SparkiesChick
Guest
Hi, I'm new. Got my Black Freetrack 2.0 TDI on Thursday - 1 year old with 4k miles - very very pleased with it so far!!! I live in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
My main questions are:
whats the best way for the kids to watch dvds in the back via the screen - I currently don't have a portable dvd player I can use - does anyone know a good media hard drive unit that will fit the middle storage console and/or is this my best option, cos presumably I could just load the ipod contents/movies etc onto it and forget about investing in the ipod adaptor?
also is it difficult to install/connect.... and will it cost lots....?
and last question - things like the bumper cover to help prevent scratches - anyone have a recommended supplier or should I just be ordering this through the dealer.
Sorry if I sound vague - husband is leaving me to investigate this as its MY car so I'm looking into all the possibilities so please feel free to suggest anything you may find useful.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Alex
My main questions are:
whats the best way for the kids to watch dvds in the back via the screen - I currently don't have a portable dvd player I can use - does anyone know a good media hard drive unit that will fit the middle storage console and/or is this my best option, cos presumably I could just load the ipod contents/movies etc onto it and forget about investing in the ipod adaptor?
also is it difficult to install/connect.... and will it cost lots....?
and last question - things like the bumper cover to help prevent scratches - anyone have a recommended supplier or should I just be ordering this through the dealer.
Sorry if I sound vague - husband is leaving me to investigate this as its MY car so I'm looking into all the possibilities so please feel free to suggest anything you may find useful.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Alex
Hi Alex. As regards anything you need to order from the main dealers, you must contact David at Sere Motors on the forum here. He's the best place to order genuine stuff from, and he's in Northern Ireland aswell. Might even be the dealer closest to you, so that'd be cool, eh? So that'll be the bumper cover sorted.
As for the DVD thing, I'm not much help there except to say that we bought a couple of cheap standalone dvd players for our kids to watch in the back, as they're dirt cheap at the moment. One wasn't an option as they both wanted to watch different things....
So that'll be the bumper cover sorted.As for the DVD thing, I'm not much help there except to say that we bought a couple of cheap standalone dvd players for our kids to watch in the back, as they're dirt cheap at the moment. One wasn't an option as they both wanted to watch different things....
freetrack
Guest
I was looking for the best player for a long time, but still didn't find one. So far I have bought some cheap player, without storage, but can read USB sticks or SD cards and can play the major formats, also DVD. I bought it in France, it is Memup, but you can find different ones on the market. The only disadvantage is that it doesn't have screen, so it is more difficult to start something for the kids from the front seats, but it is not that bad.
drc1
Guest
Well this thread is a bit old now, but is now relevant to me as I just picked up our Freetrack today Year old Tdi in Black, traded in our Ibiza FR tdi which has served us well, but we needed something bigger. After much research, Qashqai, c-crosser, kuga, we kept coming back to the Freetrack, at a year old there was nothing with as much bang for the buck. Drives really well, with all the kit apart from sat-nav. Must keep the Freetrack threads going as there don't seem to be many around! Will be checking in regularly.
Year old Tdi in Black, traded in our Ibiza FR tdi which has served us well, but we needed something bigger. After much research, Qashqai, c-crosser, kuga, we kept coming back to the Freetrack, at a year old there was nothing with as much bang for the buck. Drives really well, with all the kit apart from sat-nav. Must keep the Freetrack threads going as there don't seem to be many around! Will be checking in regularly.New Freetrack Owner
Greetings! My first post on SCN!
I've had my Freetrack (TDi) for almost three weeks and covered 1500 miles already. Have been very impressed with it so far. It's in bright (Emocion?) red and I haven't seen another one on the road (in any colour) in that time - even standard XL's are rare it seems.
The car had 7,000 miles when I bought it, as a replacement for my much-loved MG ZT-T, whose 'bomb-proof' BMW diesel engine died. May seem a strange move to go from an MG estate to a jacked up but sporty MPV with four wheel drive, but as a family man with a caravan to tow, annual family skiing holidays and 'a need for speed', it makes sense to me! The Seat ticks all the boxes.
