Help with altea models

teeth2k

Full Member
Feb 8, 2003
908
0
sussex
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I'm looking at possibly adding an altea to my fleet of seats and I would like to know what's the best model around 2006 model

Any advice what to look for would be most helpful
 

ritch_b

Active Member
Jul 27, 2012
131
1
Oop north
AFAIK, until 2006, the Sport was the highest spec model, but the FR surpassed that the same year. It's probably going to be a bit pot-luck and you'll be in the hands of the original owner in as much as what other options were specified at the time of purchase.

Give thought to the engine choice though. The diesels do benefit from some regular, decent runs out; if you're mainly doing shorter runs, it may not like them very much. If your driving is weighted towards the shorter runs, I'd personally go for a petrol. Horses for courses though.

R.
 
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m0rk

sarcasm comes free
Staff member
May 19, 2001
27,787
33
Clanfield, UK
Love my Freetrack. Roomy, quick (fast with a remap) and stable in grotty weather.

I can't wait for snow, or frost or something.

Looks are a bit take it or leave it, but they're so cheap for a 4wd 2.0TFSI (or PD170) with the spec it was hard work not buying it.
 

ritch_b

Active Member
Jul 27, 2012
131
1
Oop north
Love my FreeTrack. TDI goes like stink in factory form, but is surprisingly easy (and reasonably priced) to re-map. Specification is brilliant, although if you're after bluetooth, you'll still need to add a kit or, alternatively, replace the factory head unit with something else; I went for a Zenec unit, but the Dynavin stuff ain't too bad either.

Downsides? Looks are a bit Marmite, but then again, I like Marmite. It's a bit easy to get carried away; it's easy to drive enthusiastically, but when you're mid-way through a corner and only then realise that you're in something quite high, a degree of @rse nipping can occur. The Haldex propshaft coupling appears prone to failure and is fairly expensive to replace. Finally, as with all modern VAG vehicles, build quality ain't what it used to be; I don't think I'll get 250,000 miles out of it like I did with the old Audi 80, but I could say that about any modern car really.

Definitely worth considering; it's a lot of car for the money.

R.
 

ritch_b

Active Member
Jul 27, 2012
131
1
Oop north
The overhead entertainment "thing" was an option on some Altea models, although I don't think you'll find (m)any that have it fitted.

If you have a nosey at the Parker's guide for the Altea, it'll give you a rough idea of what was fitted to what model in which year. Reversing sensors, the entertainment thing, headlight washers, front fogs and the lovely seats were the main things on the FreeTrack, but I think getting a comparatively specified Altea may be a tall order.

As an aside, have you taken a look at the Toledo of the same age? Same car up to the boot, although the boot is a little, erm, Kim Kardashian style. They tend to sell for less money, but if you can get a Sport model, you'll find lots of toys and it's available with the pokey petrol and diesel engines, which is nice.

:)

R.
 
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