Leon Cupra Mk1 20VT...what next?
Discussion
Hi all
I've had my 2002 Seat Leon Cupra, 1.8 20VT, 6 speed manual since new and I've always loved it. It goes like the proverbial 's**t off a shovel' and brings a smile to my face every time i hit the outside lane!
Has always driven brilliantly and still did until the ECU got flooded last week. Apparently the Leon's are renowned for water leaks, so I've been advised that though I could pay the £1,200 to replace the ECU, the leaks are hard to fix and I might find something else goes soon after. (I've been having problems with condensation/door seal leaks for a while already, so water issues aren't a new thing).
So, I need some advice as to where I go next which will drive as well as the Cupra... I'm definitely after a 5 door hatch, manual (preferably 6 speed), with some poke. Looking at 3-5 years old and something that isn't prone to flat batteries or water leaks, since I don't generally drive during the week (and not every weekend). I only average 5,000 miles a year these days, so not too worried about mpg.
Just want the modern day version of my 02 Cupra!
Any recommendations would be very much appreciated!
Thanks
I've had my 2002 Seat Leon Cupra, 1.8 20VT, 6 speed manual since new and I've always loved it. It goes like the proverbial 's**t off a shovel' and brings a smile to my face every time i hit the outside lane!
Has always driven brilliantly and still did until the ECU got flooded last week. Apparently the Leon's are renowned for water leaks, so I've been advised that though I could pay the £1,200 to replace the ECU, the leaks are hard to fix and I might find something else goes soon after. (I've been having problems with condensation/door seal leaks for a while already, so water issues aren't a new thing).
So, I need some advice as to where I go next which will drive as well as the Cupra... I'm definitely after a 5 door hatch, manual (preferably 6 speed), with some poke. Looking at 3-5 years old and something that isn't prone to flat batteries or water leaks, since I don't generally drive during the week (and not every weekend). I only average 5,000 miles a year these days, so not too worried about mpg.
Just want the modern day version of my 02 Cupra!
Any recommendations would be very much appreciated!
Thanks
As you loved your current Cupra so much, a modern version of it would probably suit you.
Seat Leon Cupra K1
Seat Leon Cupra K1
aka_kerrly said:
Who on earth quoted £1200 for a new ECU and has it be confirmed that you need a new ECU, what are the symptoms? has the car been scanned on VAGCOM diagnostics?
You can buy second hand ECUs for <£100 an same again or less to have your keys coded via VCDS
Here here. I was just going to respond with the above.You can buy second hand ECUs for <£100 an same again or less to have your keys coded via VCDS
Thanks for the feedback re the ECU. I'd also posted on SeatCupra forums and had similar comments. Have rung around some breakers and other garages, who say it is possible to get a second hand one and have it re-programmed. And to be fair to my garage, he'd also made some calls and spoken to some people about re-coding. Will investigate further, but thanks for the advice.
slcarc said:
Thoughts on replacements still appreciated though. Clearly I'm going to have to let him go at some point and want something that I'll enjoy as much!
I see, in terms of replacement as others have mentioned I think you'd be impressed with the change to a Mk5 GTI (edition 30 or Pirelli?) Leon Cupra R if you don't mind the styling they are a potent package - only marginally slower than the S3.A leon Cupra with a duff ECU is more likely to end up being seen as a potential donor car for a mk1/2/3 Golf or similar so you shouldn't have too much difficulty offloading it if you choose not to fix it.
5-door Mk5 Golf GTI Edition 30 would be my choice, probably.
~300bhp with a Stage 1 remap. Similar balance of road manners, performance and comfort to your Cupra. Desirable and likely to represent, if not a good investment, a car that's unlikely to lose a huge amount of value over the course of a couple of years.
Or, if you fancied something a bit different, how about a Mazda 3 MPS?
~300bhp with a Stage 1 remap. Similar balance of road manners, performance and comfort to your Cupra. Desirable and likely to represent, if not a good investment, a car that's unlikely to lose a huge amount of value over the course of a couple of years.
