MK4 Buying Advice - FR TDi

[bulletproof]

Hi,

I'm on the hunt for a MK4 TDi, I like the FR for it's sporty appeal, but the Sportrider also looks fairly decent.

What is the main difference between these two models other than the 30 bhp power difference? I take it the FR is generally the more desirable?

I have seen a few cars I've made enquiries about but can't decide what to go for.

I've seen an 07 plate black FR with 1 owner and 64K on the clock. Full history and recent cambelt service and waterpump all done by Seat. Looks pretty mint at £5800. I like this but wonder if I could get one with lower miles elsewhere for the same money or should I not worry about the mileage?

Seen also a red 06 plate FR with 2 owners, and 47K on the clock. Also full history and in fairly tidy condition going for £5000. I would like one as new as possible and I have to say I'm not really in to Red but it seems really well priced, but it's abit of a trek to go and view.

Latly seen a white sportrider with 33K on the clock. Looks absolutely mint and it's an 08 plate. I really want as new as possible but it's miles away too. I like this because I love white cars but worry if I buy it I'll regret not getting an FR and waste more money getting it sorted (tuning etc). Its up for £5900. I like the seats in the DAB version the best but I just can't find one that isn't miles away too! It would seem all the decent cars are flippin miles away and the further you go the more likely you are to buy imo as you don't want to waste your time and go home empty handed.

I've got a budget of £6000 and want to spend as little as possible obviously.

Can you please give me some opinions on the above motors? Also better buying private or trade and what should I look out for when viewing?

Thanks in advance and look forward to your responses.

 

[TALBOTL]

I'd go for the fr mate, i was in the same boat when I brought mine luckily my local seat had a sportrider and my mate had the fr just i was able to drive both i preferred the interior and general drive of the sportrider. The tuning potential of the PD130 swung it for me and i have no regrets now especially after having the car remapped, there are no specific issues i would say to look out for more than any other car you would go and view.

As i say above though i know how your feeling and the choices my advice is bite the bullet and get an fr it's better to have an older car (by a year) that's much quicker

 

[phillpotts92]

The fr has bigger brakes, discs all around and it's more tuneable as said. They also have the cupra rear bumper which is a very desired item. The fr interior is anthracite in colour which is very nice! It's got lots of FR branded stuff in the interior too which looks classy. I bought my red 57reg FR with 66k for 5k.


Sam.