SEAT Leon Hatchback (2000 - 2005) 1.9 TDi FR (150ps) 5d (2005/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Chav. No just kidding, it says I like yellow and I like performance, but economical motoring.

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

It's very yellow. But they all love it and it always turns heads.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely, maybe the petrol version when I can afford to run one.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'm happy with this one for now.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,495

When did you buy the car?

January 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not too bad considering it had recently had a respray. However, the dealer (Hartwell Citroen, Bath) failed to check the car over fully before sale and as such it has been back under warranty a number of times, it has now been 3 months of ownership and it's only just been completely fixed.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Was recommended the 1.9TDi engine, and naturally I had to have the most powerful one. Went to see it at the dealer and fell in love instantly.

What was the dealer like?

Very patronising - kept making the point about it being my "first car" and how it was a "very exciting time". An exciting time that was ruined by shocking customer service and poor quality. I had to write to their head office before they finally got round to fixing it. They did not call me back once despite countless messages left. I honestly feel that they stereotyped the owner of a bright yellow FR with carbon fibre effect wheels and assumed that they wouldn't know their statutory rights and wouldn't bother bringing back. But I squeezed a £500 warranty from them at no cost so I guess it's worth it.

What's it like to drive?

Very easy but still immense fun. Always brings a smile to my face when I get to experience that combination of power and torque. Handles pretty well for a relatively big car too. Happy in any environment and very economical.

What's it like to park?

This is where it stumbles a bit. The turning circle is huge and it's very hard to judge where the back or front of it is. Luckily mine has aftermarket parking sensors which mean I prefer reverse parking but it can require a number of attempts to get it straight.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Central locking transmitter in drivers door - caused a number of faults with doors not unlocking etc. Had the dealer checked it before sale I wouldn't have had this problems, it works as it should now. Other faults caused by the dealers incompetence - including electrical smoke pouring into the cabin.

What's most practical about your car?

Big boot.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Auto climate control, really easy to use. Folding mirrors also.