2001 Seat Leon S 1.4 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A brilliant car which easily matches and even betters its nearest rivals

Faults:

Facia bulb for the heater blew.

General Comments:

Fantastic suspension.

Great engine.

Beautiful styling.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th March, 2004

2001 Seat Leon S 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Volkswagen quality for a lot less

Faults:

The only problem I had was with the brakes. I think they had rusted slightly and I experienced a creaking noise when starting off in a morning. This was quickly resolved by my local dealer and the problem didn't occur again.

General Comments:

Firstly, the 1.4 engine is very punchy compared to most other engines of that size.

Most of my miles were done on the motorway and it is an extremely comfortable ride for long journeys. There is enough space in the car for four adults, and the boot is massive; we fit enough camping gear in for a week!

I owned the car from new and loved every mile that I drove in it. I was sad to see it go, but I would buy another one. I swapped mine for a 4x4 because the Leon isn't suited for hill driving, however for town driving and on the motorway it's perfect.

When looking round at cars, this was the best safety-wise in it's class for the money. The all-round airbags and ABS were a real must for me.

This car is unbeatable if you want a cheap to run, roomy and reliable and safe car with contemporary styling.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th August, 2003

2001 Seat Leon S 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

More hassle than it is worth

Faults:

Delivered with the wrong number plates.

Boot lock failed and was replaced.

Central locking failed.

Boot lock failed again and was replaced.

Water collecting in door sills and leaking into car (taken back to Seat at least 8 times to rectify and was told that it is happening because the sills are 'so good')

ABS motor failed and was replaced.

Boot lock failed and complete unit was replaced.

Went to open my boot yesterday and found that the boot lock has failed yet again, there is still water collecting in the door sills and the car is damp and musty.

General Comments:

I owned a Renault before this car and the only time I ever went back to the dealership was to get it serviced.

I will never buy a Seat car again, and while the dealership has been more than courteous and helpful throughout all of this, it is difficult to get any one at Seat to realize how frustrating it is to spend every Saturday morning at their dealership.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th December, 2002

9th Jan 2003, 10:01

It is horrible reading about the condition of your Leon. I dearly wish that the new boss of VW will take some quick action. My Toledo is a superb car; but it was made in the Belgium factory. I wonder, does anyone know how one can write or send an email to the new VW boss?

12th Jan 2003, 04:00

Tried it several times, no response at all.

Forget Seat, buy a car from a company who cares.

12th Jun 2003, 07:41

This sounds familiar - I thought it was just me! The ABS warning light was stuck on & they had to replace the controller unit or something. The boot lock failed & was replaced. The remote key failed & was (eventually) replaced. Water does gather on the sills, but does not get into the cabin fortunately. But my dealer (Marshalls Cambridge) has put everything right & now I'm pretty happy with the car.

8th Jul 2007, 15:16

I have a seat Leon Nov 2001 - I've had it second hand from April 06. just about 6 months ago the drivers side carpet was saturated! It hasn't happened again until this month were the same thing has happened again - only this time the OPPOSITE back seat to the drivers floor is saturated at the same time and the boot is damp. I've had the doors checked and the water doesn't seem to be coming in (as I put plastic sheeting down) but UNDER the carpet is soaking - Can ANYONE suggest what the problem could maybe be as the mechanics are saying trial & error in finding problem! HELP!!!