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Can't find a new tin top - Lean Cupra TDI any good?
mikeb - 7/4/11 at 09:36 AM

After failing miserably to find myself a new tintop the search continutes

1. Merc C class coupe CDI 02-03 reg, all have rusty front wings, scanderlous
2. Audi A4 TDI estate finding a good one under £5k is proving difficult
3. Can't risk the BMW 320d incase of expensive engine bills...

So I thought I'd go a bit wide boy and look at a Seat Leon Cupra/FR 150 tdi.
Are they any good? It appeals because its looks nice for a 5 door and should be quick as compared to most other deisels.
I know there not as refined as the Audi's or Golfs but thats why they are a couple of grand less for the same reg so I can get an 04-05 for the money.

It should make my b road trip to work a little more fun.

All this also means my Audi is still for sale, lots of interest but as I haven't found a new one yet I can't let it go. So if you want a bargain estate (see previous post) and dont' mind waiting a bit while I find a new motor let me know.

M

Mr Whippy - 7/4/11 at 09:42 AM

one day you'll find out about jap cars

mikeb - 7/4/11 at 09:56 AM

Find me a good looking jap diesel under £5k and I'll take a look.
Did look at a mazda 6 estate just didn't float my boat
Bought the missus a Crolla, its lovely just a little dull.
Did they make a fast Civic deisel before the new shape ones that looks half decent?

Daddylonglegs - 7/4/11 at 10:00 AM

we looked at the Leon but weren't too impressed with the finish etc. Ended up going for the new Golf TDi, it's a joy to drive and gives us the best part of 60mpg around the countryside where we live and it also has the go when needed sufficient for what we want anyhow. More expensive I know but 'you gets what you pays for'.

JB

mikeb - 7/4/11 at 10:03 AM

Not sure I can get a new golf tdi for my budget, did you get one for under £5k?

I heard the new leons aren't as well finished compared to the new golfs

Steve Hignett - 7/4/11 at 10:04 AM

Flak Monkey has one (although it might be newer than your on about), I think he's selling it 'cos it's too good!

Daddylonglegs - 7/4/11 at 10:24 AM

OK, note to self "READ THE THREAD FULLY JOHN!"

No, sorry mate, thought you were talking about a 'new' new car, Doh! Most definitely not under 5k for this baby!

Think I'd still prefer an older Golf to an older Seat though

nick205 - 7/4/11 at 10:28 AM

I ran an 04 plate Cupra TDI from new for 3.5 years and nearly 100k miles as a co. car. Absolutely stonking car, best I've had so far and still miss is massively. I ragged it to death and it never missed a beat.

Far better looking than the equivalent Golf or A3 IMHO, excellent boot space, 5 door convenience, inexpensive to run and service, 55+ mpg possible on a steady run, high 40's if driven sensibly on A roads. Pleasingly rapid on the move (0-60 times don't give the picture) and rewarding to drive fast.

If I didn't have a co. car and had to buy my own I'd have another straight away.

Also driven the newer FR TDI 170 as a colleague has one. IMHO it just doesn't have the same mix of abilties as the older car. Very fidgety and harsh and no faster either.

mikeb - 7/4/11 at 11:15 AM

Thats a good thumbs up for the Leon.
It would be good to have something that feels a bit sporty and nice to drive while the locost takes shape...slowly in the garage.

Davegtst - 7/4/11 at 11:35 AM

quote:
Originally posted by mikeb
Find me a good looking jap diesel under £5k and I'll take a look.
Did look at a mazda 6 estate just didn't float my boat
Bought the missus a Crolla, its lovely just a little dull.
Did they make a fast Civic deisel before the new shape ones that looks half decent?



I've just got myself an 04 accord tourer for less than 4K. Don't know about the diesels but i really like my 2.0 petrol i-vtec one. Loads of space, very comfortable and should have excellent reliability too.

andylancaster3000 - 7/4/11 at 11:39 AM

Mike, I'm having the same problem as you, still not managed to find anything. I've upped my budget a little and also looking at the warmer Leon TDIs. If you do get one let me know how you get on!

Cheers
Andy

flak monkey - 7/4/11 at 11:55 AM

Leon TDI is a cracking car. Like steve says I am kinda changing mine because its too good!

Had it for 18 months. No problems at all. Only cost me servicing and tyres and thats it. Covered 18k miles in it in that time.

Mines been chipped and had a few tweaks. Still returns 50mpg and cheap insurance and tax.

The only downside is you'll pay more for a Leon FR TDi than a Golf 150 GT TDI. There a lot more Golfs about but you get every conceiveable toy on the Leon where everything is an option on the Golf or Audi.

Mines probably being traded in on Saturday however!

andylancaster3000 - 7/4/11 at 12:04 PM

How do the lower spec Leon TDIs compare to equiv golfs etc? (Probably dont need a cupra/FR for the daily hack!)

[Edited on 7/4/11 by andylancaster3000]

flak monkey - 7/4/11 at 12:18 PM

There are 4 engine options in the Mk1's 90, 110, 130 and 150bhp. All are the same basic engine in different states of tune. The 130 and 150 are the PD engines and are the ones to look for. Although they fetch the premium price. The 150 was only available in the FR/Cupra.

Build quality and trim is good across the range. The levels are about the same between the lower range cars and the Seat should be cheaper than the equivalent VW until you get to the FR/Cupra spec

nick205 - 7/4/11 at 07:23 PM

quote:
Originally posted by andylancaster3000
How do the lower spec Leon TDIs compare to equiv golfs etc? (Probably dont need a cupra/FR for the daily hack!)

[Edited on 7/4/11 by andylancaster3000]



Ref. MK1 Leon
TBH I'd be more than happy with a 130 bhp TDI in SE trim. It'll be slightly cheaper to buy and insure and still be a good drive.