My new Leon FR 2005 model

[ChrisGTL]

Reet,

Picked up my new car last night, went for a nice long drive to see whats what, because its not brand new I thought I would try to spy any problems with the car - I really didn't think I was going to find any but I have:-

Rear passanger indicator light stops working for no reason, after a wiggle of the bulb it starts working again. (Seat garage told me to buy a new bulb)

Boot light doesnt work at all. There is also a nasty loose piece of plastic sound coming from the boot when I go along a bumpy road. I'm wondering if the bulb has come out and is stuck in that plastic moulding that surrounds the boot light.

The yellow TCS/ESP (is this the same warning dash light?) dash warning lamp came on after about 20mins of driving, it didnt flash as if I were wheel spinning, it came on and stayed on. I pressed the TCS button by the handbrake but it wouldnt go out??? - This one is abit worrying as the Leon manual states if it comes on and stays solid there is a problem.

When I told the Seat dealer bloke he was on about it comes on when the outside temp gets below a certain temp. This doesnt sound right to me, I think he was on about the little snow-flake symbol on the clock area that comes on when its cold outside.

I told him I was on about the YELLOW dash lamp, he said did it come on this morning on your way to work, I said no but it only takes me about 8 mins to get to work so wasn't driving for right long.

What do you chaps think of this?

Cheers,
T4i

 

[Andy3004]

Reet,

Picked up my new car last night, went for a nice long drive to see whats what, because its not brand new I thought I would try to spy any problems with the car - I really didn't think I was going to find any but I have:-

Rear passanger indicator light stops working for no reason, after a wiggle of the bulb it starts working again. (Seat garage told me to buy a new bulb)

Boot light doesnt work at all. There is also a nasty loose piece of plastic sound coming from the boot when I go along a bumpy road. I'm wondering if the bulb has come out and is stuck in that plastic moulding that surrounds the boot light.

The yellow TCS/ESP (is this the same warning dash light?) dash warning lamp came on after about 20mins of driving, it didnt flash as if I were wheel spinning, it came on and stayed on. I pressed the TCS button by the handbrake but it wouldnt go out??? - This one is abit worrying as the Leon manual states if it comes on and stays solid there is a problem.

When I told the Seat dealer bloke he was on about it comes on when the outside temp gets below a certain temp. This doesnt sound right to me, I think he was on about the little snow-flake symbol on the clock area that comes on when its cold outside.

I told him I was on about the YELLOW dash lamp, he said did it come on this morning on your way to work, I said no but it only takes me about 8 mins to get to work so wasn't driving for right long.

What do you chaps think of this?

Cheers,
T4i

The TCS warning light is nowt to do with the temp I'm afraid, think I'd get it back to the dealer for a check..... may just be a dodgy sensor....

 

[ChrisGTL]

I didn't think it was to do with ambient temps.

God he must think I'm a proper thick tw@t. I'm gonna drive it again at dinner for an hour and see what happens.

If the light comes on that means I should be able to spin the wheels like crazy? So if it happens again on its own I shall try that and see if the TCS is actualy activated or not. Not sure if thats gonna tell me owt or not.

 

[Andy3004]

I didn't think it was to do with ambient temps.

God he must think I'm a proper thick tw@t. I'm gonna drive it again at dinner for an hour and see what happens.

If the light comes on that means I should be able to spin the wheels like crazy? So if it happens again on its own I shall try that and see if the TCS is actualy activated or not. Not sure if thats gonna tell me owt or not.

not sure......give it a go! someone will be along with a better answer than me soon!

 

[RikH]

you need it on VAG-COM ideally to see the problem
if you've literally just got it and had it a few days id take it back and say you dont want it back til its sorted

plastic sound in boot could be worth lifting the carpet to see if the spare wheel and bits are secured properly

 

[jonjay]

Take it back mate. Seriously - don't accept any faults with it. The seat warranty does cover all what you mentioned even the bulb if the car is new.

 

[james_tiger_woo]

Write down all the niggles in a formal letter giving them 10 days to sort it out otherwise you will reject the car under the Sales of Goods act. Using the SoG act is a bit tenuous, but if it's all in legal-ese, then you might find that they sort all these problems out pronto.....

 

[james_tiger_woo]

In addition....

Rear passanger indicator light stops working for no reason, after a wiggle of the bulb it starts working again. (Seat garage told me to buy a new bulb)

Bollocks - they should have supplied it to you in working order.

When I told the Seat dealer bloke he was on about it comes on when the outside temp gets below a certain temp. This doesnt sound right to me, I think he was on about the little snow-flake symbol on the clock area that comes on when its cold outside.

Ask to speak to someone intelligent as he's clearly an idiot...

In all seriousness, I've had a shed load of problems with my Leon so you should get this back to the dealer now and take NO sh*t. If they won't help, speak to the Sales manager, if you get no joy, go straight to Seat UK.

Keep copies of any correspondence too.

You might want to consider telling the dealer that you're going to take this up with Seat UK regardless.

(This all, of course, assumes that you got it from a Seat dealer of course - failing that you can still make similar noises/threats...)

 

[ChrisGTL]

Cheers all for the reply.

It is from a Seat dealer, in Huddersfield. The car isn't new, its a 2005 plate with 18k on the clock.

I've had a good 40 min drive at dinner time and the light never came on. I've now fixed the boot light, when I popped the light out the power connector wasn't even connected - and it was the plastic plug that was rattling on the plastic moulding. So that is now sorted.

As for the indicator bulb, the earth metal on the actual bulb was slight green so I've rubbed it down nice and shiny and its working spot on.

But yes I do agree I shouldnt have had to waste my time sorting these problems as the car has been with Seat for the last 3-4 weeks.

Two other things I've enquired about since I started this thread:-

The service book says next service due Sep 2007 or in 500 miles time, so I rung the Seat dealer in question with this info and he says they forgot to stamp the book and it has been serviced. He is telling me its next service will be due in Sep 2008. Do you think this is balls? Is there any way I can tell easily if its been serviced recently?

Because I've never seen the car in good daylight, until today dinner time I never knew there was a crack right in the middle of the windscreen, he nicely forgot to tell me about this. It has been glued, but looks messy in the daylight (thats slightly my fault for not looking at the car in good light - I was unable to get over during work hours though - and have kids on a weekend so was unable to) but surely he should of told me about it? Not sure if it would make it fail any MOT.....its under the rear view mirror bang on in the middle of windscreen.

The car comes with one more year of warranty, so I want as much sorting as possible while I can!

Apart from these bits and bobs I proper love the car, its fair pokey from what I'm used to - filled it with Shell's diesel Xtra and a shot of Millers sport 4 this morning. I want to take it for a blast over to East or West coast this weekend to get it all into the system.

 

[james_tiger_woo]

You can't tell by looking, but if they say it's been serviced, get the book stamped and all you can go on is their say-so. Unless someone else here knows otherwise.... Saying that, you could look at the oil filter to see if it looks new-ish...

As for the windscreen - you probably should have noticed it I'm afraid - unless it's **actually** broken that is. You might be able to get away with a good-will thing and get the window done, but if it's been properly repaired, they're within their rights to refuse.

I'd consider writing to the dealer formally outlining all these points in bullet form (pad it out if needs be) and say that you're "very dissatisfied with what is a dealer supplied and verified vehicle"

 

[oldman]

windscreen will probably fail an MOT if the crack is covered by a wiper for more than xcm diameter - can't remember but mine failed for a minor crack

yes you should have noticed; and yes he should have told you.
talk with him and may be able to do without going through insurance

get that book stamped, as it is your prove it was serviced as stated. if that proves to be wrong they did wrong not you. get it serviced every 10k or 12months which ever comes first as stated in manual.

 

[GREY 225]

Hi,good way to tell if its just been serviced is to check oil level on dipstick,if it has just had service oil will look a nice clean colour,if its been in a long time it will look black.

 

[ChrisGTL]

Cheers for the advice fellas.

I rang the Seat garage up and asked to speak to the sales manager, he was very apologetic and ensured me thats NOT how they go about their daily buisiness.

He was quite upset when I told him the salesman told me to buy a repeater bulb for 50p in my local town....He said I should not have to buy anything to fix the car as the car shouldnt be broken in the first place.

Told him about the boot lamp, told him I fixed it and again was upset that I had to sort it mysen.

Told him about the TCS light coming on whilst cruising at 40mph at which point he took my number and said I would be contacted very shortly.

He also said the service book should be stamped, and ALL their cars are serviced when they come into the forecourt, he said it is company policy to do so and if they didn't do they would not be working in that garage anymore.

5 mins after putting phone down I got a call from the service manager who has arranged me a courtesey car for Tuesday, as the FR will be going in. He said the TCS could be a big fault but WILL be sorted.

Told him about the windscreen and made it quite clear I want a new windscreen putting in. He said he was very sorry, and would do his best to sort it.

So fingers crossed it will be sorted and I can get it back ASAP. I've got a funny feeling they will bang me a new windscreen in, he asked me when I bought it and as soon as I said Wednesday night he stopped me there and said he would sort it.

So thanks for making me stand up for my rights.....

Glad I asked for the sales manager now!

 

[james_tiger_woo]

Well done and let us know when it's all done

PS, insist on a new windscreen for "Goodwill"

 

[ChrisGTL]

I want to insist on a Cupra R as a good will gesture.

