Mazda 3 v Seat Leon
Mazda 3 v Seat Leon
Author
Discussion

Alfa Pete

Original Poster:

469 posts

254 months

Thursday 29th July 2021
quotequote all
I’m looking to replace my 2018 Mini Clubman Cooper SD shortly which I have enjoyed immensely but looking to trade now while it still has some value.
I will be using the Clubman as p/ex then topping up the budget with cash so my budget will be around £22k. I look at buying at a year old and then keeping g for 2 years or so.
It will be my only car and I do around 20k miles a year.( I get a car allowance for work). Preference is for a blend of warm hatch levels of performance and real world economy of 45mpg. Have had diesel for the last 20 years but think I may go petrol this time.
I am looking at cars up to a year old , and top of my list are Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv X GT Sport or Seat Leon 1.5 FR eTSI.
Does anyone have either of these and how do you rate them?

ahenners

621 posts

154 months

Thursday 29th July 2021
quotequote all
If you are trading up purely because of what your mini is worth in the current market then it makes no sense to me. The 1 year old cars you are looking at will have increased in price more than your mini has.

I can't see how either of the suggested cars are a better alternative to what you already have, especially when covering 20k per year.

Alfa Pete

Original Poster:

469 posts

254 months

Thursday 29th July 2021
quotequote all
ahenners said:
If you are trading up purely because of what your mini is worth in the current market then it makes no sense to me. The 1 year old cars you are looking at will have increased in price more than your mini has.

I can't see how either of the suggested cars are a better alternative to what you already have, especially when covering 20k per year.
Here’s the thing, I have had the Clubbie for nearly 2 years and covered 33k miles. At the moment I will have lost about £3.5k on it whereas both the cars listed are available at similar prices to when I researched them earlier in the year, so in terms of “price to change “ it appears now may be a good time…….?

I do enjoy the Mini but I’m a little nervous about owning it outside of warranty, as I’ve had to use it . Water leak, DPF sensor and currently back at the dealer having randomly gone into limp mode on 2 occasions in the last week.

ahenners

621 posts

154 months

Thursday 29th July 2021
quotequote all
Alfa Pete said:
Here’s the thing, I have had the Clubbie for nearly 2 years and covered 33k miles. At the moment I will have lost about £3.5k on it whereas both the cars listed are available at similar prices to when I researched them earlier in the year, so in terms of “price to change “ it appears now may be a good time…….?

I do enjoy the Mini but I’m a little nervous about owning it outside of warranty, as I’ve had to use it . Water leak, DPF sensor and currently back at the dealer having randomly gone into limp mode on 2 occasions in the last week.
Have you thought about mini insured warranty? I believe this is similar to the BMW one and the BMW one is highly rated.

https://www.miniwarranty.co.uk


If you genuinely want a change and based on your research it seems a good time then obviously ignore the above.


Alfa Pete

Original Poster:

469 posts

254 months

Thursday 29th July 2021
quotequote all
The warranty is another option i guess and something for me to consider.

ZX10R NIN

30,465 posts

153 months

Thursday 29th July 2021
quotequote all
Alfa Pete said:
Here’s the thing, I have had the Clubbie for nearly 2 years and covered 33k miles. At the moment I will have lost about £3.5k on it whereas both the cars listed are available at similar prices to when I researched them earlier in the year, so in terms of “price to change “ it appears now may be a good time…….?

I do enjoy the Mini but I’m a little nervous about owning it outside of warranty, as I’ve had to use it . Water leak, DPF sensor and currently back at the dealer having randomly gone into limp mode on 2 occasions in the last week.
Just extend the warranty if you want peace of mind.

Alfa Pete

Original Poster:

469 posts

254 months

Friday 30th July 2021
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Will definitely be extending the warranty if I keep it .
Back in to my local
Mini dealer today with auto gearbox issue .

lornemalvo

4,965 posts

96 months

Thursday 5th August 2021
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Your car buying strategy is the same as mine but things are crazy just now. Seriously consider buying new, because you can pay as much if not more for used. You can get nearly £6000 off that Seat Leon you mention.

Alfa Pete

Original Poster:

469 posts

254 months

Friday 6th August 2021
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Yes seem some great deals on new Leons.
Local dealer has a 1.5 FR with delivery miles in stock.
Am going to test drive next week.
Love the look of the Mazda but Leon sounds like it might be the better all rounder.