- Used Seat Leon Estate 2013-2020 front cornering
- Used Seat Leon Estate 2013-2020 front driving
- Used Seat Leon Estate 2013-2020 interior dashboard
- Used Seat Leon Estate 2013-2020 side driving
- Used Seat Leon Estate 2013-2020 rear cornering
- Used Seat Leon Estate 2013-2020 boot
- Used Seat Leon Estate 2013-2020 infotainment
What's the used SEAT Leon like?
It might sound like some kind of action-packed hot hatch, but the Seat Leon ST is in fact an estate version of the Spanish brand’s popular family car, the Seat Leon.
This version ran parallel with the hatchback car, and was produced between 2013 and 2020, in which time it established itself as a popular and practical estate car. It was replaced by an all-new Seat Leon Estate in 2020.
Pros
- Great value when buying used
- Sporty to drive with sharp handling
- Easy to use infotainment system
Cons
- Firm ride, particularly at low speeds
- Bland interior
- Reliability record isn't great
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Engines: There’s an excellent range of engines to choose from, kicking off with a 1.2-litre petrol engine. In the middle sits the 148bhp 1.4-litre EcoTSI, which is smooth, powerful and extremely economical thanks to cylinder deactivation technology. In 2017, this engine was replaced by a 1.5 TSI Evo unit in either 130 (128bhp) or 150 (148bhp) outputs. At the same time, a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine was introduced.
Diesel versions start with an astonishingly economical 1.6-litre engine, then go through the punchier 148bhp 2.0-litre and up to a noticeably swift 181bhp 2.0-litre unit.
Trims & equipment: Leon STs are well-equipped, too, with even the entry-level S getting a few neat toys, such as an infotainment touchscreen and air conditioning. The range moves up through SE and FR versions, adding cruise control and sportier styling respectively, both of which are also available with a popular Technology pack that includes LED headlights, a DAB radio and sat-nav. Later in the car's life, the luxurious Xcellence version was added to sit above the FR.
Perhaps not surprisingly, with Seat being part of the VW Group, under the skin the Leon ST is closely related to the admirable Volkswagen Golf Estate and Skoda Octavia Estate.
Interior & practicality: You don’t get quite as much boot space as with those two cars, admittedly, but there’s still plenty of room for a folded baby buggy, a travel cot and several bags. The optionally available dual-height boot floor is also worth seeking out because it means that with the rear seats folded you get an almost flat load bay - useful for those trips to the tip.
There’s enough room in the back seats for a tall passenger to travel behind a tall driver without cause for complaint. Similarly you can just about fit a rear facing baby seat on an Isofix base behind a six-foot tall driver without anybody feeling cramped, adding to the Leon ST’s credentials as a family car.
Ride & handling: Growing up, mind you, doesn’t mean abandoning any hope of having fun because just like the Leon hatchback this ST model is an enjoyable car to drive. For that you can thank the direct steering and a relatively firm suspension setup that keeps body roll in check. This becomes progressively more noticeable as you move up through the range, with FR and Cupra models being particularly focused.
The downside is that it means the ride is firmer than in a lot of other family cars, although couldn’t ever be described uncomfortable. Good visibility and well-weighted controls meanwhile make the ST a doddle to drive at low speeds.
On the motorway there’s a fair bit of road noise and you aren’t as well insulated from engine noise as you would be in a VW Golf, which is particularly noticeable with diesel versions. The interior layout works well though, with a decent touchscreen and the controls for other functions all sensibly laid out.
In addition to the conventional Leon STs you can also buy an X-Perience model with raised ride height and plastic body cladding. The idea is to give it some of the appeal of an off-roader, which on the road results in a bit more body lean in corners but also a slightly softer ride.
A general facelift across the range in 2016 meanwhile included a new infotainment system and, as mentioned, the VW Group’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine joining the range.
If you're interested in finding a used Seat Leon ST, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.
Ownership cost
What used SEAT Leon will I get for my budget?
Prices for the Seat Leon ST start at around £4000, but that will get you an early example with 100,000 miles on the clock or more. If you raise your budget to £7000, you’re more likely to find a better example with around 70,000 miles on the clock. There's a variety of petrol and diesel engines available for any budget.
Up the ante to between £8000 and £10,000 and you begin to get some real bargains. Again, take your pick of petrol or diesel models and you’ll find a 2015 car with a below-average mileage and a full history from an independent dealer, or a 2016 car in the same condition from a private seller, maybe even a 2017 model. This is a price that substantially undercuts the amount you’d pay for the equivalent Golf or Focus, so for those on a tight budget, the Leon is well worth seeking out. Moving up further to around the £10,000 mark buys a 2017 or 2018 facelifted model in excellent condition and low mileage from an independent dealer. Spend around £11,000 to £15,000 on 2019 and run-out 2020 models.
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Tips & Advice
Our recommendations
Which used SEAT Leon should I buy?
If you’re not planning on covering more than 12,000 miles a year we’d advise opting for a petrol Seat Leon ST rather than a diesel so as not to expose yourself to the potential of blocked DPF filters.
We would however give the 1.2-litre petrol engine a miss in favour of the more powerful 1.4-litre.
Trim levels range from the entry-level S to the sporty Cupra.
All come with air-con, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a touchscreen. However, the 5in unit on the S is a bit fiddly to use. Upgrading to SE Technology therefore is well worthwhile, for not only does it bring an 8-inch screen, but also DAB radio, 16-inch alloy wheels and seat height adjustment.
Go for FR Technology meanwhile and you’ll get LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers and power-folding door mirrors.
From here on up you're mainly paying for styling or upholstery upgrades, or in the case of the Cupra the extra performance that comes with its 2.0-litre engine.
Facelifted cars from 2016 onwards received minor styling updates, the option of the 1.0-litre engine, and a new touchscreen with a rather fiddly sat-nav system.
Our favourite Seat Leon ST: 1.4 TSI 150 FR Technology
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Tips & Advice
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used SEAT Leon?
If the Leon ST doesn’t quite offer enough space then it’s worth looking at the contemporary 2013-2020 version of the Skoda Octavia Estate as an alternative. Not only does it have a roomier boot but passengers can also stretch out slightly more. Just be aware that while running costs will be similar to the Leon ST’s, the Skoda is not as enjoyable to drive.
For something that matches the Seat for driving enjoyment you could consider the Ford Focus Estate, but be aware that its boot is significantly smaller than almost anything else in this class.
Others to mull over include the roomy and economical Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer, or if you’d prefer something with hybrid power the Toyota Auris Touring Sports.
Then of course there’s arguably the best all-rounder of all in the shape of the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf Estate. You get slightly more boot space, a more comfortable drive and a classier interior than with the equivalent Seat, but be prepared to pay a sizeable premium for it.
If you're interested in finding a used Leon ST, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.
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How reliable is the Seat Leon ?
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