Limp mode during test drive - should i run away?

[Luz1978]

So no fault codes, but did they do any work? Change a sensor, or just scan it and return it?
If no fault code that's the worse case scenario as you have a problem with no diagnosis, so I wouldn't buy that car, if that's the case... Problems with no clear diagnosis end up expensive as it's educated guess work what's causing it and replacing bits randomly to try and fix aint cheap!!!

 

[Jeff Wood]

I had exactly that with my old Volvo s60.

no one seemed to be able to fix it....

 

[herbie147]

Definately a bad omen, personally I'd look for another example to view.

 

[mike0105]

Besides, you didn't really want a TDI anyway. You wanted that Cupra..... like everyone else said, diesel is for 15k per year or more. Otherwise, it works out as more expensive (more to buy, more expensive servicing, fuel is more expensive, potential dpf issues etc).

The CR170 isn't fragile by modern standards, it is just that all modern engines are compared to older cars. They are so complex now and are pushing out more and more power from less and less fuel.

A word on aftermarket warranties though, they do work out if thrown in free or cheap and you get the right level of cover. Mine has paid out for a new HPFP.

 

[betty_swollox]

more expensive servicing

????

 

[mike0105]

????

Maybe things have changed now, but I always found a comparable service for a diesel to be a bit more expensive than for the equivalent petrol engine.

 

[betty_swollox]

Maybe things have changed now, but I always found a comparable service for a diesel to be a bit more expensive than for the equivalent petrol engine.

I thought SEAT were fixed prices??

Was quoted more for the cambelt on my cupra than on my FR too

 

[mike0105]

Things have probably changed then. Fixed pricing was never something I had, mainly as I never paid full price for any services. Always negotiated a good deal.

And I presume that fixed pricing only applies to dealers? Not specialists and indies?

 

[betty_swollox]

Things have probably changed then. Fixed pricing was never something I had, mainly as I never paid full price for any services. Always negotiated a good deal.

And I presume that fixed pricing only applies to dealers? Not specialists and indies?

yeah thats why I said SEAT mate

an independant will always be cheaper than a main dealer tho so i wouldnt be arsed about fixed pricing from them

 

[locky]

Yeah for sure, as well as walking away from that 'mystery illness' CR170, I think the outcome of this experience is that a petrol probably will be more suited to my current use. Since moving jobs I walk to work, so that has slashed my yearly distance by over half - so yeah i am glad discussions brought this to light, and cheers to the folks who have pointed that out.

So the opinion is I should swerve the petrol FR and go directly to Cupra?
Im not sure that will be cheap to run when it comes to the 900mile motorway round trips though

 

[mike0105]

Does cheap to run matter that much? The difference between the FR and Cupra is small when it comes to mpg both will be 25-35mpg depending of whether you have a lead or feather right foot. I'd go with the best your budget stretches to. I got an FR as it was the right price at the right time in the right place and had already been mapped to Cupra power.

 

[kazand]

Yeah for sure, as well as walking away from that 'mystery illness' CR170, I think the outcome of this experience is that a petrol probably will be more suited to my current use. Since moving jobs I walk to work, so that has slashed my yearly distance by over half - so yeah i am glad discussions brought this to light, and cheers to the folks who have pointed that out.

So the opinion is I should swerve the petrol FR and go directly to Cupra?
Im not sure that will be cheap to run when it comes to the 900mile motorway round trips though

How often you planning on a 900 mile trip? Can't comment on Cupra but certainly there is little to choose consumption wise between previous FR (211 manual) and current R, certainly on a run in excess of 30mpg is more than possible.

 

[locky]

I do the trip about 4 or 5 times a year. Quite a luxury I can now cycle to work, so there are some weeks I don't even 'need' to drive anywhere. Obviously with a nicer car I will be more inclined to drive for pleasure, whereas currently I will actively try and avoid getting the car out if I can help it.

 

[aaronb84]

Did a run from Brighton to Nottingham and back the other day in the FR (TFSI) and averaged 38 ish MPG driving a consistent 70 on the motorway. That was with 4 people in the car. I was mighty impressed with that. Used just over 3/4 of a tank from brimmed.

 

[KrystenCTR]

Nobody has mentioned the 90 days covers everything Consumer Rights...

Basically the dealership has to fix anything that goes wrong with the car within the first 90days. It's your right as the buyer... It's the law.

Most dealers give a three month warranty because they know most people don't know their rights and use the paperwork to stop putting claims in.

So if the car goes into limp mode again on day 7 then the fiat garage has to fix it. If the turbo fails then they fix it. If the electric window stops working... Guess what... They fix it.

They can't argue... It's your right as a car buyer!

 

[STU3Y]

Nobody has mentioned the 90 days covers everything Consumer Rights...

Basically the dealership has to fix anything that goes wrong with the car within the first 90days. It's your right as the buyer... It's the law.

Most dealers give a three month warranty because they know most people don't know their rights and use the paperwork to stop putting claims in.

So if the car goes into limp mode again on day 7 then the fiat garage has to fix it. If the turbo fails then they fix it. If the electric window stops working... Guess what... They fix it.

They can't argue... It's your right as a car buyer!

No offence but that is easier said than done, the ten page complaint letter I sent seat regarding my car made my points clear and got me nothing. Dealers often provide the warranty so you are forced to use that instead and they wash their hands of any responsibility.

 

[KrystenCTR]

No offence but that is easier said than done, the ten page complaint letter I sent seat regarding my car made my points clear and got me nothing. Dealers often provide the warranty so you are forced to use that instead and they wash their hands of any responsibility.

Can't comment on what happened to your car because I don't know the particulars but SEAT UK didn't sell you the car... a SEAT franchise did. They are bound by the same rules as any other member of the motor trade.

Trading Standards and your Consumer Rights

If they are playing silly buggers then report them to Trading Standards. The warranty does not alter your basic rights. FACT!

As I said I don't know the circumstances about the turbo but if the car goes wrong within the first 90 days the dealership is obliged to fix it. However... If you break it then it's your fault. For example blew the engine because you chipped the car... Your fault. But if the coil pack went within the first 90 days then the garage is liable.

Going back to the limp test drive... If you are worried pay for a bell and whistles warranty. If not... Then rely on the 90 days rights and get the garage to fix it.