Brutally Honest SEAT LEON MK3 Buyers Guide & Review
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- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
- ALL the common issues you need to know if you're looking to buy a mk3 Seat Leon (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020).
In addition the owner of this car takes a drive with us and shares his perspective / problems after owning it for 3x years.
This car is for sale here : www.autotrader...
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Interesting video. I bought a new Mark 3 in March 2020 on the day they announced the COVID lockdown. As they were just about to launch the Mark 4 and were keen to move their old stock, I got a very good deal. 15,800€ with a 5 year warranty and 5 years free servicing. I even got a 50% discount on my first year's Insurance. It's got the 1.5 litre petrol engine (the 130 bhp version) which is nice and lively but not too thirsty ( I get around 5 litres per 100 kms - no idea how to convert that to mpg). The two cylinder thing helps with fuel consumption and the transition between 2 and 4 cylinders is unnoticeable. It's got lots of passive safety features like lane control and distance control which you can disable if you don't like them. I always disable the stop/start function as I'm not convinced it saves fuel and it's adding extra wear and tear on the battery and starter motor. I tried all the usual suspects before I bought this one but this was definitely the best. I've done around 50,000 kilometres since I bought it and have not had a single problem with reliability. Funnily enough, I've driven the Mark 4 and didn't like it as much. Definitely recommend one of these.
how can one distinguish those 2 types of dsg clutches?
Epic car and a absolutely stunning colour 😍
Epic ?
Come on man don't exaggerate. They are a cheap n cheerful Golf alternative, nothing more.
Lovely guide, as always.
I get more mpg in my leon cupra. Although I did have a Golf R-line with the same engine and 2 cylinder activation. The reason the exhaust will sound quiet even with just a back box delete is because they have 2 resonators. I removed both mine and fitted a remus back box and it sounded good but you could hear the 2 cylinder more too and it was a nice sound 😂
I'll add a bit more:
Look for rust bubbles under the door handles, it seems that's where water starts to pool, might rust out later.
For the manual cars, always keep in mind that the flywheel does give out and will need to be changed if the car has higher mileage. I'd say around 200 thousand KMs.
Other than that not much to add, some LED model headlights might have gotten yellower with age.
Wow, I didn't know sports mode uses less cylinder! You learn something new everyday.
Own the mk 3 184 TDI, a problem which I had that is worth noting is the Silica bag in the coolant reservoir. Seems to be a common fault occurring in all VAG cars of the same generation; the bag ruptured and leaked the contents into the coolant pipework/heating matrix (clogging it up). Expensive fix if it goes wrong for you, better off removing the bag and replacing the coolant every few years. Cost me £1300 to get sorted! Very labour intensive job and seems fairly common on online forums, so don't let this happen to you!
Got my coolant tank replaced and with new coolant for 160. Didn't want the risk
One issue you might have with a 2017 car, like I had, is the loose fuel rail. On a number of Tsi engines (1.2, 1.4,maybe others) made at some point in 2017 the four bolts holding the fuel rail and injectors in place can come loose which results in fuel spraying from the top of the engine. This tends to be a sudden failure and from what I've read it tends to happen at cold start, so hopefully it's not too much of a fire hazard. I had the seals changed on all four injectors so was quite lucky, some people had the injectors and fuel rail damaged as well.
Hi, I own a 2017 1.4 Eco TSI 150 FR Coupe. The car has been fantastic, never had a problem with it in 6 years of ownership. 6 speed manual. Excellent on fuel and never been modified. They are pretty quick for a 1.4 with 148 BHP. This is a light car, so you do not need a larger engine to get decent performance. The car punches well above its weight, handles well, even in poor weather. Mine has only 31,000 miles on it and it still drives like new. £35 Pounds road tax per year in the UK. Can achieve over 60 mpg and has been 100% reliable. Never had any problems with the paintwork or lacquer peel. One of the best hatchbacks around, not even a bulb replacement required in my ownership. Would recommend 100%.
I had the same car loved it and miss it. No problems at all. Very economical. Let go of it with 65k on the clock, bought it with 18k
They don’t have bulbs 😂😂
If you are looking at Cupra Models with manual gearbox check that the clutch doesn't slip. It is barely up to the job on the lesser powered Golf GTI, and can slip on hard driven higher power models. An uprated clutch is available which also give more headroom for remaps etc. They can also suffer slave and master cylinder issues. The lesser powered manual gearbox models are also likely to have the exact same master cylinder which can fail, the symptom is a clutch pedal that is slow to return. No fluid leaks will be evident.
