USED Seat Altea Hatchback (04 - )

My car

Company Car 06 plate now done 88K. DSG gearbox is excellent, I am now spoilt for life. The engine has plenty of umph and when you really need it just stick your foot down and it flys. I thought the sports suspension may be too stiff but it has proved to be very good and stops the body roll which you could get with a high driving position. I use the Cruise control all the time, its easy to use, although I did have a problem with an intermitent fault which was evetually traced to a defective wire that was routed behind the dash. Motorway cruising is great although road noise is loud, but then are all cars like this on our motorways? Cabin is good and the front seat is the most comfortable I have ever had. Boot space is ample for a smallish car although not very wide, golf clubs don`t fit. Fuel economy is getting better as it nears 100K, driven well you can easily get 50+ driven hard down to 40 and below. Service intervals are too short at 10K for high mileage drivers. Overall I would recommend this car but treat yourself and go for the DSG.

My car

I bought my 1.9 Reference Sport brand new from DC Cook in Oldham 12 months ago and it's just covered 10K miles.

Some of the reasons I looked at this model were that it looks great , it's the right size, very competitively priced , it's solidly engineered and is pretty frugal for a family car.Can't understand the complaints about boot space, it's ample with the false floor removed and yes my family of four has been on holiday in it without a daft roof box. Also haven't noticed a problem with visibily other than the rear view is limited when reversing but aren't all modern family cars like that ? The 1.9 TDi engine is very torquey so has plenty of umph ,especially noticeable on overtaking and on inclines which it manages with ease, is absolutely great at motorway speed but yes is a bit rough at lower revs, especially when reversing which it does with all the finesse of a Chieftan tank. Though the car is perfectly well equiped the interior on the Reference Sport I think does feel a little cheap especially compared to my previous Focus. The dash facia is very flimsy but will be absolutely fine as long as you don't let your kids stick their feet on it. The black cloth seat and door trim does mark easily, doesn't clean easily and after only twelve months I'm not sure how great it'll look in another twelve months but that's understandable when you consider the purchase price of the car ! Overall though it's great value for money and a very enjoyable car to own and drive .

My car

I've had my Altea for just over two years from new. Generally a good car, but does have a few annoying traits. On the down side, the boot is too small for a family of four, especially on holidays, the rear windows are too high for small children to see out of, and the dash is a bit squeaky at times. We also have problems with the car starting if there is less than a quarter of a tank of fuel in the car due to our drive being on a slope. Its not exactly the North face of the Eiger, and have had the AA out more than once. On the plus side, it drives well,(more fun than our previous Touran), looks better than other MPVs, feels solid, and the interior is immune to the kids. I would recommend this car to anyone, but go for the XL if you have more than one child, or get a Touran.

My car

Bought this car new in 2004 after trading in a Seat Toledo Saloon. Terrific car to drive and holds the road brilliantly. Great value for money as much of what you get is an optional extra on most cars. Done 41,000 miles and getting approx 45 mpg. Only one problem - the boot on it is not big enough for me. SEAT dealer W. Livingstone in Uddingston are great to deal with and can't do enough for you (family firm may help explain this). Have agreed trade-in for Altea XL 1.9TDi Stylance as it has bigger boot.