Seat Leon 20V Turbo...in the desert

[Rocketman105]

I recently posted about my previous car purchase - a Hyundai Galloper ( http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... )- which was an ideal car for a few runs into the desert and a trip to Bahrain with four blokes in need of a cold beverage. "Why change?" I hear you ask "it's perfect for the environment; 4WD, good visibility and ground clearance, with the bonus of cheap petrol for that gas guzzling V6. What more could you want?"

Well. A smile on my face when driving it might have been nice! Apart from one Paris-Dakar style drive where I was sure I would get stuck in the sand, didn't, and felt like a driving GOD.

Other than that one moment it never really hit the spot. So when a mate suggested he might sell his Leon Cupra for a good price I had an advert for the Galloper within 30 seconds and a test drive lined up the the next day. Within a day both cars were sold and I had a massive grin pasted on my face.

To say I was surprised by the Leon would be a bit of an understatement. It is addictively rapid. I love it already. Although I think I'll have trouble taking it into the desert. I think it'll be more Vanishing Point than Paris-Dakar.

I just hope I don't get really good fuel consumption - would feel like a waste!

[Codswallop]

Good looking car that. Bet there can't be many other Seats in that part of the world though. How's parts supply and servicing?

[Rocketman105]

Codswallop said:

Good looking car that. Bet there can't be many other Seats in that part of the world though. How's parts supply and servicing?

I've seen about half a dozen Seats in 6 months!

Seat are apparently pretty good, and although parts are not as readily available as GM / Ford / Toyota it's not as bad as Land Rover and others. Used parts are an alternative and as so much is carried over from VW/Audi/Skoda there's more choice than you'd think!

[Rocketman105]

Codswallop said:

Good looking car that. Bet there can't be many other Seats in that part of the world though. How's parts supply and servicing?

And just seen what you drive - nearly snap. Looks smart. Good bargain. I wonder how they'd compare side by side? Free revving V5 v 1.8T. I didn't realise how similar the Leon and Toldeo were (now I clearly see the Toldeo is a Leon with a boot...).

Another couple of gratuitous photos...