Faults:
2009 (6 years old) - Camchain flung off with no warning; fortunately it did not take any of the valves with it. Independent garage fixed this by replacing with a cambelt. At the same time there were issues with the engine warning light that came on, went off and then constantly stayed on. After numerous checks, it could not be diagnosed. Work costs circa £650.
2009 (6 years old) - Further issues with engine warning light; could not be diagnosed. £25 to hook up to the computer.
2010 (7 years old) - Coil 3 of 3 needed to be replaced. Replaced by RAC call out. Circa £40 to replace.
2010 (7 years old) - Driver's window would not close; it was dislodged and stuck in the door. Work cost circa £200.
2010 (7 years old) - Within 2 months, the passenger window was stuck in the door. Work cost circa £200.
2011 (8 years old) to present - Heater issues; intermittently blows hot air even though it is on cold.
2011 (8 years old) - Coil 2 of 3 needed to be replaced by RAC call out again. Asked them to replace 1 of 3 too. Circa £80 to replace.
2011 (8 years old) - Windscreen shattered. Independent windscreen service replaced windscreen for £160.
2012 (9 years old) to present - Engine burning oil.
2012 (9 years old) to present - Rear water reservoir stopped working.
2013 (10 years old) to present - Engine using 5 litres of oil in just over 2 months.
2013 (10 years old) - Front wipers seizing up; currently waiting diagnosis!!
General Comments:
As a first car, it has been excellent despite the additional money spent to overcome the problems.
It moves for a 1.2 and accelerates smooth.
Super light car that swerves in wind.
£135 road tax per year
Poor fuel economy. I travel circa 50 miles per day, spending around £45 a week on petrol.
Cheap insurance.
Feels safe. Outgrown the car; currently looking for a new one, quite possibly the Altea.
9th Aug 2016, 16:04
I also have a 2011 Seat, same model, and the timing chain slipped in December 2013, and again this week, 2.5 years after it happened the 1st time! 2 timing chain slips in 5 years. It's at the garage again now being fixed, and once it's done I'm getting rid ASAP. I advise you to do the same cos it will only go again.