To date, I've been getting on average 41mpg which is an improvement on the MG (38mpg) and the 170 horses have been very enjoyable too. Haven't used the TV screen yet, but am thinking of getting an inverter so the kids can watch DVDs or play games on the PS2. Also looking to get a (detachable) tow bar for the caravan and roof bars for the ski box. Lesson learnt from getting the MG: get the manufacturer's own tow bar wiring, which uses the dashboard lights and cuts out the reversing sensors.
The only query I have at the mo' is regarding demisting. With the aircon set to the windscreen, the screen takes 3-5 minutes to clear on these cold mornings we're having. Does that sound right? I'll try and get some pics of the car up shortly.
Cheers, Steve
Greetings! My first post on SCN!
I've had my Freetrack (TDi) for almost three weeks and covered 1500 miles already. Have been very impressed with it so far. It's in bright (Emocion?) red and I haven't seen another one on the road (in any colour) in that time - even standard XL's are rare it seems.
The car had 7,000 miles when I bought it, as a replacement for my much-loved MG ZT-T, whose 'bomb-proof' BMW diesel engine died. May seem a strange move to go from an MG estate to a jacked up but sporty MPV with four wheel drive, but as a family man with a caravan to tow, annual family skiing holidays and 'a need for speed', it makes sense to me! The Seat ticks all the boxes.
To date, I've been getting on average 41mpg which is an improvement on the MG (38mpg) and the 170 horses have been very enjoyable too. Haven't used the TV screen yet, but am thinking of getting an inverter so the kids can watch DVDs or play games on the PS2. Also looking to get a (detachable) tow bar for the caravan and roof bars for the ski box. Lesson learnt from getting the MG: get the manufacturer's own tow bar wiring, which uses the dashboard lights and cuts out the reversing sensors.
The only query I have at the mo' is regarding demisting. With the aircon set to the windscreen, the screen takes 3-5 minutes to clear on these cold mornings we're having. Does that sound right? I'll try and get some pics of the car up shortly.
Cheers, Steve
freetrack
Guest
Welcome to the Altea mini site!
If you're getting a detachable towbar from your dealer make sure you "insist" that its the SEAT item. I asked my dealer to fit the detachable towbar before I picked up my car but didn't realise that they would use a local mobile fitter. Job is good though and the 'Witter' towball and detatching mechanism fine. Just don't have the integration with the parking sensors which is irritating with a van or trailer hooked up. Mind you my reversing with a trailer is crap (newbie) so I avoid it as much as possible.
As for roofbars I can recommend the Atera brand which you should be able to find on a google search. Good price and fit to the rails well. I've gone for the black plastic coated ones rather than the aluminium aero bar as I think they'll weather the scratches of a roof box, bike racks and straps better.
Demist should be better. If your windscreen is really wet inside in the morning check for any moisture in spare wheel well and on carpets (spilt drinks)... which will add to the amount of condensation formed.
If you're getting a detachable towbar from your dealer make sure you "insist" that its the SEAT item. I asked my dealer to fit the detachable towbar before I picked up my car but didn't realise that they would use a local mobile fitter. Job is good though and the 'Witter' towball and detatching mechanism fine. Just don't have the integration with the parking sensors which is irritating with a van or trailer hooked up. Mind you my reversing with a trailer is crap (newbie) so I avoid it as much as possible.
As for roofbars I can recommend the Atera brand which you should be able to find on a google search. Good price and fit to the rails well. I've gone for the black plastic coated ones rather than the aluminium aero bar as I think they'll weather the scratches of a roof box, bike racks and straps better.
Demist should be better. If your windscreen is really wet inside in the morning check for any moisture in spare wheel well and on carpets (spilt drinks)... which will add to the amount of condensation formed.
bungle
Guest
Exactly the same problem with demisting on our Freetrack - infact we even had ice on the inside of the windows the other day! Our previous Altea was the same so probably a common problem.