Had a 63 reg white Fr! Solid car the only issue I had were the LED headlight although good and aggressive looking headlight. The light output was horrendous compare to the Xenon or the later LED with projector units on other MQB cars
Helpful, thanks. How would I know which DSG box a given car has (wet or dry)? Looking at a few of these currently, so wondering how to figure it out rather than asking for a particular reg. Cheers!
Everything below 2000ccm/ below 132kW and 300 nM is dry
@@itox80 Nice one, thanks. I'm looking for a petrol mk3, so I guess that means I'm looking for the 2017 facelift version when the 1.8 TSI went up to 2.0 TSI.
Thanks for the guide. I just bought a 2018 1.4 (125bph) and I have been impressed so far. Nippy and agile, but also a nice place to sit 👍
hi, i was wondering if you could help me find out which clutch the car i want to buy has. its a seat leon sc fr 1.8 tsi from the year 2013.
The panoramic sun roofs are nothing but trouble, squeeks, rattles and leaks into the car when the drain holes become blocked !
I also have an FR vehicle produced in November 2015. The driver's airbag was recently replaced for free at the dealership service. When I took the car for a maintenance, I was told that there was a slight chance the original airbag would not explode in the event of an accident. If you have one of the pre-face-lift models I think you should check at the dealership.
I’ve had a 2014 1.4 petrol for 8 years and the problems I’ve had are the boot latch sticks, internally it rattles over bumps. Also the paint is awful at the front with dozens of stone chips.
Am in the process of looking at mk3 leons right now after seeing your Seat Ibiza video so this couldn't have come at a better time!
Very welcome! 😁
Hi, I'm in the process or purchasing a 2015 SEAT LEON 1.6 TDI SE TECHNOLOGY DSG 5d 110 BHP estate - and I'm not being able to find for definite which type of gearbox it has. A lot of info points to the dry clutch, but I'd love to be sure before buying. Ad says it's a 7 gear transmission, it has 75k miles on the clock, and I'd be purchasing with a 2 year warranty, but I think I'd still rather avoid it if it's the dry, because as I understand it, it can't be serviced/made sure to last, is this right? Thank you!
I got a 2017 version of these and I get the point about stone chips the front end of mine is scattered with them I only noticed once I got it but it does not effect how great the car is
Hi. I'm looking at buying a facelifted 2.0 FR Sport 190 DSG. Would this have the 7 speed wet or dry clutch? And which is the better box in general, the 7 speed or the 6 speed DSG? Thanks.
Hi! Im interested in one with a dsg gearbox but you said you could help me know which type clutch comes with it
Great video! TDI 184 ST FR (Tech Pack) here in Chilli Red and absolutely love it! Basically, a Golf GTD underneath.
Video is spot on 👌 Just to add to the common faults, the boot release badge is prone to sticking and failing, design fault as screenwash runs down into it. And that's literally the biggest issue I've had since buying 3.5 years ago, 30K to 85K Miles now
Cun or cup engine code ? Sell inmadiatelly
Im looking to buy a 2013 SEAT LEON 1.2 TSI with a automatic DSG does this have a wet or dry clutch pack?
Thank you for you answer!
I have 2019 Leon with dry clutch dsg, there you don't have to change DSG oils if you follow the maintenance program, but should I change them nevertheless? Because there is like 2 liters of oil I think 🤔 thanks
Could you check this one for the dsg box please, KN13 XLD
2.0 tdi is a 6 speed wet clutch. My 2.0 golf has the same
i want to buy a 2020 1.0 tsi 110 hp, can u tell if there is any way to know if it works with wet or dry clutch pack? thanks
Hey man
I got a 2020 1.5 DSG petrol engine FR with the 2 cylinder mode on it
And when it switches on the 2 cylinder mode it starts making a little rattling sound. Makes the same noise on a cold start
Would you know what's happening to it ?
Hi I have a 2016 1.8 petrol FR with DSG which one do I have how can I tell if it's a dry or wet box as the handbook gearbox ref doesn't seem to tally with anything online?
I think your car will have the dry clutch. I think as a guide it's cars with 2 litre engines that get the better wet clutch.
@@Tom-z9k1jsucks if that's the case
Do the 2019 2.0L Petrols FR with 190 horsepower have the dry or wet clutch?
Wet clutch.
@@imyahmed999 thanks
I'm assuming it's sold?
A lot lighter than the car that has replaced it. The FR hybrid I have as a daily is like a tank compared to the 2.0 FR I had before it. Interior has improved a lot though. I’m guessing as a result of the cupra band.
Looking at a e-tsi or a e-hybrid plug in both have DSG so now a little unsure
Etsi have dry dsg. Plug in hybrids have specific wet clutch dsg.
