Considering a Leon...

Hi,

Well I think I'm going to start planning for a Leon Tdi purchase for sometime in the new year, so was hoping to do some research into what I should be looking at so that I can set up the correct saving plan!

I currently have a golf PD130, which is brilliant, but it's time for a change I think. I currently do about 25k per year commuting to work which is predominantly all motorway.

Having read through what I have so far on the forums, I know I want a diesel due to number of miles and it has to be the 2.0tdi, but I am not sure about the 140 or the 170 engine. From my understanding the 140 is easier to remap but the 170 isn't as simple? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I could do with the extra bit of power without compromising too much on economy.

I'm hoping to find one for around the £5k region with under a 100k mileage, maybe an 06 plate or something. If this is my budget, what do you recommend going for?

140bhp will tend to get lower mileage engine
170bhp will be at the higher end.

170 fr has a nicer interior, but then if settle for the sport interior.

I haven't been in a 170bhp Leon yet, so I'm assuming it's only a little better than the 140 or am I completely wrong?

What should I be looking out for when considering the 2 engines? After something with low maintenance.

Ah right so the common rail, when did that start? And do they not have a DPF?

I Was under the impression the DPF is fine as long as you thrash it for a little while every so often, which shouldn't be a problem as I do a 100 miles a day on motorway.

What else should I be considering about the Leon? How common is cruise control as it is a major factor in choice for me. And is it possible to retro fit?

Let's say, if i went for the PD170, and had a DPF delete and re-map, would that solve the issues about the DPF sensor problem?

Does the 140 have a DPF?

When you say the 140 is much better with fuel economy, how much better would you say? the figures you quoted for the 170, seem to be very similar to my wifes a3 140 tdi.

The 130PD is very economical, the most I've had from a £68 tank of diesel is 570 miles from an economical driving week, however I usually average around 530-540 miles from the tank, which is about 50 litres.
The 130PD is really reliable, but I feel the need for a change. It is currently on 142k miles and still runs strong so will probably end on around 150-155k by the time I change.

What does a full tank cost on a 170 and how many miles from the tank on average?

48mpg for 170bhp and a DSG is something I would be happy with.

I'm just wondering how will the value of the FR hold out over the next 2 years? Are we expecting a sudden drop? What sort of mileage would be worth looking at on these cars?

impressive returns on a 170bhp.

I don't think I will be buying something less than 3 years old. I'm hoping to use the leon as a stepping stone to bigger and better hopefully, hence dont want to be losing too much on the value. I know putting on 50k mileage will affect the value, but as long as it is reasonable, I don't mind.

I don't think I would manage to get a dsg on an FR for £5k, but I'd be happy if I could.

Now I just need to find a member who is looking to sell in the new year!

well, i think FR plans will need to be on hold.

Just purchased a Mercedes C250 CDI AMG Sport Coupe, which is keeping us going for now, but when it is time to change the second car, I will do for an FR.