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If you had to choose one of these car with a budget of £3k which one would you go for? I like them both so I would like to know which one would be better in terms of reliability, running costs, comfy etc.. Image isn't the most important thing for me.
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Are they not the same car behind the badge,I saw Audi tt's coming out of the Seat factory not so long ago apparently they are made in Spain and Hungary so I would think your two must be pretty identical,which badge do you like best.
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In theory your money would buy you a better (newer, less miles) Toledo, but I'll accept that that may not be the case. Also bear in mind the Toledo will definately (at this price level) have the 110 TDI, whereas the Bora could be 90/110/or even 115 (but the latter's unlikely).
On the one hand the Toledo will probably have more equipment, but then the Bora has a much nicer interior to my eyes (assuming it is standard Golf). Really the best advice is to go for the one that seems like the best deal to you at the time (ie best condition).
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Oh and just to add the Bora and the Toledo are indeed pretty much identical underneath so will presumably be as reliable as one another. Both are Golf-based cars that sit on the sports suspension version of the platform - like the original SEAT Leon and Audi A3 (bit harder ride than Golf, but also a slightly sharper steer - no 306/Focus though). The 115-version of the TDI engine I mentioned will be PD-technology in it's first incarnation, whilst the 110 and 90 bhp versions are old-school, making them easier to work on and arguably more reliable (less to go wrong etc). I don't believe there's any significant difference in fuel economy between any of them...but I could be wrong. The SEAT interior is moulded to the same design as the A3's but uses cheaper, scratchier plastics, while the Bora is pretty much an exact Golf copy. Also bear in mind Octavia is much the same, but lacks the "sportier" suspension of these two.
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I've heard that Seat(s) tend to have more problems with electrics etc.. how true is that or is it just a myth?
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It's most likely a myth. Yes, they probably have probs with electrics (though nowhere near to the degree you'll find on 307/Megane II's) but VW aren't without their issues, it was with the Golf IV (the base of the Bora/Toledo) that many began to see that VW weren't with the Japanese for bullet-proof-ness...
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I've a Seat Ibiza Tdi 200oW (90bhp) which has been a cracking car (looking to sell though now) and have had it three years and covered around 45k. The only thing that has gone wrong is that i needed to replace the aif flow sensor which is a known VW/Audi problem. There is some truth in the electrics playing up now and again as my rear wiper can have a mind of its own when i switch it on! Having said that it is basically a VW polo that is set up for sharper handling and a firmer ride and it is a great car. I've had a polo and there is no comparison. Seat wins hands down and I have no hesitation in recommending them.
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There will be more difference between individual cars on forecourts than there will be between the two models generically, so it wouldn't be set in stone, but on paper I'd go for a Toledo for the reasons set out above.
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I think the Toledo has a slightly bigger boot than the Bora, but is (like the Leon) slightly cramped in the rear seats, while the Bora may have a slightly smaller boot for slightly more rear legroom. If I'm correct, it isn't much of a difference anyway.
Cabin of the Toledo is fine - the harder plastics are lower down so you don't notice them much, whereas handles and dash etc are all soft touch. Leather-covered steering wheel and gearknob should be standard on the SE (that or Sport is the spec to go for, S is quite basic). SE will give you all electic windows & mirrors, climate control, decent stereo, ESP/traction control, trip computer, height adjustable seats, possibly armrests and CD player too.
I would go for a 110 bhp TDi engine rather than 115 PD, whichever car you choose. If you really feel the need for more power you can always chip it.
My Seat dealer once told me that he'd had two or three Toledos in with damage to the sump, whereas he'd had no Leons in the same time period with this problem. He speculated that the Leon had firmer suspension than the Toledo. That was three or four years ago. If this is true, and if the Bora has firmer suspension than the Toledo, and if you can get an identical spec, identical mileage Bora for the same price as the Toledo, I think I might (just) pip for the Bora. Very little to choose between them though.
--
andymc
Vroom, vroom - mmm, doughnuts ...
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I hesitated to say this in your previous thread, LoveMazda, as you seemed to be fiemly decided on a shortlist of Golf or 306. Now that you've widened your sights, why not live up to your nom de plume and think about a Mazda 323? Plenty around for your budget.
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our bora has a galvanized body , don't know about the toledo and a golf of the same age is not galvanized so a point in favour of the bora. jag.
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our bora has a galvanized body , don't know about the toledo and a golf of the same age is not galvanized so a point in favour of the bora. jag.
The MK4 golf is galvanised, I'd bet that everything based on that platform is
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I looked at both before I bought my Bora.
I could have got "more" Toledo for my money, but I preferred the look and the interior of the Bora. I have no badge snobbery, my previous car had been a Seat (old style toledo) with which I was well pleased.
In the end it just happened that the "right " car that came along first was a Bora.
I would have been equally happy with either.
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Avant I would definitely go for Mazda 323 TD but the problem is I know finding parts won't be easy unless I go to a dealer every time. I know they're much more reliable than VWs and Seats but the real problem comes in when something goes wrong and you've to get the parts to sort that problem out. Does anyone know if Mazda/Japanese diesel engines are capable of doing as many miles as VW/Peugeots?
I'll be looking at few more cars this weekend.
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On my 2.0 td I've had a new cam belt £200, front brake pads £130 and a new brake caliper that had seized that cost £115. Now I'm tight but I don't think those prices are excessive, consdiering my car has done 130,000 miles on a 51 plate. I'm more than happy with the running costs and the car, I couldn't recommend them enough.
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