Looking to purchase VW Mk 6 or Seat Leon (2009-2013)

[MrKhizer]

Hi all,

I'm looking at buying either a Mk6 Golf or a Seat Leon 2009-2013 - I understand they have the same chassis and available engines but I keep hearing that the build quality of the Seat isn't up to scratch and so doesn't offer the same reliability as the Golf. Is there any truth to this?

I can kind of see how it makes sense as the Seat is almost a sheep in wolves clothing but surely it's not majorly significant?

Also, does anyone know roughly how long these cars can run for? I'm looking to get the 1.2 TSI petrol in either of them as it seems to offer the right balance between insurance costs, performance and economy but do I really need to pay extra for one with 50k on the clock or should I be comfortable with getting one in the region of 90k+ - there's a bit of a price difference.

And can anyone shed any light on servicing schedules for both of the cars? Like when the cambelts are due for a change, and at what mileage/age should I expect brake discs and pads to be changed at. And is there any common faults I need to look out for either car?

I've got a budget of approx 5k which is no mans land in terms of trim level and age but trying to strike the right balance is proving a bit tricky. Would appreciate any thoughts on the above - thanks!

[TonyTony]

I was after a GTi MK6 when I bought my FR+ but the GTI cost about £5-6k more with more mileage and pretty much none of the options.

Yes the interior on an Audi/VW is nicer but as far as engine/gearbox and running components go its pretty much the same.

If you are looking for value go Seat/Skoda, if you don't mind paying extra for brand and better interior go Audi/VW.

Edit:

A budget of 5k is a bit tight, I'd be looking at golf MK5 and pre facelift Leon territory for that. You can probably pick up the phase 1 (MK2) Leon FR's for that though now.

Edited by TonyTony on Monday 18th June 19:08

[SteBrown91]

Personally the interior pros of the golf only really shows on the higher spec models - and the 1.2 tsi was only available on the basic “S” I believe. The nice parts of the interior on the high models (seats, steering wheel, climate controls, instrument cluster etc) are pretty basic and naff on the S.

The engine on the Leon was only available on the lower models as well but was fitted to the “se copa” towards the end of production which came with bluetooth, climate control, cruise etc (very last models I think had xenons too)

Servicing wise almost all vw group cars can either be on fixed or longlife. The former is fixed 10k services on a minor-major regime. Long life is up to 18k or 2 years depending on what comes first, how it’s driven etc.

Don’t think these have a belt fairly sure it is a chain, but they can fail so if it’s been done it’s a plus point

[MrKhizer]

Thanks for the reply guys. I don't mind the interior looking a bit naff as long as I've got cruise control and bluetooth so I'm thinking to go for a Copa S in the Seat Leon or the Golf SE (i don't think the S comes with cruise control as standard)

And I've decided to try and get one with mileage around 50k max so I can have a little peace of mind - although I'm sure I could probably get one with 90K and still not have any major issues as long as its been serviced etc

[va1o]

The Copa in that generation Leon was pretty generously equipped, but the overall quality was well below the Golf Mk6

What budget are you thinking? The early MQB examples of both from 2013 have come down in price loads recently. They’re a safer buy even on high mileage as the newer engines seem much more durable