Question on Cupra maintenance

[rrpalma]

Hello,

My friend has decided to sell me his Cupra R. It is almost brand new.

He bought his car in December 2003, but shortly afterwards he was transferred overseas. The car currently has only 800 kilometers after 2 years. He drives it approximately 10-20 KM every 3 or 5 months, whenever he comes home. In December 2004, after having the car for a year, he noticed the service indicator turning on. He was told by SEAT that since the car had only (at that time) 500 KM, no servicing was needed, so they reset the counter, which turns on every 7000 KM, or every year, whatever comes first. No oil change or anything, just a diagnostic checkup through the computer.

Now it's December 2005, car has only 800 Km, and the service indicator is back on again. He kept the car covered in a closed garage, with temperature never dropping below 60 F / 15 C. It has no problems whatsoever, except for the obvious fact that it needs to be started with an auxiliary battery the first time. After I buy it, will it need any servicing, or just another reset of the service needed counter? I assume it would be best to leave it alone until it reaches 7000KM... and let the engine run-in with the factory oil, but...

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[DPJ]

I'd get its annual service done. Why skimp?

 

[rrpalma]

Thanks DPJ.

I was not concerned about the cost of the annual service. I was more concerned about reading somewhere (maybe this forum) that it is best to leave the car with the original factory oil until it has reached the first 5000 Km or so. That way the engine is "run-in" better. Is this true?

 

[DPJ]

Thanks DPJ.

I was not concerned about the cost of the annual service. I was more concerned about reading somewhere (maybe this forum) that it is best to leave the car with the original factory oil until it has reached the first 5000 Km or so. That way the engine is "run-in" better. Is this true?

I haven't heard that. I'd get the oil changed, then if you're happier, get it changed again at 5000km.

 

[Tallpaul]

running it in with the original oil is best. but that advice also assumes that the run in period is reasonably short.

i'd take it to a SEAT dealership and get a full service (including oil, brake fluid and full inspection) all that sitting around *might* have affected the brakes and tyres, best to get them all checked in case anything lets you down at high speed!

I'd almost treat it as a new car once it's been serviced, ie give it a full run in and maybe change the oil again at the end of that period.