I had a 2015 one, loved it, upgraded to a 2020 one (not the new shape), black edition. Both of them have the 2 cylinder mode, you can definitely hear the difference but only when the car is in an area where the sound can bounce back clearly, it’s actually quite an irritating noise to me tbh and at first I was worried because the sound was so different to regular 4cl mode. Either way, I love my Leon, though I don’t think I’ll ever buy current shape now that they’ve made the interior all touchscreen nonsense.
The cupra 265/280 is the best engine in the Leon 3 generation, i drove it on the track so much times i drive it daily no one problem...
Mine has had the following issues, rear brake caliper sticking, heater servo motor broken, petrol flap release broken, rear boot LED brake light failed, and its only done 50,000 miles.
Hello. I'm looking to buy a 2017 12th month, facelift 1.8t FR ST with automatic gearbox.
Does it have the wet clutch or dry?
Any info would help.
Thanks for the useful informations 🤙
Should be wet, call up a vw specialist to confirm
I'm looking at 1.8 TSI FR DSG 7spd Estate 2016, how would I know if it's a wet or dry clutch on that one. I'll definitely say the paint on this one isn't the best. Few marks on the rear bumper/load area.
I’m looking at a 1.8 tsi fr dsg not estate though and would like to know the same 2014
I’m looking at buying a 1.5 TSI EVO 150 FR BALCK EDITION DSG 2020 what gear box has that got ? Wet or dry ?
All the engines below 2 litres of displacement have the dry clutch dsg. 2 litre engines have wet clutch dsg.
I have a 1.8 Tsi 2014 dsg unsure which gearbox it had ?
I have a Leon fr 2019 (69) 1.5 150bhp dsg 7speed how can I tell if it’s a wet or dry clutch? Thanks
Dry
Hi, great educationl video. I bought a 2016 FR 1.4 DSG 7 speed with 40k miles its now on 70k i really want to carry out a DSG service and clutch replacement but i am not sure if i have a dry clutch or wet clutch. Can you me help me with this? It would he much appreciated.
That would be the dry clutch
Hi mate, appreciate the video
What is the horsepower of the seat leon used in this video?
Considering getting a seat leon 1.5 TSI EVO FR Black Edition in a manual but undecided on either the 130bhp or 150bhp.
Which one would you recommend?
Get the 150bph, you won’t regret it. Very quick
"if youre interested in buying this car, youve done yourself a favor..."
yes i agree, the buyers will love the car. Until the waterpump leaks. but after repair they will love it again
If you are wondering, its a problem for the 1.8 and 2.0 tsi. But its common in every MQB not just the leon
Nice video as always. 2019 FR Sport 2.0 TSI 190 is a 7 speed wet clutch right?
Yes mate DQ381 gearbox found in the cupra golf R and Audi S3
I was looking for this comment you have no idea how much relief I now have , literally just got the same car mate 🤣
@@chrismakepeace7163 haha I’m just getting my box serviced as we speak, 72k and not a single issue once. Service interval is 80k but better to do it before than later. Only £180 including VAT and labour
@@harlanelvin9551cheap, mine was 320
I currently own a 2017 FR SC, It recently broken down!, can gateway control module went for no reason whatsoever!, power steering worked with just ignition on, no engine crank, radio didn't switch off with ignition, every fault under the sun on the dash ! Other than that I've had no issues in 5 years. Drives nice punchy engine
you fixed it since?
So looking at buying 2.0 diesel FR 184 brake 2018 so is my dry or wet gearbox extate
Wet clutch.Anything over 200lbs of torque is usually a wet clutch.
Considering buying a 2015 Leon TSI 1.4 150 BHP with 90k mileage on the clock. Anything to look out for when buying at a leon fr at 90k mileage? Great detailed video btw
I have a 1.8 so not directly comparable, but a common thing are rear light leaks/fogging/cracking, upper brake light cracking. Seals don't perish, they either split at the join [lens to backing, the donding looks like a black line around the edge], or plastic cracks from stress. I had the join split on mine and glued it, been fine for 8 years. I think coolant leaks are more a 1.8/2.0 petrol thing. The other thing with lights, the front light craze with micro cracks over years, to the point they get very bad. As each light is sealed and £600+ each + fitting, just see how bad they are [look at them from an angle to catch the light hitting the lens.]
Hi mate, hope you're well!
Great review, glad how you cover reliability and things that can go wrong, as owning the car is not just simply how it drivers!
Considering buying a 1.4tsi FR Auto, and wanted to know how to find if it has the wet or dry gearbox?
Would appreciate a response!
