SEAT Altea 5P facelift 1.4 TSI, 125 PS, 6-speed manual (2009–2015)

Research for this car

• Engine guide VW 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI (EA111) petrol engines: problems, costs and what to check

  The timing chain and oil use are the known weak points. Buy only with chain paperwork and a clean oil check.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the engine guide

1. Cold-start rattle. A few seconds of metallic rattle on a cold start is the usual sign of a worn chain. Ask whether the chain and tensioner (the part that keeps the chain tight) were replaced, and ask for the dated invoice with the mileage. If not, budget 686 to 1,090 EUR in Germany.
2. Chain stretch reading. Ask a workshop to read the chain stretch values with a diagnostic tester (a computer tool that reads the car's systems).
3. Turbo warnings. A check engine light, or a loss of boost (the turbo's extra air pressure), points to the wastegate or actuator. Read the fault codes with a scanner.
4. Coolant and water pump. Look for coolant leaks and wet stains around the pump. Overheating and leaks are the symptoms. Ask whether the water pump was ever replaced.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions