Seat Leon TDI 90 S - how many miles are they good for?

[Greggo]

Hiya,

Im buying a 2002 Leon S TDI 90 on sat which has pretty high mileage - 164k (was a lease car for 3 years and privately owned for 6)

I dont do massive mileages myself - maybe 15k a year and I always seem to change car every 2 years anyway, but if I keep this car longer this time, is it likely to see past the 200k mark ?

It has FSH and been very well looked after by its previous owner( tons of receipts) and looks like cambelts all been changed at the regular intervals etc.

I know it was potentially a risky move buying a motor with this high mileage, but I've wanted a Leon for ages, when I saw this one with the TLC its obviously had I knew I had to go for it - was under £2500 as well which was my budget as couldnt really afford to much higher.

Also, I know the TDI engine is meant to be built to last and some people argue higher mileages better anyway because your getting a quality car for less money and its been bedded in.

 

[Greggo]

Also, does anyone know what the life expectancy of a turbo would be and when it may need replacing?

 

[MATTCR]

You're paying 2500?

I would personally buy a 1.8T cupra, for around the same price with probably half the mileage!

Paying more in fuel but im sure the resell value would be better than trying to sell a 200k+ TDI

 

[Greggo]

No it was less than £2500, that was my upper budget

 

[sssstew]

the old 90 TDI lump is a very hardy unit, common to see 250k plus, with many high milers in the US on TDIClub.com. At 164k the lump is run in and giving its best.

Turbo replace, again these can last the life of the car or go at any time its kinda pot luck with them.

 

[glynnd]

I have seen the bores on a 315000 mile octavia taxi with the 90hp pd in it.
The turbo let go and bent a rod, but there was virtually no bore wear at all.
Looked after will as ssstew says exclipse 250k no problem, turbo should be good for 150k plus if been treated nicely.
Glynn

 

[neil_f225]

I bought a 2004 Toledo 110tdi se with 48k on the clock and full history...belt done etc for £3200! i know Leons hold there value a bit better than the Toledo though. I've heard the 90 and 110 are the most reliable diesels to have compared to the newer PD models.

 

[Greggo]

I did consider a Toledo and was actively looking for one alongside Leon search.

Toledo's do seem slightly cheaper to buy, possibly because saloons are less popular. Alas, I saw this Leon and after driving it, decided I loved it and wanted it. Certainly doesent drive like a high mileage.

If the turbo did go, would it still drive but just not have the extra BHP?

How much to replace approx?

 

[sssstew]

depends how the turbo goes, but generally you dont want to be driving it with a knackered turbo.

 

[Grant77r]

i just bought a tdi 110 se with 106000 on it so yeah id say tht'll be alryt

 

[sssstew]

just run in then.

 

[Greggo]

Im enjoying mine so far and put 500 miles on it in 2 weeks ownership ( less than one tankful too I might add )

I enjoy the mid range torque of a TDI - he slower initial pull of compared to a 1.6 petrol engine was strange at first, but now Im used to it adn once the turbo kicks in it more than makes up for it - even if its only the 90bhp model.

Taken a while to get a comfortable driving position though, it seemed ok in test drive, but two weeks of real world drivng and I think after much experimentation worked out a comfy driving positon - the increments between clicks on the seats are massive compared to most cars!!!