SEAT Leon Cupra R 225
Discussion
Having sold my Audi A4 as I was finding it too dull and not interesting enough, I wanted something a bit more old school and that could potentially be a modern classic in the future. The car was going to be a second car/toy and not needed for daily duties. I picked up a bargain Skoda daily for this (I'll do a thread on this as well). I decided on a MK1 SEAT Leon Cupra R as I've always liked these, having nearly purchased one a few times in the past. I like the 20VT engine as well as I have had a few MK4 Golfs previously.
The market was a bit wide open on these, there was some right at bargain money but with dubious modifications and history and lots of miles. Then there was the opposite end of the scale with dealers selling low mileage cars for up to £8k! Looking through Facebook, not my usual place to by car, and spotted what looked to be a good example. A 2004 225 BAM model, with a clean history and decent mileage of 83k. Pictures below from the sellers advert:
Seeing the car in person, it was in better condition than I'd hoped. The paint on these cars are prone to paint fade and lacquer peel, however there is none! The owner used the car as a second car and it only came out the garage in the summer. Looking at the old MOTs, the car only covered a few hundred miles in some years. A deal was done and I collected the car.
Car arrived home (typically a rainy day for collection!):
First on the job list wasn't actually a job on the car, it was to create a drive space for it. Since having 2 other vehicles at the time, I needed some extra space. So used some from my back garden to create a drive spot for the LCR.
Before:
During:
After:
First job on the car was a trip to the local VAG specialist to replace the thermostat, coolant flush and new coolant bottle as the temperature needle was all over the place and the coolant didnt look too great. Unfortunately didn't take any pics of this.
Next the car needed a good clean. The bodywork and exterior was in fantastic condition, but the interior wasn't kept to the same standard and needed a good clean.
Years of filth cleaned up:
All clean:
Pics in underground car park:
First job on the car was to give it a service:
The air filter had seen better days!
Typical VAG dipstick breakage:
Replaced:
Car has some decent aftermarket hoses on:
All done:
Back to the specialists to get new wishbones, as the originals were finished:
Next job on the list was to replace the spark plugs and coilpacks. Spark plugs were upgraded to NGK Iridium:
Spot the issue with the coilpacks!?
Replaced with 4 new OEM quality red coilpacks:
Also replaced the pollen filter which was overdue:
Delivery:
Cobra cat back non resonated to replace the rusting original:
Looks great and matches the OEM big oval:
The market was a bit wide open on these, there was some right at bargain money but with dubious modifications and history and lots of miles. Then there was the opposite end of the scale with dealers selling low mileage cars for up to £8k! Looking through Facebook, not my usual place to by car, and spotted what looked to be a good example. A 2004 225 BAM model, with a clean history and decent mileage of 83k. Pictures below from the sellers advert:
Seeing the car in person, it was in better condition than I'd hoped. The paint on these cars are prone to paint fade and lacquer peel, however there is none! The owner used the car as a second car and it only came out the garage in the summer. Looking at the old MOTs, the car only covered a few hundred miles in some years. A deal was done and I collected the car.
Car arrived home (typically a rainy day for collection!):
First on the job list wasn't actually a job on the car, it was to create a drive space for it. Since having 2 other vehicles at the time, I needed some extra space. So used some from my back garden to create a drive spot for the LCR.
Before:
During:
After:
First job on the car was a trip to the local VAG specialist to replace the thermostat, coolant flush and new coolant bottle as the temperature needle was all over the place and the coolant didnt look too great. Unfortunately didn't take any pics of this.
Next the car needed a good clean. The bodywork and exterior was in fantastic condition, but the interior wasn't kept to the same standard and needed a good clean.
Years of filth cleaned up:
All clean:
Pics in underground car park:
First job on the car was to give it a service:
The air filter had seen better days!
Typical VAG dipstick breakage:
Replaced:
Car has some decent aftermarket hoses on:
All done:
Back to the specialists to get new wishbones, as the originals were finished:
Next job on the list was to replace the spark plugs and coilpacks. Spark plugs were upgraded to NGK Iridium:
Spot the issue with the coilpacks!?
Replaced with 4 new OEM quality red coilpacks:
Also replaced the pollen filter which was overdue:
Delivery:
Cobra cat back non resonated to replace the rusting original:
Looks great and matches the OEM big oval:
Edited by Chrismawa on Tuesday 8th February 22:19
There’s an easy fix to freshen up that steering wheel. I’ve had a couple of these absolutely love them.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BUMYCFP9nHE
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BUMYCFP9nHE
Stu-nph26 said:
There’s an easy fix to freshen up that steering wheel. I’ve had a couple of these absolutely love them.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BUMYCFP9nHE
I've already done it, see my youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5Vi_UCFGAwhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BUMYCFP9nHE
But I used a proper refurb kit and not boot polish
I've got more updates to post but will have to do them tomorrow.
I do love the red and yellow Rs, they stand out a bit more than my platinum grey R.
What are you impressions on the Cobra exhaust? I've got a cobra resonated system on my GT86 but it has a fair drone and quite loud but there aren't a huge amount of options for the Leon so might have to try one at some point.
What are you impressions on the Cobra exhaust? I've got a cobra resonated system on my GT86 but it has a fair drone and quite loud but there aren't a huge amount of options for the Leon so might have to try one at some point.
This is very good for repainting steering wheels if your red stitching is in reasonable condition. I've heard people use cherry blossom shoe polish but I can't see the point in a semi permanent repair.
https://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/car-interior-car...
https://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/car-interior-car...
Racing Sombrero said:
This is very good for repainting steering wheels if your red stitching is in reasonable condition. I've heard people use cherry blossom shoe polish but I can't see the point in a semi permanent repair.
https://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/car-interior-car...
See my video here https://youtu.be/L5Vi_UCFGAw I've already used this exact kit. I'll.post up the pics tomorrow. https://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/car-interior-car...
Racing Sombrero said:
I do love the red and yellow Rs, they stand out a bit more than my platinum grey R.
What are you impressions on the Cobra exhaust? I've got a cobra resonated system on my GT86 but it has a fair drone and quite loud but there aren't a huge amount of options for the Leon so might have to try one at some point.
The exhaust is great has a nice deep tone. But it's not loud enough tbh honest. Unless you're giving it some then its near silent. What are you impressions on the Cobra exhaust? I've got a cobra resonated system on my GT86 but it has a fair drone and quite loud but there aren't a huge amount of options for the Leon so might have to try one at some point.
I remember when these came out, so wanted one, still look good.
Are you changing those "Triangle" tyres ? I had some on a TT on the rear and it was like a shopping trolley, matched some new ones to the front Firestones and it transformed it. Quite simply the worst tyres I have ever experienced.
Are you changing those "Triangle" tyres ? I had some on a TT on the rear and it was like a shopping trolley, matched some new ones to the front Firestones and it transformed it. Quite simply the worst tyres I have ever experienced.
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