 

[skahigh]

Thats an excellent result, if possible try and build some kind of a positive relationship with the sales manager so that if you have any further problems he might remember you and be more helpful.

I agree with James_Tiger_woo that writing letters and keeping copies as well as making a note of ALL correspondance in these matters is a very good idea however, using legal terms that you don't neccessarily understand would imho be silly. For one thing, most companies have somebody who is appointed and trained to understand the legal aspects of proper trading and they will be able to spot you a mile off if you dont know what you're talking about. At that point they are more likely to be less helpful because they will just think you are a *****.

As long as your demands are reasonable and you state them politely but firmly all should be ok, if not, then pursue proper legal advice from the Citizens advice bureau or other legal establishment. There is no sense in trying to spout legal jargon that you simply dont understand.

Anyway, well done fella, glad is getting sorted!

 

[ChrisGTL]

Thats an excellent result, if possible try and build some kind of a positive relationship with the sales manager so that if you have any further problems he might remember you and be more helpful.

I agree with James_Tiger_woo that writing letters and keeping copies as well as making a note of ALL correspondance in these matters is a very good idea however, using legal terms that you don't neccessarily understand would imho be silly. For one thing, most companies have somebody who is appointed and trained to understand the legal aspects of proper trading and they will be able to spot you a mile off if you dont know what you're talking about. At that point they are more likely to be less helpful because they will just think you are a *****.

As long as your demands are reasonable and you state them politely but firmly all should be ok, if not, then pursue proper legal advice from the Citizens advice bureau or other legal establishment. There is no sense in trying to spout legal jargon that you simply dont understand.

Anyway, well done fella, glad is getting sorted!

Ta,

I think they will sort it out for me, my Dad has bought his last two brand new A3's from The same garage name, just obviuosly a Audi dealer and not Seat. They know this and I think it would be in there intrests to see me a happy customer.

I bet they could get a new windscreen fitted for £60 - not really bick bucks for them I'm sure.

Shall keep this thread updated after it goes in on Tuesday. Hope they give me a nice courtesey car, I will miss my FR.

 

[Leigh15]

Hi,good way to tell if its just been serviced is to check oil level on dipstick,if it has just had service oil will look a nice clean colour,if its been in a long time it will look black.

Doesn't work on the diesels - the oil's black by the time it reaches the bottom of the sump!

 

[james_tiger_woo]

I agree with James_Tiger_woo that writing letters and keeping copies as well as making a note of ALL correspondance in these matters is a very good idea however, using legal terms that you don't neccessarily understand would imho be silly. For one thing, most companies have somebody who is appointed and trained to understand the legal aspects of proper trading and they will be able to spot you a mile off if you dont know what you're talking about. At that point they are more likely to be less helpful because they will just think you are a *****.

Quoting legal terms is always a last resort and, of course, you would always have to seek advice first - as you've said. I would never advocate (or do) this without first seeking advice.

Once this is all sorted, make sure you write a letter saying that while you're dissappointed as to how this all happened, that you're pleased how this has all been resolved and to thank them. Make sure that you keep that good relationship - I was persona non grata at a VW dealer following a formal complaint to the dealer and to VW a few years back after they got really arsey and that particular relationship broke down.

At any rate, top result

 

[ChrisGTL]

Doesn't work on the diesels - the oil's black by the time it reaches the bottom of the sump!

Is this right?

Im not a very happy bunny at all!

Took my dipstick out today at work and not only is the oil as black as black can be its also WAY above the MAX mark on dipstick. The handbook clearly states if oil is above the MAX mark then damage can be caused to various parts inc. the cat.

The viscosity of the oil is 11.3 cSt @ 100 Degrees. This doesn't even fall in within the 10/40 requirements. Thats if the 1.9TDI FR uses ?/40 anyone? I left my handbook at work like an idiot.

Now, three options here for me (both are not good for Seat):-

a) The oil has sheared down (chopping) to a 11.3 grade oil because basically it's heavily used.

b) If they still gurantee me it's had a service and oil change etc they have put the wrong oil on because a ?/40 will not fall from 12.5 cSt (minimum requirements of a ?/40 to 11.3 cSt in the amount of miles that would be done test driving a car....No bloody way - it would take thousands of miles to chop down this amount.

c) The oil is heavily contaminated with Water or Fuel (diluted down).

Anyone got any proper Seat engine PD oil hangine about? Does it give a Viscosity value? in cSt @ 100 Degrees?

I'm going in to work tomorrow to do further tests, this is not right at all. I shall try clamber under the car to see what the oilf filter looks like.

If the Seat garage has changed the oil they have put the wrong grade in! And mega overfilled it!

If they havn't done a oil change they have basically lied to me and sold me a car under false pretences.

Really really not hapy!