Going to Test Drive a 08 Leon

ShayK1

I'm looking at upgrading from a 01 Passat to a 08 Leon
Both 1.9TDi but different Bhp.

Going for a test drive tomorrow.
Anything I should look out for or any known problems with the Leon?

Thanks.

Link
http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Leon/1.9-Cost/200937195158994/advert?channel=CARS

EPM

I had a look at one of those imports in another outlet of the same garage a while back with a friend. The seemed to have had a hard life. They came from a rental fleet in the north. That one is the Stylance model and very well equipped. Any of the ones they had in Waterford were a little rough to be honest, and the gearbox was in a very bad state in one of them too.

I have the same car but a petrol with the sport-up pack. Known problems are the air con packing it in (I had this - new compressor under warranty) so make sure that it's blowing cold and the revs rise and drop when you turn it on and off. Make sure that it blows in the direction you chose too.

Make sure the clutch is operationg smoothly with no vibration. DMF can give trouble, make sure the folding mirrors are doing so smoothly (expensive to sort out), the locking is working on all doors and check for condensation in headlights and rear light clusters (a lot have been replaced under warranty).

Other than that they are the usual VAG car really. Inside feels a bit cheaper but mine has 105k up on it now and still looks like new with no creaks or rattles. They ride well on 16's. Anything bigger and it's too firm. I've 17's and sports suspension and it's borderline awful around town. Getting in and out can requires a little agaility as they are low and the curve in the roof line but there's loads of room front and back once you're in there.

But going back to the cars, from what I've seen of the imported ones I wouldn't buy in a hurry. Check the prices in the UK and if you can get one with the sport up pack the interior is a lot more appealing. Have a look at seatcupra.net also. Very useful information there. I may well buy another but it will be an FR TDi...someday...

EPM

I can't believe forgot to mention I had to get my gearbox rebuilt last week for a grand but the diesels use a different box

Pdfile

but surely the fact their one of the best looking diesels and handling makes any mechanical worries worth it

EPM

Pdfile wrote: »

but surely the fact their one of the best looking diesels and handling makes any mechanical worries worth it

Of course. 1000 euro fixes on a car that was never abused are fine sure. WTF?

pburns

Dare I castigate it for the 1.9TDI tractor engine?

OKish in a 01 Passat maybe but woefully behind the times for refinement, noise etc. in a newer car. I'd be looking for a 2.0TDi version TBH and if it's 08 the 2.0 will be as cheap (or cheaper?) to tax because of CO2...

Pdfile

EPM wrote: »

Of course. 1000 euro fixes on a car that was never abused are fine sure. WTF?

irish drivers... what do you expect ?? impectable spec second hand drive cars ?? dont get me wrong, seats are aweful buckets of rust and marmite but jasus, this one is half decent. :rolleyes:

TestTransmission

Pdfile wrote: »

irish drivers... what do you expect ?? impectable spec second hand drive cars ?? dont get me wrong, seats are aweful buckets of rust and marmite but jasus, this one is half decent. :rolleyes:

Speak English will you.

EPM

Pdfile wrote: »

irish drivers... what do you expect ?? impectable spec second hand drive cars ?? dont get me wrong, seats are aweful buckets of rust and marmite but jasus, this one is half decent. :rolleyes:

I'd be interested to know why this one is half decent and others are buckets of rust.

Irish drivers? I expected with mine (and I dont think I'm being unreasonable in this regard) that the gearbox wouldn't eat itself after 3 years, especially since I'm very easy on my clutch and gearbox. Seriously, can you post something that makes at least some sense?

OP, have you looked at a new one? Serious discounts on 10 reg's (before the facelift comes in). Not a whole lot more would get you a 1.9tdi Costa. Only thing it misses are alloys, climate (has air con) and multi function steering wheel.

EDIT - http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Leon/1.9-Cost/200949196102666/advert?channel=CARS

Biro

pburns wrote: »

Dare I castigate it for the 1.9TDI tractor engine?

OKish in a 01 Passat maybe but woefully behind the times for refinement, noise etc. in a newer car. I'd be looking for a 2.0TDi version TBH and if it's 08 the 2.0 will be as cheap (or cheaper?) to tax because of CO2...

The early 2.0TDi's were higher CO2 than the 1.9's. Plus they're considered a more premium model, so the 2.0's are rarer and more expensive.

Eoin

jackncoke wrote: »

Speak English will you.

This is not the English forum.

Pdfile

jackncoke wrote: »

Speak English will you.

its not my first langauge but im doing very well, jasus id say ive more of an irish accent then you but then again this is a multi-lingual site, no ?

merc998

Stay away from them buy yourself a gti golf or a tdi a4

EPM

merc998 wrote: »

Stay away from them buy yourself a gti golf or a tdi a4

Any particular reason?

Eoin

Pdfile wrote: »

its not my first langauge but im doing very well, jasus id say ive more of an irish accent then you but then again this is a multi-lingual site, no ?

It's been dealt with, let's keep on topic please.

merc998

Have'nt heard great things about them to be honest i personally wouldnt buy 1.For the money i think you'd buy something better with the likes of a golf gti/tdi or an audi a4 tdi.

EPM

merc998 wrote: »

Have'nt heard great things about them to be honest i personally wouldnt buy 1.For the money i think you'd buy something better with the likes of a golf gti/tdi or an audi a4 tdi.

It's the exact same car as a Golf TDi though bar body and interior

bazz26

merc998 wrote: »

Have'nt heard great things about them to be honest i personally wouldnt buy 1.For the money i think you'd buy something better with the likes of a golf gti/tdi or an audi a4 tdi.

You do know they are all made by the same parent company? The Golf and Leon are basically the same car underneath the badges.

ShayK1

EPM wrote: »

OP, have you looked at a new one? Serious discounts on 10 reg's (before the facelift comes in). Not a whole lot more would get you a 1.9tdi Costa. Only thing it misses are alloys, climate (has air con) and multi function steering wheel.

EDIT - http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Leon/1.9-Cost/200949196102666/advert?channel=CARS

I think that's out of my price range. If I was going to buy new I think I be going for the new megane coupe. 1.5cdi, 105Bhp. Renault are doing a nearly 5 grand scrappage deal for 2001 and older. (I think its 2001 anyway)

The reason I want to change is I'm sick of paying nearly 600 a year on car tax.
This leon has more or less the same engine as my passat and its only 156 to tax her for the year.
I'm also considering
Ford Focus
Renault Megane Coupe
Opel astra
Kia pro_ceed

A3 and A4s are over priced as are Golfs so I'm steering clear of both. Besides, A4s are common as muck! I've that problem with the passat and I hate it. They are literally, EVERYWHERE I LOOK!

ShayK1

merc998 wrote: »

Have'nt heard great things about them to be honest i personally wouldnt buy 1.For the money i think you'd buy something better with the likes of a golf gti/tdi or an audi a4 tdi.

What have you heard about them?