Dry gearbox DQ200
2.0 TDI CR FR Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG 2014. is it a dry or wet clutch? thanks.
Wet
Hello , the 2.0 tdi comes with wet or dry clutch dsg ?
Wet
Cjjxjusudiddi
Good cars . I have the Leon Cupra 300ST dsg. Basically a Golf R . Had it since Jan 2020. Had no issues with it . Servicing is expensive so I use a VW specialist now .
I have cupra st too, but my have 333hp and 460 torque, little chip tunig :D
Hi I need more details on how to code out the 2 cylinder mode , who can do it
Looking into 2016 1.8 fr dsg , not sure which gearbox type these are, If you could inform me that would be great
If you want you want reliability, stick with manual. The auto is a good unit, but get the Seat warranty if you go auto. Gearbox failure is expensive. It failed on me once but had it replaced for free
Hey, does the 2.0 tsi fr's 2018 have a wet or dry clutch?
Thanks
Wet
Hi, Just wondering which gear box. I owen 2014 2L TDI 184 bp thanks.
If you've got the DSG it'll be the wet clutch
Hi, the 2019 leon st 2.0 tdi 7 speed dsg is wet or dry clutch?
Thanks
Wet I'd say
Hey does the 2014 1.2 petrol engine dsg have a wet or dry clutch pack?
Anything below 2.0 has a 7 speed dry clutch
Holy shit this is such a good video
Hi. Regarding dry wet clutch automatic gearbox could you please tell me which one is fitted to the 2018 seat leon fr technology TSI 1.8 petrol auto estate.
Thank you.
Dry
@@karldesouza9899its a wet clutc
Please could you check if a car I'm looking at had a wet or dry clutch ? Thank you
No problem. What is the reg?
Does the 2019 leon fr st 2.0 190 DSG tsi have a wet or dry clutch pack?
Generally the 184s and above will be wet, with the 150 and below being dry. The dry is the DQ200 (only rated to stock 1.4 power), the wet is the DQ250.
DQ381 - service the DSG at 80k. Commentor above is partially correct the DQ200 is the 7 speed dry, however the DQ250 is 6 speed.
I have the same motor 👍🏻
@@kdiz7605 I’ve got a 1.8 manual, think the next one will be a DSG box haha
@@benfurtado8708 Absolutely love the DSG in the 2.0 mate would highly recommend it
Hi 2013 1.8 TSI FR DSG
subbed, liked.
i have a 1.8 tsi seat leon SC (sport coupe) mk3 2013 . Only problem i found is that the screen is slow/glitchy when it get cold and doors are rattling when playing music. But i fixed the doors its pretty easy fix. Otherwise its fast 180 bhp, good suspension, sound system is good enought, transmisson is good not the best, i would say. and its DSG 7 automatic. Im planning to make a catback exhaust system (backbox and resonator delete) i heard its good with this engine but time will tell :) Im happy with the car :)
how's the 3 door for passengers in the back? is there space to get in relatively easily? for kinda big guys- chubby around 5'10
looking to buy one at the moment, from my research I heard theres some issues with the dsg gearbox especially when remapping, so make sure to do your checks beforehand :)
@@iinavanplayz 1. I wouldn't recommend buying a sports coupe if you want to have more than one passenger because if someone wants to sit in the back, it's awkward to get in and out, not to mention longer trips. But the front seats are huge.
2. Yes, the 7-speed DSG200 gearbox is problematic when remapped, so you can't have more than 250 NM. This DSG200 has dry clutches, so they wear out faster. I didn't know this when I bought it. Consider the DSG250 or manual transmission.
And i love that power its just enough for me and fun even on the track 😅
@@samko_lp9440 thanks for the response :) , would you say once you’re in the back there’s enough space? it’s just awkward getting in/out
@@iinavanplayz It depends on who's sitting in the front (of the car) and how far the seat is adjusted. However, if there's a slightly larger person in the back seat, they might feel cramped, especially around the legs.
Hi, im looking to buy the same model same year. It has 158000km, for 10k euros. As an owner, do you think its a fair price or not? It was recently serviced and the clutch was changed out 30000km ago. Also did u have any problems with the car and/or the clutch?
Audi a1 dsg? Ibiza dsg? Golf tdi dsg?
What about them ?
Is it a dry or wet clutch dsg 😂
@@paulmccann8051 we’d need to know year and which engine or reg plate and can then advise buddy 👍🏼
I’ve had 3 mk3/3.5 Leon’s, a mixture of 1.2TSI and 1.6TDIs. They’ve all been bombproof so long as they’re well serviced.
The only issue that has happened to me is the silica bag can burst in the coolant tank and block the heater matrix. This dan be resolved by removing this bag and upgrading the coolant to a long life coolant.