Advice needed on potential purchase

[JimmyD]

Hello everyone,

I've just joined the forum as I'm thinking about buying a Seat Leon Cupra T.

The vehicle I'm looking at is an 02 plate with 55k miles on the clock. It has 12 months MOT but has no service history book. The seller (who is a trade seller) says that they have received the car from a finance company after it was repossessed due to non payment and the owner did not return the service book. So I think maybe I can write to the owner to get the service history book. However I'd have to buy the car without it, can anyone offer some advice as to potential problems with a car of this age and nasty surprises I may get without knowing its history, for example around that mileage are certain works required which may be expensive?

Any help would be hugely appreciated..

Cheers!

 

[6th.replicant]

... The seller (who is a trade seller) says that they have received the car from a finance company after it was repossessed due to non payment and the owner did not return the service book.

Hmm, the above ranks alongside, "The cheque's in the post ...", "I've never done that with any of my previous girlfriends/boyfriends, you're the first because you're special ...", "Once you get to know him, Simon Cowell is a really cool guy..." etc.

Mate, Rule Number-One - NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, BUY A LC/LCR WITHOUT A GENUINE FULL SERVICE HISTORY! EVER!

If you can locate the previous owner & get confirmation, then that's great, otherwise save yourself a lot of potential grief & find a car with a pukka FSH - there're plenty out there.

 

[JimmyD]

Yeah I know that's the logical thing I should be thinking. Only problem is that its only got 55k miles for an 02 plate which seems good, but its priced at £2.9k so an absolute steal from what I've seen.. my budget won't stretch much further.. It does come with a full 12 month MOT.. I just kinda need to know worst case, what might need going to it at that age..

 

[james walker]

check the car fully yourself and insist it goes out serviced fully.. bear in mind 60k is cam/waterpump change, that will be 400 quid mate.

do full hpi check on it also .

if your not compentant mechanically then aa/rac do vehicle inspections for around 60quid, which could be worth it in that case

 

[6th.replicant]

You could try contacting SEAT UK customer service & ask if they have any service details (they'll need car's registration). However, in principle, SEAT don't give out service details - unlike VW - but you could try explaining the situation & maybe they'll help?

Mind you, as the 'current owner', the dealer is eligible & could/should have got the info via SEAT...

Is the dealer offering an sort of warranty - if not, why not?

What could go wrong with a LC if it's not FSH: turbo could be on the way out; engine/valves/cylinder head are shagged cos the oil & coolant haven't been changed for years/ever; brake hydraulics/pipes etc could be shagged cos fluid has never been changed; cambelt could be about to snap (new engine) cos it's never been replaced etc, etc?

If you want to take a punt, as James Walker advises, you must get an HPI check plus have the car checked over by the AA/RAC, or a SEAT garage or indie SEAT/VAG specialist. If they give it a clean bill of health, then you must give the car a full service (ie change all filters & engine oil, engine coolant & brake fluid etc) AND a cambelt & water pump (brass impeller) change, which'll cost £400-600ish all-in, depending on the garage.

Otherwise, maybe it's best to save some more ££s & get a pukka car? As consolation, at least used LCs/LCRs will be coming down in price as your budget increases.

Hope this helps.

 

[JimmyD]

Thanks very much for the info, this will be a great help. I'll update as to what happens