02-05 Leon Cupra R. Any owners?

[MattHall91]

Thinking of getting one of these as my daily for relatively short commutes and fun drives at the weekends.

Are there any current or ex owners who can list some good and bad parts. And things to look out for when buying?

Thanks!

[Mastodon2]

PH did a full buyers guide, google it.

In short, my experience of a REVO stage 2 mapped Cupra R 225 was that it was quick in a straight line, resisted wheelspin and torque steer very well for it's 280bhp but was overall not that exciting to drive. It was a nice place to sit, particulary at night with the red backlighting, but otherwise it was vastly less engaging than the Civic Type R that I replaced it with.

Mine had some problems with reliability too, it didn't feel that robust. Mechanically strong, but the dashboard felt like disco lights at times. The door seals leak too, but that is an easy fix.

[MattHall91]

Cheers. Didn't know there was a buyers guide, will check it out.

[MinuteMan]

I've had mine for the last 18 months/21k miles. Great car that does everything well. Mine hasn't put a foot wrong since the day I bought it (when the thermostat failed!)

+ Old school turbo feel
+ Good handling, not nimble but grips very well with the right tyres
+ Understated yet aggressive. Most people don't know what it is, but it still gets plenty of looks despite being over a decade old.
+ Brembo 4 pot brakes
+ ~260bhp with a remap

- Uncharismatic engine. But I have a turbo back resonated Cobra exhaust w/ sports cat, Jetex cone filter, Badger5 TIP, and a Forge 007p diverter valve which make things interesting
- Rattly, dated, plasticky interior
- Hard ride, not Type R hard but you will wince everytime you hit a pothole

There's a buying guide over on SeatCupra.net if you decide to go ahead and buy one.

[MattHall91]

Thanks that's a great help!

[duckson]

Owned one back in 2004, didn't really do it for me....boring drive, engine lacked any character. Replaced it with a mk1 Focus RS....revelation in comparison, handling was fantastic and much more sense of occasion, you just have to look past the interior!