Hi all,
It's been a few years since I've been on here when I had my
MK4 Ibiza tdi until 2015.
I am looking at either a leon fr 184 tdi dsg or a Peugeot 308 gt bluehdi 180 eat6. 65 plate plus.
At the moment I have a 2011 Mégane dci 110 (remapped to around 130) which has been solid except clutch gives judder when pulling off in 1st until warm). I'm looking towards a leon due to the adblue/damper issues with the Peugeots.
Can anyone let me know what to look out for when looking at one? I researched and saw that they suffer rattles in the door cards but can't find much else...
How reliable is the dsg box in the 184? Would it cope okay with a stage 1 map providing the tuner is decent?
I've got a 2014 184 manual ST (estate version).
The things that I'm either aware of or have had issues with - these may not relate to a newer car.
Blocked heater matrix due to silacant gel sachet in header tank splitting - known issue pre-facelift - no idea if it's fixed yet but I know some newer cars have an improved matrix in them. Rubbish heating but also used to cool the EGR after a DPF regen. Due to inneffective cooling, that cooks your coolant and you lose some via the escape port on your header tank. You'll know by looking that the header tank and see if it has `mit Silikat` stamped on it. I change dmy header tank and matrix for c.£120+3 hours of my time rather than the £800+ that SEAT wanted.
Electronic water pump. Again, not sure about newer models but mine had this variable shroud that alters coolant flow. These start to stick and your car either fails to get up to temp or overheats. Replacement parts no longer have the shroud on them and newer models may not have that issue. Mine went stupid at the same time as cam belt was due so done at same time. Had no issues since.
Thermostat - can also go a bit stupid. Not the easiest to get to and a lot of people recommend replacing the plastic housing as that is prone to splits/leaks. That is an arse to change as it is hidden under the charge cooler and pipework.
Rear shocks - on my ST (ex-company car) they went after 95,000 miles. Replaced with OEM and been fine since.
Head unit can go a bit weird in cold weather. Known issue but SEAT won't do anything.
It's not really a long list but some of them are big ticket fixes but they may not be relevant tp your car.
I have the Tech pack and this is usally standard but you deffo want it. Also have the convenience pack so lights on when unlocking, auto dim mirror and not sure what else it does. Not got the winter pack although there are times when I'd like heated seats.
Engine is good and seems happy to be tweaked. Mine is chipped and runs about 220. Don't drive it hard but at 3000rpm and above it's very willing if you ask it. As for MPG, I drove 550 miles last week to Wales and back and got 65mpg each way. That was 70-75 all the way and no heavy right foot. On local roads that I drive a lot, I get 5-8mpg improvement driving `normally`. If you drive the car harder, you get nearer 40mpg but rarely any less. It seems to like Shell V-Power although I do buy normal fuel and put in what is meant to be a very similar fuel additive.
I change oil and filter every 5,000 miles as the car appreciates it. This whole long-life 20,000 service doesn't get my vote. I get a DPF regen every 180-200 miles (higher figure on motorways), so the oil does get worked quite hard.
Tyre choice is a personal thing but from my experience it can have a massive impact on handling and road noise. I can't really afford posh tyres, so I run Rainsports (just had a new set of 5's fitted to replace my 3's after 21,000 miles on the front). They grip well in dry and wet, handle well and I'm quite happy with them. My rears are Dunlop Blue Repsonse - they were orignally on the front but were very sketchy so moved to the rear. They've been fine but when due for change will get Rainsports put on (also makes in easier for me to rotate tyres).
I love mine - you can just trundle around and get sensible MPG or when the urge takes you, it can go a lot quicker. I drive a lot of country lanes and only really use the extra power for safer overtaking and joining slips roads etc on the bigger roads. It's nice to have that extra torque when you want it. The extra power is really noticeable compared to stock.
Mine is now on 101,000 miles and running great.