SEAT Leon FR (2006 - 2012) 2.0 16V TDI FR 5d (2008/58) 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?
A little different without being too far from the madding crowd.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They all love it - despite the current trend for white cars, it's still rare to see another one, and I'm still being asked about it whilst out and about. I constantly need to point out the rear handles though!
Would you buy this car again and why?
Probably not, but only because SEAT forever seem to be raiding the recently-discarded Audi / VW parts bin (see the Exeo). If they upped the interior quality I'd definitely consider the manufacturer once more.
What are you likely to buy next?
VW Passat CC or Alfa 159.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£0
When did you buy the car?
January 2009
Did you get a good deal and why?
N/A
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Mark VI VW Golf wasn't available at the time I needed a car, and this had all the options - Bluetooth, Climate & iPod connection - included for a reasonable figure.
What was the dealer like?
N/A
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Lots of low-end torque, which causes the ESP to kick in early due to being a FWD car, so needs careful handling in 1st & 2n gear. A fairly relaxed cruiser on the motorway for soemthing with near hot-hatch performance (although I wish I'd waited for the new common rail engine in this respect).
What's it like to park?
Never had any problems parking as I always exercise caution near kerbs after past mistakes, and the wheels are pretty much at each corner anyway. No issues reversing into standard spaces as the mirrors are more than adequate. Large 'A' pillars do mean some head movement is required at awkward / tight junctions.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Yes: Major problems with ESP following shoddy repair after someone rear-ended me. Not intially a manufacturing problem but SEAT dealer experience very poor. DPF failure, despite me undertaking 2,000 motorway miles a month on average, which the dealer acknowledged but refused to negotiate on.
What's most practical about your car?
Split / fold rear seats and 5 door pracitcality in a sporty, 3 door-esque design.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Has to be the Bluetooth, which integrates seamlessly with my phone and delivers crystal clear sound in all conditions.
