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SEAT starting issue
We currently run a 59 plate SEAT Leon 1.9 tdi S and a Volvo V50 company car which is being withdrawn at the end of February.
The Leon has an intermittent reluctance to start, seems to be mostly cooler damp mornings (the recent frost failed to cause any problem!). It will start, but seems to take a lot of churning on the starter before it eventually catches, then it picks up and is okay for the rest of the day and a number after.
The exhaust is clean when it does fire, no clouds of smoke. The garage have had it in overnight on a number of occassions but it doesn't misbehave in their presence.
They say the fuel system is fine, heater coils working and no error messages, and have asked we remain patient. Any thoughts?
I need to replace the Volvo for commuting but we still need a reasonable sized family car.
Thoughts are to persevere with the Leon and spend up to £9k on a second vehicle: eg. Mondeo 140 tdci estate, Edge trim, 58-reg, 50k miles, £8k, or trade the Leon for something and perhaps get something like a Mini One on a PCP.
Options in Lancaster are limited but I have seen a 143 BHP diesel Exeo ST 60-reg, 6k miles for £15.5k, an Altea XL SE 1.9 tdi 59-reg 14k miles for £11.6k.
Which of these would be the most reliable option, all seem pretty good from your road reports? Are any prone to dual mass flywheel or injector problems and do they have DPF's to avoid?
The Leon has an intermittent reluctance to start, seems to be mostly cooler damp mornings (the recent frost failed to cause any problem!). It will start, but seems to take a lot of churning on the starter before it eventually catches, then it picks up and is okay for the rest of the day and a number after.
The exhaust is clean when it does fire, no clouds of smoke. The garage have had it in overnight on a number of occassions but it doesn't misbehave in their presence.
They say the fuel system is fine, heater coils working and no error messages, and have asked we remain patient. Any thoughts?
I need to replace the Volvo for commuting but we still need a reasonable sized family car.
Thoughts are to persevere with the Leon and spend up to £9k on a second vehicle: eg. Mondeo 140 tdci estate, Edge trim, 58-reg, 50k miles, £8k, or trade the Leon for something and perhaps get something like a Mini One on a PCP.
Options in Lancaster are limited but I have seen a 143 BHP diesel Exeo ST 60-reg, 6k miles for £15.5k, an Altea XL SE 1.9 tdi 59-reg 14k miles for £11.6k.
Which of these would be the most reliable option, all seem pretty good from your road reports? Are any prone to dual mass flywheel or injector problems and do they have DPF's to avoid?
Asked on 10 November 2011 by B Helliwell
Answered by
Honest John
Change the fuel for the Leon to BP Ultimate diesel or Shell V-Power. That alone might cure it. I like Exeo STs. Not keen on Alteas.
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