LotusMike
Guest
Just handed back the 55 reg TFSI Sport after completing 110,000 miles.
Having come from a MK1 Curpra I was initially slightly disappointed with the MK2 but on reflection it did something’s better and some not quite as well.
Missed some of the little things that would not have cost a lot for Seat to have added (locking gas struts and light inside the bonnet, washer liquid sensor, and light in glove box) but liked the overall design particularly when it was one of the first of the MK2 Leons in the NE.
Problems in the 4 years have included: - water in passenger foot well and mould growing on passenger “A” pillar apparently due to drain pipe problem with the optional sunroof; failed rear wheel bearing at 80K; consistently high oil consumption of approx 2 litres between services (Seat dealer said this was within tolerance); condensation in rear tailgate lights which never got cured. The oil filler cap broke off twice and the problem could be seen as the sound insulation under the bonnet was wearing where the cap is located. The tyre foam worked on the two punctures (no spare). Tyres consistently wore out first on the inside edge despite my attempts to get this cured. Been through more tyres than I can remember and two windscreens due to cracks caused by stones but still on original exhaust, clutch and battery. Front disks have been changed twice and rears once (I think). Never really averaged more than 30 mpg even with some long motorway runs but that is probably down to the driver!
At 90K things really started to get more serious. The engine management light came on and the car went into “limp home” mode with max revs of 3000. The fault was initially diagnosed as a turbo bearing problem but then the dealer changed its mind and replaced one of the injectors. All was fine for a few thousand miles but if the revs went beyond 5000 then it again went into limp home with the engine light on. Dealer diagnosis - turbo faulty (?).
As the lease company did not want to pay for the turbo to be replaced it has gone back and will presumably be in an auction over the next few days. Interestingly when the cylinder head was off for the injector replacement it was apparent where the oil had been going by the severe carbon deposits. Just goes to show that good quality petrol and oil will not help if the tolerances allow excessive amounts of oil to be burnt.
Anyone looking at a 55 plate black TFSI Sport with sunroof, CD stacker and rear parking sensors may wish to consider the above!
With all of the above what next? Audi A3? New Astra? Golf GTI? Focus ST? Nope, a face lift, white, FR TSI of course! Due to arrive in the next couple of days.
My thanks to all who contribute to this forum. It has been invaluable over the years and I will no doubt continue to be in awe at the amount of knowledge and experience out there. I hope Seat take note of the many comments posted.
Having come from a MK1 Curpra I was initially slightly disappointed with the MK2 but on reflection it did something’s better and some not quite as well.
Missed some of the little things that would not have cost a lot for Seat to have added (locking gas struts and light inside the bonnet, washer liquid sensor, and light in glove box) but liked the overall design particularly when it was one of the first of the MK2 Leons in the NE.
Problems in the 4 years have included: - water in passenger foot well and mould growing on passenger “A” pillar apparently due to drain pipe problem with the optional sunroof; failed rear wheel bearing at 80K; consistently high oil consumption of approx 2 litres between services (Seat dealer said this was within tolerance); condensation in rear tailgate lights which never got cured. The oil filler cap broke off twice and the problem could be seen as the sound insulation under the bonnet was wearing where the cap is located. The tyre foam worked on the two punctures (no spare). Tyres consistently wore out first on the inside edge despite my attempts to get this cured. Been through more tyres than I can remember and two windscreens due to cracks caused by stones but still on original exhaust, clutch and battery. Front disks have been changed twice and rears once (I think). Never really averaged more than 30 mpg even with some long motorway runs but that is probably down to the driver!
At 90K things really started to get more serious. The engine management light came on and the car went into “limp home” mode with max revs of 3000. The fault was initially diagnosed as a turbo bearing problem but then the dealer changed its mind and replaced one of the injectors. All was fine for a few thousand miles but if the revs went beyond 5000 then it again went into limp home with the engine light on. Dealer diagnosis - turbo faulty (?).
As the lease company did not want to pay for the turbo to be replaced it has gone back and will presumably be in an auction over the next few days. Interestingly when the cylinder head was off for the injector replacement it was apparent where the oil had been going by the severe carbon deposits. Just goes to show that good quality petrol and oil will not help if the tolerances allow excessive amounts of oil to be burnt.
Anyone looking at a 55 plate black TFSI Sport with sunroof, CD stacker and rear parking sensors may wish to consider the above!
With all of the above what next? Audi A3? New Astra? Golf GTI? Focus ST? Nope, a face lift, white, FR TSI of course! Due to arrive in the next couple of days.
My thanks to all who contribute to this forum. It has been invaluable over the years and I will no doubt continue to be in awe at the amount of knowledge and experience out there. I hope Seat take note of the many comments posted.
