2014 Seat Leon Estate - 148k mileage

[scottgar85]

Hey all,

New to the forum, but looking for some advice/reassurance.

I am going to look at a 2014 Seat Leon Estate (Diesel) the car has 148k miles, which is slightly putting me off.
Ive read a few forums here and understand the major factor with a high mileage car is its previous maintenance and service history for the car. All of which I will be sure to questions the seller about the I go to look at it. The car is being sold through a vague family friend. I say this because its my brothers friends dad who is selling the car.

Personally I am always on it when it comes to servicing my cars and spending the money when required. The only reason I am entertaining this idea is 1 - Im getting it at a good price (£2900 - he's selling for £3300 but will do me a deal as he knows the family) and 2 - The space and I know these are generally reliable cars.

I've checked the MOT history and seems to have passed the previous 3 MOT's with no advisories except tyres and pads.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[SuperV8]

My Leon ST 2014 184 TDI has just ticked over to 120,000 miles. Generally drives really well.
Changed my rear dampers at just over 100k. Front's will probably need changing next but fine for now and not leaking.
cam belt is due every 5 years so could be due a cam belt soon?

The only potential big cost item which would concern me would be the DPF filter. I checked mine and it looked like it should do over 200,000 miles at the current rate.
Think I would like to plug in some diagnostics to check DPF.

 

[TripleBob]

Also check the cambelt and water pump have been done at the correct intervals too! At 149k it'll be due it doing again (every 50k or 5 years)

 

[BillyCool]

My 2014 ST 184 TDI is on 131,000 miles.

Things than needed changing:

• Heater matrix (blocked due to silicant t-bag and sand)
• Expansion tank (one without the silicant t-bag)
• Water pump (stupid electronic widget that fails) fitted one without widget - cambelt done at same time.
• Rear shocks
• Thermostat and t/stat housing (done at same time as water pump just to be safe, so not necessarily needed)
• Battery (cold/slow starting issues)
• Glow plugs and gp relay (cold/slow starting issues)
• Fuel rail pressure sensor (fault code and stalling issue)

The fuel flap lock solenoid is known to fail as well. A real *rse if it fails in the locked position. Mine failed in the unlocked position so I've never changed it.

Then the usual service parts.

Fundamentally, a good car but over-engineered in a few places and that causes other issues. My mk1 Leon with PD engine was so much simpler.

DPF is good - had an engine carbon clean recently and got them to look at my DPF figures (I also use VAG DPF with a Carista dongle - well worth the money). They said that based on the ash levels, it should be good for 200,000 miles. Regens every 120 miles based on short 7 miles to and from work (barely gets warm) or 180 miles on decent motorway trips when it's producing less crud.

I do like the car and enjoy driving it. Mine is chipped to 220+ bhp and although I do not drive it that hard, it's nice to have the grunt when you want it. Fuel economy is average 50mpg and up to 60mpg on sensible motorway runs. Car computer says up to 70 mpg but I know that's not a real figure.

The car (and DPF) do appreciate good oil. I always use branded, low SAPS 507.00 oil. I change the oil and filter myself every 5,000 miles and it also has a full service when needed by local garage. The long life 20,000 mile service internal is another VAG group innovation for fleet managers. Personally, regular oil changes are beneficial and not too onerous.

All cars can have issues - but hopefully you'll be okay!