is there a Leon Cupra TDi buyers guide?

[BlackIce]

Hi,

I'm from a vauxhall background but have decided on getting a Leon Cupra TDi 150 (circa 2004).

I've had a rummage around the site via the search function and have found leaky water into the footwells and noisy power steering the main things to look out for. But does anyone have any other pointers for me to keep an eye out for when looking at one? Are they prone for anything?

A friend had a Golf GT TDi 150 and he mentioned you need to make sure the cambelt & tensioners were done using genuine seat parts at around 60k or walk away.

Thanks in advance.

Rich

 

[seantdi]

a full service history is a must.

 

[MrBen2k7]

I got a Leon 1.9TDi SE 110.

My MAF recently went.... had it for a month... its done 98k might not be a common thing... but annoyed me lol.

It went even on a standard air pannel... so could be something...

 

[johntheboy]

Ive got an FR+ 150pd disel, done over 15 k in myne now and not had any major issues. As previously stated make sure the timing belt was done at 60k... preferably the water pump to have been done at the same time as they can go but it's not an absolute must. As long as it drives streight, no moisture in the car, no white gunk under the oil or water filler caps, brakes look ok and no stange un-even tyre wear and the body panels look like they havent had a suspect life then should be ok.. If you buy from a garage and get a complementary 30 day garuntee just whip it streight down to a VW specialist and stick in on the vagcom for ease of mind.

One thing to check is for the brakes on the diesels as there was a recall leading to a pipe which split causing an air leak into the vaccum on the brake servo. As I say this was a recall so chances are it will have been changed but here's the link for that problem... http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=41056

 

[UncleFester]

Had mine for over 3 years now, got it on 20k miles .. it's now done just over 60k miles and apart from routine maintenance / upgrades it hasn't put a foot wrong.

I would watch out for noisy turbos ( any metallic sounds / whines etc ) also check the bushes / underside of the car for marks or signs of abuse.

Other than that go for it ( mine's an 04 Cupra Tdi too) although if you can find an FR+ for similar money go for that

 

[johntheboy]

As uncle fester said, not long after buying myne (will have been there from the start but didnt notice it at first) but there was a split seccond squeek from my turbo when setting away when the engine was cold. This turned out to be a bent impaler in the turbo, extremely rare and havent heard of anyone with the same problem. All sorted now over 10k ago and been fine since. Yep FR+ if you can find for a good price! Theres been a few threads with similar questions knocking about previously for petrols and diesels so could be worth having a read through them.

 

[daboy3000]

I thought the cam belt needed doing at 40k

 

[BlackIce]

Thanks for your advice chaps. Spotted this item number on ebay 260389013738 - seems tidy enough although I'd probably get the belt done again for peace of mind

 

[BlackIce]

Ah, just noticed they did the practically same model in FR 150 - thanks to Uncle Fester for pointing me in the direction. What is the difference between the Cupra and the FR? It looks like the FR just has different alloys, silver wing mirrors and a CD headunit. Are there any other differences?

 

[S3 AKR]

Ah, just noticed they did the practically same model in FR 150 - thanks to Uncle Fester for pointing me in the direction. What is the difference between the Cupra and the FR? It looks like the FR just has different alloys, silver wing mirrors and a CD headunit. Are there any other differences?

The dash vents had silver/grey "buttons", the 6 disc CD was not standard fit, shape of the wing mirrors, FR badges lol and that's about it.

 

[BlackIce]

Well, I've taken the plunge and stuck a deposit down on one, collect it next weekend - Pics to follow then!!

 

[johntheboy]

Well, I've taken the plunge and stuck a deposit down on one, collect it next weekend - Pics to follow then!!

Which one have you gone for?