looking at buying 2003 mk1 LC

[Wazuke]

Hi Guys,
Im looking at a few LC's at the moment, the one is:
2003 Black Leon Cupra, its done 90k (Unfortunately i am limited to £4k budget).
Its had a water pump change and cambelt change.

Whats your thoughts on the car seen as its done 90k? how many more miles are expected? and does anyone know the cost of an engine rebuild if required.

Many thanks,

Anthony

 

[Cupra Kev]

VAG engines are usually very strong as long as they are serviced to schedule and not given big power without upgrading internals to match - standard clutch should last between 90-120k easily as long as it's not abused

Most common failures engine-wise seem to be coil-packs and MAF which are fairly inexpensive to put right.

Water pump usually rated for 40k-60k if it's standard plastic impeller - get it changed to metal impeller at next cam-belt change and shouldn't have any issues

 

[Wazuke]

Cupra Kev, as always, good work!

 

[NJG]

My 2001 Cupra has just clocked 171,000, and still going strong.
Had it from new, and as Cupra Kev states, I've only had problems with coil packs and a MAF unit.
Water pump still going too.
Minor issues from new: Coil Spring break, clutch pedal broke, window regulator replaced.

That's it!

Good luck

 

[Cupra Kev]

My 2001 Cupra has just clocked 171,000, and still going strong.
Had it from new, and as Cupra Kev states, I've only had problems with coil packs and a MAF unit.
Water pump still going too.
Minor issues from new: Coil Spring break, clutch pedal broke, window regulator replaced.

That's it!

Good luck

Are you still on your original water pump

 

[NJG]

Yep, still the same one.

 

[Gudgie]

I managed to get a hold of an 03 52 cupra 180 for £4k with 44K on the clock. so there are good deals at the moment if you look for them. Defo a buyers market!

Mind you maf started playing up after less than 100 miles but as quoted above its inexpensive to fix and i'm lovin it so far!!

 

[kewe]

My 2001 Cupra has just clocked 171,000, and still going strong.
Had it from new, and as Cupra Kev states, I've only had problems with coil packs and a MAF unit.
Water pump still going too.
Minor issues from new: Coil Spring break, clutch pedal broke, window regulator replaced.

That's it!

Good luck

That's very good going mate. I'm sure not many makes of car would get through that with so little things going wrong.

 

[NJG]

A full service history helps I guess.
Still have the original clutch too.

Don't know what the life expectancy of shocks, wheel bearings etc are.
I'll soon find out I'm sure!

Good o'l VAG quality.

 

[stevegti6]

save your money for the cupra r you will allways want more power i know just took me ages to learn this

 

[MonkeeHanger]

I can see where the addiction to power comes from but I would advise getting the 180. I have got a totally mechanically unmodified Cupra 180 and its fast enough for me. To be honest, when you are stuck behind a tractor with a convoy of traffic coming the other way, it makes no difference what you have under the bonnet, you aint going nowhere (alive anyway). Plus you can use the insurance money you save as an insurance policy against speeding fines!

Got my Leon earlier this year for 4k and it had 90k on the clock. Got to admit it just does not feel like a well worn car thats anywhere near its last legs. It fascinates me that the engine may have been only half way through its lifespan!

 

[mat564]

Plus you can use the insurance money you save

i had a qoute for insurance on the fr 180 and the lcr 225 there was only £60 difference so i bought lcr and with the way the financial market is at the mo its a buyers market so stand your ground theres a bargain to be had