Can't get anything like an average 41mpg. Lucky to reach 41 even on a motorway run. I have a feeling something is wrong with the car as it doesn't feel like it's got 170 horses and the turbo lag is absolutely dire. Anyone else notice the lag compared to the 140bhp engine?
M.
Can't get anything like an average 41mpg. Lucky to reach 41 even on a motorway run. I have a feeling something is wrong with the car as it doesn't feel like it's got 170 horses and the turbo lag is absolutely dire. Anyone else notice the lag compared to the 140bhp engine?
M.
RockyFreetrack
Guest
Hi there, good to see more fans of the freetrack! Nothing out there can match it for the money and spec.
I have the SEAT detachable towbar which is made by MVG of Germany. Works ok but it is on the high side when the car is unladen. Must say that the Freetrack is an excellent towcar too, the 170bhp does help.
Also find that it takes an age to demist the windscreen - will mention it at next service.
It's a damn shame that they have stopped importing it, as I wanted the Common rail Freetract next.
I have the SEAT detachable towbar which is made by MVG of Germany. Works ok but it is on the high side when the car is unladen. Must say that the Freetrack is an excellent towcar too, the 170bhp does help.
Also find that it takes an age to demist the windscreen - will mention it at next service.
It's a damn shame that they have stopped importing it, as I wanted the Common rail Freetract next.
Last edited by a moderator:
Markyar
Guest
Hi hampton Caught,
you must have bought your Freetrack from Spur Garage...got mine there too - an ex. promo car loaned to Joe Worsley (the rugby player).
Servicing seems to be good too - Matt Allen at the Service centre seems to know what he's about.
Hope you enjoy the new car...will keep a look out for you (I'm from the Cheam area)
Markyar
you must have bought your Freetrack from Spur Garage...got mine there too - an ex. promo car loaned to Joe Worsley (the rugby player).
Servicing seems to be good too - Matt Allen at the Service centre seems to know what he's about.
Hope you enjoy the new car...will keep a look out for you (I'm from the Cheam area)
Markyar
Thanks for the welcome, chaps (chapesses?).
I've found the windscreen demists more quickly with the recirculation button pressed down, but still seems to take too long considering the aircon is drying things out. I haven't checked (or found!) the pollen filter but wonder if that might be damp. Before we collected the car from the dealer (SMC Windsor, not my local garage ironically), we had the car treated with paint and the interior protected, so wonder if that's causing the dampness internally. Spare wheel well is dry and the footwells are drink-free!
Markirel, I still have my Atera bars for the MG, but they're not compatible! Grrr! Thanks for the confirmation. Looks like they're marginally cheaper than the Thule equivalent. Agree that black bars show wear and tear less than the metal-finished ones. Have a feeling the car will be more than 1.8 metres tall with the (Atera) roofbox, meaning a more expensive Channel crossing, sadly! Will be interesting getting the bikes on the roof in the summer! Ahem!
Markyar, I did visit Spur Garage and Ian there was very helpful. Took a test drive of a 2010 model year 105Ps Altea XL, which was very good, but need the extra oomph for caravan towing. Most likely use them for servicing, though and they're walking distance from home too! OK, anywhere is walking distance if you have the time!! I'll keep my eyes peeled for you!
Cheers, Steve
I've found the windscreen demists more quickly with the recirculation button pressed down, but still seems to take too long considering the aircon is drying things out. I haven't checked (or found!) the pollen filter but wonder if that might be damp. Before we collected the car from the dealer (SMC Windsor, not my local garage ironically), we had the car treated with paint and the interior protected, so wonder if that's causing the dampness internally. Spare wheel well is dry and the footwells are drink-free!
Markirel, I still have my Atera bars for the MG, but they're not compatible! Grrr! Thanks for the confirmation. Looks like they're marginally cheaper than the Thule equivalent. Agree that black bars show wear and tear less than the metal-finished ones. Have a feeling the car will be more than 1.8 metres tall with the (Atera) roofbox, meaning a more expensive Channel crossing, sadly! Will be interesting getting the bikes on the roof in the summer! Ahem!
