Looking to buy a Seat Altea XL 170PS.. What do I need to look out for?

[MK1_LOVE]

Hello guys,.

Looking to buy a Seat Altea XL 170PS.. What do I need to look out for?

Anything that wears badly, any problems commonly found on these models or engines?

Its a 2008 model I have seen which I beleive is the previous engine setup and NOT the common rail type.

Do these really produce 46mpg on a combined run?

Im also after a 2008 brochure but cannot find this PDF on the net, anyone know of a link for spec for that years model?

Cheers in advance for any help given.

Taz

 

[MK1_LOVE]

Also, are these FWD or 4WD as WIKI says its 4WD but I didnt think these were?

Cheers
Taz

 

[rllmuk]

Only the Freetrack has (had) 4WD in the UK. The XL is 2WD.

 

[rwebbo]

Hi mate, the XL and normal Altea are 2wd. It's a DPF TDI engine also. The mid life update now use the Common Rail TDI which is a bit more economical. I've just got an Altea FR 09 170ps TDI which is also a DPF.

With the DPF you have to be careful not to do too many needless short runs as the DPF unit can become clogged up with soot and could send you to the dealer for a clean out if not burned off (there should be an advice leaflet with the car to tell you what to do if you get the DPF light on the dash at any point).

Other than that, it's an excellent car - drives superbly, and is bloody quick

 

[Tony Lawrence]

Hi,
I've had my 170 XL for almost 3 years.

What wears out. If you enjoy driving the front tyres wear quite quickly, you have to balance between the grin factor and the wear factor. I,m always grinning hence tyre wear.

Only ever had one problem, valve in the exhaust that caused the car to go in limp mode, but at least it got me home. This happened early in it's life and no problem since.

45 mpg! l tend to get 38 everyday and 42ish when being careful. If fuel consumption is major to you get the 140 brake. I had one (non XL) previous to my current car and it easily acheived 45 every day.

Otherwise not the quietest of cars but if you like driving l would definitely recommend one.

And l can also recommend my local dealer in Swindon. Never had to whinge about them. If you are ever near Cirencester you are welcome to have a go in mine.

 

[MK1_LOVE]

Hello guys,

We bought the XL 170PS in the end. Its a nice car to drive but this light above the speedo needle which looks like an exhuast has popped up. Anyone know what that is? Im thinking possibly Catalytic converter??

Up hill and when driving it quick it does seem to love the juice more than my Mk4 Golf PD150 does but I suppose thats to do with the car weighing 2089kgs.

Sorry to sound stupid but is the DPF the flywheel or something else?

Thanks again
Taz

 

[Tony Lawrence]

DPF. Diesel Particle Filter. In very basic terms it is a device in the exhaust used to remove excess soot from the exhaust. (helps to make the planet a cleaner place). It's the bit that clogs up if you drive too slowly so smile and put your foot down for a bit.

I'll check later but the light could be the one for a clogged DPF. have a good blast tonight and hopefully it will go out.

 

[MK1_LOVE]

Cheers Tony,

That does make sense as the car has been used to do many short journeys so far.

I have read driving at 60km/h for 10 minutes should get rid of the light. If not take it to a specialist.

I take it this light is quite common on short journeys??

Thanks again for the advice.
T

 

[rwebbo]

Hi mate sounds like the DPF warning light to me. Go on a longish run (about 20 mins) keep revs above 2000 for about 10-15 mins and it will clear. Sounds like the short journeys have clogged the DPF filter as it needs to run at a high temperature to burn the soot.

 

[MK1_LOVE]

Hello guys

To clear this fault I set of on a journey today to my mates house where I had not been in the past thinking my satnav would take me down the motorway. The journey was approx 30 miles.

Its taken me down A roads and as a result its made the glowplug lamp start glowing and went into safe (limp) mode.

Luckily my mate knows someone at VW who took it through a regeneration on it for me. I beleieve regeneration puts the car into a mode that allows it to burn more fuel hence more heat.

It was at approx 36% and max allowed before they consider dpf change is 60% so lucky we acted at the right time.

Having done this the car seems to be running smoother and the light has gone.

It was approx 1 and half hours on so I reckon VW would have charged approx £150 for this service but got it done at mates rates

I wont be driving in fuel saving mode no more.

T