable front passenger airbag.

Chuchu

That's great, thanks for feedback, trying to find link and will post it if so... I'm driving past it on the way to work every morning as its in the forecourt local garage and I keep rubbernecking!!!
Yep would be buying with cash so presume I could get it much cheaper (any ideas how much??) also never thought of boot size, as horrific as is my punto is, the boot is larger than my Dad's Saab!! EPM does the boot fit a buggy comfortably??

EPM

I dunno about a buggy...I presume so. It will fit a set of Golf clubs (sometimes need to take driver out) and a trolly. It's a good enough size for the type of car, should be bigger than a Punto's. It will take my girlfriends clothes if we're going away somewhere so it has to be decent enough.

Inside there's loads of room front and back. I bought it based on the looks, spec and that it wasn't a golf*








*but is really:D

Chuchu

Ha ha! EPM! Ditto with me really, would love one but can't really stretch to it.

Also found the link... this throws a different slant on it... its 1.9 Diesel. Hmmm. And that's not the price up on it now... ok presumed it was petrol, doh!
http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Leon/1.9-TDI-/200836189877633/advert
But I've also seen this:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Leon/COSTA-**/200850191209621/advert

Anyway thanks again for feedback, obviously I need to do more homework but general feedback is good as in its a reliable car, and no one screaming 'steer clear'!

EPM

1.9 tdi would be better bet than the 1.6 but that one linked is bog standard and an english import. The costa spec is not bad but misses air con if that bothers you. Then again I wouldn't but the 1.4 - very sluggish.

Whats your budget? What years? There are some very overpriced online at the moment. You could bring in a nice 2.0tdi from the UK for that money

junior_apollo

I like them, and my girlfriend was looking at getting one.. except the resale value is pretty horrendous, and although the looks IMO are nice - they arent to everyones taste...

GF in the end got herself an Astra Coupe instead.. I drive C4 Coupe myself and wouldnt change for the world...

Chuchu

Yeah don't think air con would bother me... TBH I can't really go over 10k but could buy cash for that so was hoping to knock whatever I eventually buy down to that... a mate just imported from the UK and I know I could do a lot better that way but just don't have the time at the mo to do all the work and research that it would involve (as you may have gathered!!).
Re what years and re-sale... I intend to drive it into the ground so re-sale not a prob, so with that in mind would like as new a model as possible, so thought 07 the best option within my budget.

junior_apollo

Ah well best of luck to you so and hope you get sorted ... keep us updated here with what you take a look at or purchase aswell...

Now you have me looking at cars for sale... damn you!

EPM

Long term petrol - 1.6 is a better bet than the 1.4.

For 10k you'd best look for a well looked after 06 IMO

Chuchu

Great, thanks again for advise, will have to start proper look I think....
I'm with you Jr Apollo, I went online this mornng but kept veeering toward the 'wishful thinking' Golf Gti searches!!!
Thanks for all info EPM. Will let you know what comes of it all.

EPM

If you need any advice on things to look for on them and all that give me a PM;)

ceegee

Have a 1.4 costa. I know everyone slates the engine but its grand for my needs (was still on provisional when i got it so insurance was a big factor)

Overall im happy with the leon but there are some factors i'd consider before buying one:

visibility - pretty large blind spots, pretty small rear window

boot space - its not great but also not the worst for this size car

a/c - not included on costa (but imo isnt really needed 99% of the time in ireland)

On the plus side theres a few aspects of the car i really love:

built in aux in socket - a small thing but great for long journeys

cruise control as standard - a blessing on motorway journeys, theres something about the slight delay after pressing the speed up button that reminds me of the boost in mario kart. brings out the child in me every time.

the look of the car - a personal thing i guess

and as said already, the fact its not a golf

Sean Quagmire

I drive the 1.6 2006 and I'm very happy with it. Plenty of pull in it and its not an over sized tank so it is nippy.
I always considered there to be loads of room in the boot but I dont use it too much. And for space in the back for a child seat, its fine. Could carry 2 or 3 grownups in the back no problem.

Looks way better than a golf too

Chuchu

Thanks, and that's an interesting point about the size of rear view and blind spots, will keep that in mind if I test drive.

EPM

The mirrors are quite small also - but you soon get used to them. I find reversing a doddle as the back of the car is flat (cue me doing a wreck later:D). The A-pillars can obstruct on a sweeping bend meaning you need to move your head.

Make sure you drive the alternatives also - Focus/Golf/Astra/Civic are all good cars too

roosterman71

I had a 07 Leon 1.4 Costa. Absolutely loved it!! Bought as new and sold it on in January cos I was gonna buy a new car (haven't managed to do that yet )

It has everything ya need to be fair (apart from air-con).
4 electric windows
Electric folding and heated mirrors
ISOFIX
6 airbags
Cruise Control
Traction control
Some thingy for warning about tyre pressure when its low
Usual trip computer stuff

I had it for 2 years and averaged about 42 mpg. I had 34000 km on when I sold it and it never gave a seconds trouble.

Here are some like it:
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=2803008
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=2374047
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=2262993
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=2978259

Plenty more on Carzone and CBG to check out

The Real B-man

Lovely Car have had one as a Courtesy car when my Ibiza was getting fixed deffo going to be my next car! The Center console and Radio let it down but its only a small thing!