Seat Leon Cupra ST 290 mk3 2017

[Fraz81]

Hi folks,

I've just put a deposit down on the above car and I just need some reassurance I made the right choice...

I'm coming from a Cayman so love cars that handle well. The car I went for is a manual in black, pano roof, leather seats, 19 inch alloys. Has had stage 1 remap from Phantom Tuning, upgraded clutch, resonator delete (not acutally what this is) and engine mount (dogtooth one?).

Had to sell the Cayman as we have two little ones now so getting by with a Yaris, need something more bigger and practical.

So my first impressions from the test drive in the dry were generally good. But the torque steer was noticeable in first and second, no axle bump. Wheels are Goodyear, from what I've read on here Michelin PS4S will help the torque steer, what's it like with the those in the wet? It'll be my DD, how does it perform in snow? We live down south so it's not a common occurrence but don't want an unusable car in snow.

Is there any mods or advice that people recommend?

The owner says there is no service book, is that normal? He has documentation of all the invoices and apparently everything is saved in the computer system.


Thanks

 

[DEAN0]

Yes - the service book is now online - any SEAT dealer should be able to print it off for you.

The VAQ diff helps in slippy conditions - It would be wise to check it has had it's oil change service done.

Has it got aftermarket wheels on ? - too much offset can increase torque steer feel.

Sounds like previous owner has started to route of reducing torque steer/axle tramp.
Dog Bone Insert
Good tyres

I would get the alignment checked
I also found a front strut brace helped tie down the front end


Keep an eye out for coolant loss ( main weakness on the EA888 engine - thermostat housing/water pump leaks )

 

[Fraz81]

I should just edited to show it is 2017 so pre GPF, I didn't know about the GP thing until my conversation with the owner.

Wheels are the standard 19 inch 5 spoke ones.

Oil service done in last two months. I read somewhere about front strut brace but couldn't find the thread again, thanks.

I'm going to get a RAC/AA check done on it so hopefully they'll do a full assessment including coolant loss, though think it's unlikely as water pump replaced about 9 months ago.

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Torque steer is also amplified if the alignment is off, so I would also recommend alignment like @DEAN0 . Do you also have the stock suspension? If so, there are gains to be made there. To be honest, I will keep stock suspension, but will do a full refresh on mine hopefully this year.

I just did the front strut brace, it makes the steering a little bit more "pointier". More info: https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/th...-leon-st-cupra-280.477591/page-6#post-5073100

Good thing that the waterpump was resolved, that is the most common culprit for issues! I wouldnt be too worries about a missing servicebook. I'd rather have no servicebook but with a lot of invoices instead of the other way around.

I bought mine ST280 in November, so also a lot to find out, but I like to improve things and do preventative maintenance where I can. Check my Readers Rides for more info and a lot of pictures.

Have fun and safe travels fellow Cupra owner

 

[DEAN0]

Oil service done in last two months

I don't mean the engine oil.

The VAQ diff is a variable limited slip differential that has haldex fluid in it.

Just like the 4drive cars - the haldex fluid needs changing to keep the diff working efficiently.

 

[Mr Pig]

In my opinion the best tyres are the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 (now 6) and the Michelin PS4. Both really good. PS4 a bit sharper feeling but slightly less comfortable, slightly less progressive but in all honesty they are both so good that a slight difference in tyre pressure will swing it either way.

The Cupra is not a sports car. It's fast, grippy and cheap to maintain but it does not give the feedback or have the poise to satisfy an keen driver. At sensible speeds it's not even very interesting, you need to cane it for it to make sense. But it's a family car so what can you say? It's not going to worry a Porsche but it wasn't designed to.

 

[Fraz81]

I don't mean the engine oil.

The VAQ diff is a variable limited slip differential that has haldex fluid in it.

Just like the 4drive cars - the haldex fluid needs changing to keep the diff working efficiently.

Ah okay, I understand. Thanks