Faults:

The air conditioning has had to be repaired every summer since I got the car. I didn't have to pay for repairs during 1997 when the car was still under guarantee, or in 2000. Despite discounts from the garage, however, air conditioning repairs alone have cost about £1300.

The alternator and the battery had to be replaced when the car was less than 3 years old.

Small parts such as the mirror cover on the sun visors broke very early on.

Other failures in 2000 and 2001 have included the distributor and one of the electric windows.

General Comments:

The car is very pleasant to drive, and it is economical.

The air conditioning is clearly a major problem. The SEAT importer contacted the manufacturer on my behalf and was informed that the guarantee is for one year only so they would not agree to cover any later expenses. I can see why: the system can't even handle the Belgian climate.