SEAT Leon Hatchback (2000 - 2005) 1.8 20V T Cupra 5d (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Its understated, and in plain form quite a sleeper given the power it has. Much nicer than the heavy handed bodykitted Cupra R which screams baseball cap wearing moron driving like a lunatic around a retail park.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My wife liked driving it because it had a high seat adjustment and good performance, otherwise it generated almost no interest from anybody.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Nope, disapointed by the way it drove and its lack of sparkle. Also proved again that VW bits are far from perfect, and that when they go wrong they are expensive to fix.

What are you likely to buy next?

Alfa Romeo.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,995

When did you buy the car?

August 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

I felt at the time that I got a good deal, road tax and a new MOT thrown in with the deal and polite service.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Had read good reviews of this car and its performance.

What was the dealer like?

Fine on selling the car, when several quite serious problems were found less than a month after, they were less than helpful and washed their hands of offering any assistance.

What's it like to drive?

A disapointment after the reviews I'd read. Yes the car handles very well and has plenty of grip, it also has plenty of very useable power but it never inspires you to actually use any of it with delight. Far less inspiring than the equivilent era of Focus.

What's it like to park?

Easy, I found the steering light and turning circle suprisingly good, but I don't buy a hot hatch for the way it parks.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It would be easier to list what hadnt gone wrong. First a front hub failure, engine undertray came loose, engine light on twice within a month, boost issues due to faulty coil packs (it seems a common problem) failing door lock, CD changer fault and finally door seals on this range of VAG cars letting water into the saloon.

What's most practical about your car?

Roomy five door hatch with reasonable space inside compared with rivals and a large pratical boot.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

None really, spec was a bit stingy. Supportive front seats a bonus.