Or, if you fancied something a bit different, how about a Mazda 3 MPS?
slcarc said:
Hi all
I've had my 2002 Seat Leon Cupra, 1.8 20VT, 6 speed manual since new and I've always loved it. It goes like the proverbial 's**t off a shovel' and brings a smile to my face every time i hit the outside lane!
Has always driven brilliantly and still did until the ECU got flooded last week. Apparently the Leon's are renowned for water leaks, so I've been advised that though I could pay the £1,200 to replace the ECU, the leaks are hard to fix and I might find something else goes soon after. (I've been having problems with condensation/door seal leaks for a while already, so water issues aren't a new thing).
So, I need some advice as to where I go next which will drive as well as the Cupra... I'm definitely after a 5 door hatch, manual (preferably 6 speed), with some poke. Looking at 3-5 years old and something that isn't prone to flat batteries or water leaks, since I don't generally drive during the week (and not every weekend). I only average 5,000 miles a year these days, so not too worried about mpg.
Just want the modern day version of my 02 Cupra!
Any recommendations would be very much appreciated!
Thanks
My missus has a 2005 Mk1 Leon Cupra and suffered similar problems with leaks. The leak that has probably affected your ECU sounds like the pollen filter cover. A new replacement cover from Seat will sort it - easy and inexpensive fix, if you decide to get yours back on the road.I've had my 2002 Seat Leon Cupra, 1.8 20VT, 6 speed manual since new and I've always loved it. It goes like the proverbial 's**t off a shovel' and brings a smile to my face every time i hit the outside lane!
Has always driven brilliantly and still did until the ECU got flooded last week. Apparently the Leon's are renowned for water leaks, so I've been advised that though I could pay the £1,200 to replace the ECU, the leaks are hard to fix and I might find something else goes soon after. (I've been having problems with condensation/door seal leaks for a while already, so water issues aren't a new thing).
So, I need some advice as to where I go next which will drive as well as the Cupra... I'm definitely after a 5 door hatch, manual (preferably 6 speed), with some poke. Looking at 3-5 years old and something that isn't prone to flat batteries or water leaks, since I don't generally drive during the week (and not every weekend). I only average 5,000 miles a year these days, so not too worried about mpg.
Just want the modern day version of my 02 Cupra!
Any recommendations would be very much appreciated!
Thanks
I sorted out the door membrane leaks, took about 40 mins per door, as per the wiki on seatcupra.net.
HTH.
Thanks everyone (again) for the advice. Looks like we've managed to track down a second hand ECU and the garage have someone who can code it. Also ordered a new pollen filter cover to stop further leaks into the ECU and passenger footwell (thanks for that advice too!).
In the meantime, I'm also taking note of all replacement suggestions and will look into the options, so I've got a better idea of where I'll go when my trusty Cupra does eventually die on me. Really helpful to have some start points and advice!
In the meantime, I'm also taking note of all replacement suggestions and will look into the options, so I've got a better idea of where I'll go when my trusty Cupra does eventually die on me. Really helpful to have some start points and advice!
slcarc said:
Thanks everyone (again) for the advice. Looks like we've managed to track down a second hand ECU and the garage have someone who can code it. Also ordered a new pollen filter cover to stop further leaks into the ECU and passenger footwell (thanks for that advice too!).
Good plans, you should be motoring again soon then and for considerably less than £1200!
The ECU on the Leon is tucked up under the middle of the scuttle - bearing this in mind I'd also be making sure the drain holes from the scuttle area were cleared as it sounds as this is where the water issue started from...
Take the wipers off, remove the rubber seal at the back of the engine bay and remove the scuttle panel. This will let you get into the driver's side drain hole to make sure it's clear, and will also let you clear the NS one too.
I had issues with water coming in through the pollen filter as well, I also removed and resealed the actual pollen filter housing before reinstalling the filter and cover. No point in putting a new cover on if the housing still leaks water
Take the wipers off, remove the rubber seal at the back of the engine bay and remove the scuttle panel. This will let you get into the driver's side drain hole to make sure it's clear, and will also let you clear the NS one too.
I had issues with water coming in through the pollen filter as well, I also removed and resealed the actual pollen filter housing before reinstalling the filter and cover. No point in putting a new cover on if the housing still leaks water
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