Markyar, I did visit Spur Garage and Ian there was very helpful. Took a test drive of a 2010 model year 105Ps Altea XL, which was very good, but need the extra oomph for caravan towing. Most likely use them for servicing, though and they're walking distance from home too! OK, anywhere is walking distance if you have the time!! I'll keep my eyes peeled for you!
Cheers, Steve
twistandgo
Guest
Howdy !!
Well.. not been on this site for AAAAAGES.. so thought it was time to catch up!!
Yeqah, we have had issues with the windscreen freezing up on the inside too... dunno why... but for some reason its HAS stopped recently even in light of the colder weather we have had..... "strange".
Car is coming up for 28K miles and still going good. CAT warning light keeps coming on and off but is running faultlessly (STILL).
No problems with using the rear screen though. Get yourself an Ipod, DVD decryptor and Videora Ipod convertor and the kids will be happy for hours !! ours are anyway !! You will need the fancy cable for your ipod to connect to the back though and we currently have to suffer the movies through the car speakers as the kids are too small to appreciate what headphones are for !!! LOL... But all is good.
What with the current snowy conditions, love has been restored in what to date has been the perfect family wagon, 4x4 and general workhouse that a young family needs !
Good to see there are a few more owners about !!!
Have seen one in Yellow locally... actually looks quite cool, its run by a driving school of all things !!
Well.. not been on this site for AAAAAGES.. so thought it was time to catch up!!
Yeqah, we have had issues with the windscreen freezing up on the inside too... dunno why... but for some reason its HAS stopped recently even in light of the colder weather we have had..... "strange".
Car is coming up for 28K miles and still going good. CAT warning light keeps coming on and off but is running faultlessly (STILL).
No problems with using the rear screen though. Get yourself an Ipod, DVD decryptor and Videora Ipod convertor and the kids will be happy for hours !! ours are anyway !! You will need the fancy cable for your ipod to connect to the back though and we currently have to suffer the movies through the car speakers as the kids are too small to appreciate what headphones are for !!! LOL... But all is good.
What with the current snowy conditions, love has been restored in what to date has been the perfect family wagon, 4x4 and general workhouse that a young family needs !
Good to see there are a few more owners about !!!
Have seen one in Yellow locally... actually looks quite cool, its run by a driving school of all things !!
Chris_in_London
Guest
Freetrack no more
I've owned a Freetrack for 12 months now and am generally happy with the car apart from fuel consumption, which compared to other soft roaders is good but having owned a Passat diesel before my current consumption is 5-10 mpg less.
According to the SEAT UK website the Freetrack is no longer on sale but it still appears on the seat.com site as does a two wheel drive version??.
The Freetrack is rarer than rocking horse do do, though there is another one close to me.
By the way I live in North London.
I hope you enjoy your Freetrack as much as I have.
Regards
Chris
I've owned a Freetrack for 12 months now and am generally happy with the car apart from fuel consumption, which compared to other soft roaders is good but having owned a Passat diesel before my current consumption is 5-10 mpg less.
According to the SEAT UK website the Freetrack is no longer on sale but it still appears on the seat.com site as does a two wheel drive version??.
The Freetrack is rarer than rocking horse do do, though there is another one close to me.
By the way I live in North London.
I hope you enjoy your Freetrack as much as I have.
Regards
Chris
Chris_in_London
Guest
Freetrack Marketing
Did Seat market the Freetrack? I can't believe people buy a Qashqai when the Freetrack is bigger & better.
Did Seat market the Freetrack? I can't believe people buy a Qashqai when the Freetrack is bigger & better.
RockyFreetrack
Guest
Owned ours for a year, driven across Europe and yet in that entire time only seen one other Freetrack on the roads.
Agree SEAT have created a great car and failed to market it full stop! Recession probably hasn't helped.
It's a shame we won't be able to try a right hand drive common rail version.
Will have to wait for the Tribu!
Must say though, people that see the car do like it.
Agree SEAT have created a great car and failed to market it full stop! Recession probably hasn't helped.
It's a shame we won't be able to try a right hand drive common rail version.
Will have to wait for the Tribu!
Must say though, people that see the car do like it.
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