Leon MK2 FR

[Pete-mojsh]

I'm at the point where I'll be selling my current car fairly soon while there's decent money still left in it, I've been looking at the Leon in tfsi and tdi as a replacement but like most they seem to have some weak spots. They seem to be around the 4-5k region so reasonably cheaper than the equivalent VW or Audi.

Tfsi seems to be oil use and cam chain tensioner, tdi dpf and injectors, are the issues as bad as they seem or just appear worse due to various internet horror stories? Commute is 20 miles each way so not sure if tdi is the best move. Anything specific to look out for?

[va1o]

Interior is the big let down with the Mk2, I owned one a few years ago. The 2010 facelift improved things, but introduced the newer chain driven TSIs which are less reliable than the original 2.0 TFSI unit. The common rail (CR) diesels are better than their PD predecessors though and probably Ok for your commute.

However, for £5k you are very close to what the Mk3 starts at, which is a significantly better car largely thanks to the sophisticated MQB platform shared with the latest Golf. I would be tempted to sacrifice a little performance and go for one like this http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2018... or http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2018...

[Pete-mojsh]

The MK3 does look infinitely nicer but my concern is that £6k for a high miler is only going to lead to a rapid depreciation, would lose more value in a year than a MK2 for more outlay.

I do like the idea of the tdi, would make a good all rounder but a little concerned about the injector issues.

[va1o]

Not sure I agree, it’s already taken a big hit in depreciation at £6k so you wouldn’t loose much in only a year if your just doing average miles. There are no Mk3 FRs on sale for less than that, but plenty of Mk2 FRs for sale less than £4-5k

The newer TDIs are pretty solid having owned a couple. The most reliable petrols are either the early EA113 as fitted to the Mk2 FR (borrowed from the Mk5 Golf GTI) or the latest EA211 in the Mk3. It’s the chain units they produced in between those which seem to have continual problems reported.

[AJB88]

Try find a "Supercopa" FR TDI which is a roll out model, came with all the toys and body kit.

As said the CR engine was a lot for reliable than PD, I preferred the PD might you, but I did have a Stage 2 tuned one.