Seat Leon MK1 Cupra / FR TDI reliability.

[mikeyscott]

I might be doing more miles if I go contracting and looking at TDI Cupra/FR. What’s critical service aspects and how many miles are they typically good for? I’m also considering the Ibiza FR TDI.

Looking at spending £1500-2000 to just run it and all servicing would be done by JKM. Modifications would’ve cruise control and stereo head unit for Bluetooth / iPhone. That’s it. Decent tyres + servicing.

My previous LC had Revo + Milltek, but all money re mods will be kept for fettling 135i (LSD) or upgrading that to an E92 M3, 987/981 Cayman etc.

Looking at 53-55 plate, old bomb proof or lemons?

[anonymous-user]

Current mk1 LCR owner, so mostly similar. I`ve had mine for the last 5 years taking it from 95k to 135k, in my ownership i`v had to sort the following

- Replace old crankcase pipes
- Turbo in take pipe (original had split)
- Front ARB - plastic tabs known for breaking leading to massive creaking
- New suspension all round (more through choice but old stuff was tired)
- Rocker cover gasket due to leak
- Thermostat
- Both rear calipers (handbrake mech seized)
- Fuel pump
- 2 x CVS
- 1 x ball joint
- 2 x drop links
- All four door seals on the metal window carriers

They are getting old now and have their niggles. Apart from the fuel pump nothing has left me at the side of the road and most of it is maintenance you'd need on any car. Sorry cant be specific about the diseasals

[AJB88]

PD engines are good, the 150 did have a few niggles though so the 130/160 (FR Ibiza/ Cupra Ibiza) is seen as more reliable.

as said above though cars are getting on now so will need quite a bit of maintenance on them.

[xjay1337]

Generally very strong.
Most parts can be sourced cheaply, they are easy to work on.

The good thing is as there are so many shared parts with other cars you can usually buy another car for £300 and take the bits you want and split/sell the rest.

[mikeyscott]

Will see what happens this week re potential contracts etc.

Basingstoke 60-70 miles a day
Hook 80 miles a day
Havant 25 - would just run the 135i

[mikeyscott]

Offered contract in Basingstoke, but will poke Havant one this week as met them last week too.

Seat Ibiza TDI / FR is thought, but prob have to spend £2k

Need to work out how much hit my 135i will take as it’s a 2011 plate with 50k now on the clock