SEAT Altea Freetrack 4 (2007 - 2009) 2.0 TDi 5d (2008/08) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
No idea - unconventional? It's rare so people don't really know what it's all about.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Those who have ridden in it love it, and come away impressed. My wife loves it because she is often sat in the back with our 6 month old, and there is loads of space and proper seats rather than the usual 'bench'. My son is too young to care!!
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes - even if we no longer need 4x4 capability the spec and the rarity of the Freetrack still give it a lot more appeal to me than the normal Altea XL upon which it is based.
What are you likely to buy next?
Don't know yet.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£6,650
When did you buy the car?
January 2013
Did you get a good deal and why?
A very good deal, because a private seller needed it gone because a new car was on the way. Despite being slightly above average mileage it is immaculate.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
It's a niche car which happens to meet our particular circumstances perfectly - if you need a family friendly car with reliable all-weather ability and enough performance to satisfy the demands of an enthusiastic driver it's perfect.
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Very sporty - not like other MPVs and streets ahead of conventional 4x4s such as Freelanders and CR-Vs when on tarmac. The 170 tdi has huge amounts of torque and is very refined. The small steering wheel and sports seats add to the experience - and the suspension set-up is firm yet compliant.
What's it like to park?
Easy to reverse park thanks to the sensors. You can't see the front of the car but you soon get used to it - it's slightly longer at the front than you think!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
No - I've had the DPF light on a couple of times after some slow runs to work, but 10 minutes on a dual carriageway lets it clear its throat and the light goes off again. So it will only be a problem if you don't act when you get the warning.
What's most practical about your car?
Just as roomy and pleasant for rear passengers as for those in the front. The rear seats independently slide and recline. The boot is a decent size. Parking sensors are great.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Hopefully you'll never need it - but the tyre pressure monitor is superb. I was unlucky to get a nail in an almost new tyre. My whole family was in the car with me when the warning flashed. We stopped, and I found the damage. Wheel changed in 20 minutes, rather than running the unknown risk of suffering a blow-out at any moment. The 4wd kicks in seamlessly when needed too - superb in recent snow when a lot of cars were getting stuck.
