USED Seat Leon Hatchback (00 - 05)

My car

I have owned my Leon for nearly two years and driven about 20,000 miles. I have had a few problems with it, but that's cars.

The first was the recirculation valve (component that works with the turbo) - the diaphragm collapsed but I managed to find a FORGE aftermarket product (recommended for V.A.G. cars) for around £110.

The second was the coil pencils (spark packs) - they cost around £35 each. The third problem was water leaking into the footwells after a night of heavy rain, but I have solved this by taking off the rubber that runs along the top of the door sill (with the velcro material on it) then replacing it with full rubber strip out the boot of a scrapped Golf.

Don't be worried, because those are the only bad things I can say about the car. As I've just clocked 55,000 miles you would expect to replace some parts. My clucth feels the same as when I first drove it, and the brakes are phenomenal for durabiltiy and stopping power - even after a hard drive round the Welsh lanes, I still sees no sign of fade. As of yet I've only replaced the rear discs and pads.

All in all this is a super car without the supercash - you get head-turning looks without too much fuss from the fuzz, and if you get your girlfriend pregnant you don't have to get rid of your pride and joy...

My car

I purchased this car new in January 2004. The gearbox has just gone after 55,000 miles without any warning. The car just ground to a halt during a three point turn and leaked gear oil all over the carriageway. I cannot get a second gearbox as I have been told that this is a common problem with this particular gearbox and the main problem is a weak rivet which shears any where between 20 to 60,000 miles. This gearbox is common to Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda cars. I hope to have this gear box repaired at an estimated cost of £600 as a new gearbox is £1,200.

My car

I owned one of these for two years, and found it to be the best car I'd ever owned. Furiously fast, totally 5 dr practical, very reliable (check the passanger footwell for damp though), reasonable running costs for such performance, and smouldering hot hatch looks. You can show a clean pair of heels to an amazing variety of more expensive machinery (Golf R32, Honda S2000), and you don't see many others on the road - not like the very good, but too popular with the boy racers, Honda Civic Type R.

I loved it, and I'm very sorry I sold it. If you are considering one of these then I would suggest a test drive. Once you've had a shot in one your mind will be made up for you.

My car

I purchased this car new in November 2004. I have just suffered a problem and need a new gearbox and clutch - I have only done 15,000 miles in this car.

It leaked all the clutch and brake fluid and then the gearbox just seized on me with no warning.

Breakdown cover was really good but I am amazed this should happen after 15,000 miles. Has anyone else had similar problems? Please let me know.