Leon Cupra Mk3 vs Mk3.5

[Tobby22]

Hello,
After 3 years of ownership of a 2022 Seat Ibiza FR 1.0 TSI, I’ve decided to move on to something more powerful. Since I’ve been very happy with it, the main car I’m looking at is the Seat Leon Cupra 5f. I’ve found a few options around the same price with 30-70k miles on them. The first option is to go for a 2015-2016 Leon Cupra MK3 280/290 with a DSG fitted on it and the second option is to go for a 2018 Cupra 300 MK3.5 with a manual gearbox. I’m posting this thread because I’d like to know the differences between the pre-facelift vs the facelifted version of this car. I know for sure that the prefacelifted version is equipped with a smaller screen without apple carplay, is it possible to add CarPlay to the older screen or switch the screen with the one that comes with the facelifted one?
What are the other differences? Is the DSG6 considered a reliable gearbox? I’ve also heard that the manual gearbox is bad on this car.
Are 70k miles considered a lot for a car like this?
What else should I be careful with on these cars?

Kind regards

 

[Seriously?]

Some reports state that facelift headlights are a much better set up than those on the pre-facelift.

 

[nd-photo.nl]

I bought the prefacelift ST280 with the DSG6 and I simply love it. This is my interior and it has Android Auto & Apple Carplay although my phone does not seem compatible (Samsung Galaxy Note 10+). If you have the smallest screen, you can still retrofit the bigger/newer screen, but it can be a hassle (use the search function here).

Unless you will track the car, I cannot see why anyone would choose manual over the DSG, but that is my opinion.

Facelifted has another bumper which looks sleeker, with integrated foglights. facelift with DSG also has the 7 speed instead of 6 speed. I don't know further details though.

Check my build thread, it might hold some information you need for making your choice > https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/nd-photo-nl-s-seat-leon-st-cupra-280.477591/

 

[DEAN0]

I went MK3.5 300 Manual 3 door.

I wanted virtual cockpit
I hated the white seat trim and the facelift is black carbon effect trim
The facelift has the 8" screen std
I find the facelift headlights better than my old 2014 mk3 tdi

Main things to look for :
Water pump / thermostat housing leaks - appx £750 at an independent - £1200 is at a stealers.
Cracked alloys - 19" wheels and 35 profile tyres can take damage on large pot holes
Front suspension springs - there have been reports of springs snapping ( across the VAG group cars )
Seat wear on the bolsters.
Lumpy idle - generally caused by duff cam magnets - fairly easy DIY swap out.

 

[DEAN0]

facelift with DSG also has the 7 speed instead of 6 speed

I believe the 7 speed DSG was only introduced on the facelift 290 ( along with the GPF in the exhaust )

 

[Pinky]

Some reports state that facelift headlights are a much better set up than those on the pre-facelift.

I'd go along with that.

 

[ViperSlider]

Some things not mentioned above:

3.5 will have updated part numbers/revised parts, less common failures

3.5 all have eBrake hand brake

3.5 has updated styling so personal preference on looks of the bumpers/interior

You can add the bigger screen and carplay to the older mk3 but the later 2016 have the capability.