New Soon to be MK3 Leon owner

Jul 26, 2025
6
0
Hi all,

A budding soon to be MK3 Leon owner here. I'm still on the look out for "the one"

I've been out of the car community for a few years but now have some money to be able to get back in and enjoying what I drive again. 2 boring silver fiestas later!
 

James_R

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Apr 22, 2008
5,634
61
37
Manchester
Hi all,

A budding soon to be MK3 Leon owner here. I'm still on the look out for "the one"

I've been out of the car community for a few years but now have some money to be able to get back in and enjoying what I drive again. 2 boring silver fiestas later!
Welcome to the community!

Which spec are you planning on going for?
 
Jul 26, 2025
6
0
Hi, thanks for the welcome.
I've been looking for a few weeks now.
Feels like I'm looking like a needle in a haystack!
1.8tsi manual 5door (hatch or estate) preferably around 70k miles, and preferably the facelift.
But I'm also considering the 1.4 or 1.5 150ps models as well. I think I'd prefer the better suspension with the 1.8.

Feels like each search I do on autotrader I come up with less than 10 😂
 

James_R

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Apr 22, 2008
5,634
61
37
Manchester
Based off personal experience and to widen your search, I'd definitely consider the the 1.5tsi over the 1.8. It's a proven engine with plenty of grunt and there's not many more pros to the 1.8 unless you plan on tuning, but in that case you'd be better plumping for the 2.0.

I've had 2 x mk3 Leons, a 2014 1.2TSI and a 2015 2.0TDI, both excellent vehicles with lots of potential. I'd say that the 2014 Leon was probably the best car I ever had. I was sad to see it go.
 
Jul 26, 2025
6
0
Thanks for your input. I think I'll look to giving each a test drive.
I test drove the 1.5 130 the other day, and it was a bit gutless low down I felt. And I've also read about the gearboxes on the manuals being a bit "kangarooy" which is something I know I'll hate. Rev hang is already something I hate on most petrol cars these days.

It'll help widen the search for sure.
A cupra is not off the table either, checked the insurance and it's very reasonable for me.
 

tracktoy

Active Member
Jun 11, 2023
821
666
Welcome to the site

I am very very biased but the 280 cupra is a great motor.

Whatever you end up going for make sure you check for the servicing these are great motors but last much longer if looked after.
 

Seastormer

Cupra Leon VZ2 300/CBF1000
Apr 25, 2014
5,412
905
69
Edinburgh (Scotland)
Welcome to SCN, I too would say go for the Cupra, I had my 280 for near 8 trouble free years, and still miss it now. The CUPRA Leon I replaced it with is a great car too, but the infotainment system for controlling everything just can't beat having some good old fashion buttons, like my Mk3 had.
 
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