SEAT Ateca 5FP 2.0 TDI, 150 PS, 6-speed manual (2018–2020)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Seat Ateca (since 2016): known problems and buying guide

  A strong used SUV if it is dry, rust-free and has had its recalls done; check the tailgate and infotainment.

• Engine guide VW 2.0 TDI (EA288) diesel: problems, costs and what to check

  Coolant leaks, EGR and AdBlue faults are the main risks. Buy with a cold-start check, a coolant pressure test and a full scan.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Press the carpets, boot floor and spare-wheel well, and look at the headlining near the mirror. Bad result: damp, stains or a musty smell.
2. Look under the rear light clusters, along the rear door seals and the sills. Bad result: paint lifting, an orange tinge or bubbles.
3. Open and close the powered tailgate several times and listen to the struts. Bad result: a slow or dead tailgate. A scan of module 6D shows stored codes.
4. Read the last inspection report and look at the brake discs. Bad result: a deep lip, a poor contact pattern or brakes flagged.
5. Switch on the ignition and check that all four front parking sensors report. A scanner shows park-pilot faults; inspect the loom at the bumper bend.
6. Test the radio, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for a few minutes. Bad result: restarts, a blank screen or dropped phones.
7. Ask a dealer for all open campaigns by VIN, including steering campaign 48T7. Bad result: an open campaign.

From the engine guide

1. Turbo (needs a scanner). Read boost faults and check the vanes. Bad: power loss, whistle or smoke.
2. DPF (needs a scanner). Read soot and ash loading. Bad: frequent regeneration or high oil level.
3. Intake manifold (pressure test). Pressure-test the cooling system. Bad: coolant loss with no puddle, worse under load.
4. EGR cooler (pressure test). Cap the cooler hoses and repeat the test. Bad: it holds only with the cooler bypassed.
5. AdBlue and NOx (needs a scanner). Read NOx sensor and dosing faults. Bad: an emissions warning, a restart countdown or crystallised AdBlue.
6. Water pump and heater. Start cold; heater must blow hot. Bad: weak heat, wandering gauge, dried coolant.
7. Oil pump drive (needs a scanner). Listen for a rattle at idle and check for oil-pressure codes. Bad: a red oil-pressure warning.
8. Belt and pump invoices. Ask for dated belt, pump and thermostat invoices. No record means budget for a belt job.
9. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 23Z7 campaign on a T6.

Running costs

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

ADAC versions