Leon cupra 280
Discussion
I've had a few MQB platform and EA888 cars, Main weaknesses I know of are:
Weak clutch in the manual
Water pump/thermostat housing
Heater Matrix
Not sure of your mechanical knowledge so will keep advice simple (not that I'm an expert)
Testing the clutch is best done on empty high speed road, shift to 6th at around 50MPH and pin the accelerator - if it's slipping, the revs will climb without
increasing acceleration before it engages.
Water Pump can be hard to spot, sometimes a leak will be obvious, other times not. They can sometimes throw an error when scanning, and sometimes don't. If you're buying from a dealer, you should be OK to get it replaced under warranty, just keep an eye on coolant usage. Healthy engine shouldn't lose any.
Heater matrix issues usually means cabin heater doesn't work. Put them on High through the vents, make sure both sides of the car are blowing hot.
Other small issues, for me, Fuel cap seizing, exhaust valve failing can happen but it's a relatively solid platform. The age they are now, some suspension work coming up is to be expected.
Obviously make sure the car has been looked after, serviced appropriately and no signs on neglect on MOT history. At this age it should have had the VAQ diff serviced but a lot don't bother, if it's not been done and you go for it, I'd do it at the next service. Would also recommend getting a month of carista and an obd scanner. Shouldn't run you more than £30 and does give potentially useful info before you hand over any cash.
MPG of high 20s to low thirties is the norm.
Hope this helps.
Weak clutch in the manual
Water pump/thermostat housing
Heater Matrix
Not sure of your mechanical knowledge so will keep advice simple (not that I'm an expert)
Testing the clutch is best done on empty high speed road, shift to 6th at around 50MPH and pin the accelerator - if it's slipping, the revs will climb without
increasing acceleration before it engages.
Water Pump can be hard to spot, sometimes a leak will be obvious, other times not. They can sometimes throw an error when scanning, and sometimes don't. If you're buying from a dealer, you should be OK to get it replaced under warranty, just keep an eye on coolant usage. Healthy engine shouldn't lose any.
Heater matrix issues usually means cabin heater doesn't work. Put them on High through the vents, make sure both sides of the car are blowing hot.
Other small issues, for me, Fuel cap seizing, exhaust valve failing can happen but it's a relatively solid platform. The age they are now, some suspension work coming up is to be expected.
Obviously make sure the car has been looked after, serviced appropriately and no signs on neglect on MOT history. At this age it should have had the VAQ diff serviced but a lot don't bother, if it's not been done and you go for it, I'd do it at the next service. Would also recommend getting a month of carista and an obd scanner. Shouldn't run you more than £30 and does give potentially useful info before you hand over any cash.
MPG of high 20s to low thirties is the norm.
Hope this helps.
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