2012 Leon Diesel FR Advice

[james_TW]

I'm planning on looking at a car this weekend and it's been a while since I've bought a car so I'm after a little guidance. The car in question is a 2012 Leon TDI CR FR+ with 93k on it - It's well specd and looks decent, but I'm not sure what to check for.

The obvious things will be cam belt/water pump change (this much I know), but thing that makes me wonder are the "5+" owners that it's showing - I've not driven it yet either.

Main reason I'm being cautious is that I had a Mk1 TDI FR ages ago which was an absolute dog - while I know they're different cars, I impulse bought the Mk1 and I want to be more cautious over this one

Thanks

JTW

[Belle427]

Any car is a risk, as long as the servicing records stack up and it’s clean and tidy you can’t really do any more.
Do you really need a Diesel, only asking as they can become a mare as they get older regarding dpfs etc.

[james_TW]

Yeh, I'm likely to be doing sufficient mileage to justify a diesel - my budget doesn't stretch to a good hybrid either..

[Drive Blind]

use an HPI check or similar.

Check and double check the service history. Any big gaps? The definition of FSH varies wildly. Have things like the pollen filter, diesel filter or brake fluid changes been done, or is it just a cheap oil change every few years.

The engine in these is the emissions scandal one. Ask about if/when the fix was done. It's not a show stopper either way but some engines needed expensive EGR replacement after the fix. Look for a change of owner shortly after the fix if done. Might indicate the owner had problems and moved it on.

Needless to say, also do the obvious checks around no crash damage and the car goes, stops and steers as it should. Everything works, no engine warning lights,etc

Finally, can you stretch to a MK3 Leon? The 184 FR's are very good cars.

[james_TW]

Thanks for this, it's helpful - what road tax does this come under? What's the belt intervals - is it 80k?

And no, I can't stretch to a MK3 just yet, I'm losing my company car in a couple of weeks and I need something halfway decent for a year or 18 months.

[Drive Blind]

james_TW said:

- what road tax does this come under?

a quick google says they are over 120 g/km so you wont get the cheap £30 per year. I'd guess it would either be in the £155 or £170 bracket

[Drive Blind]

james_TW said:

What's the belt intervals - is it 80k?

VW quote 5 years for the belts on CR diesels