SEAT Leon 5F 1.4 TSI, 122 PS, 6-speed manual (2012–2014)

Research for this car

• Generation guide SEAT Leon III (2012-2020): known problems and buying guide

  Check the airbag recall and the DQ200 gearbox first. Ask for proof of the EGR and DPF care on diesels.

• Engine guide VW 1.2 and 1.4 TSI (EA211) petrol engines: problems, costs and what to check

  Oil use and water pump leaks are the reported faults. Buy with a belt and pump record and a clean oil check.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Airbag recall (69EC). Give the VIN to a SEAT dealer. Bad result: the recall is still open. Built 15 June 2012 to 6 September 2017.
2. Cooling pressure test (EA211 1.4 and 1.5 TSI). Ask a garage for a cooling system pressure test. Bad result: the pressure drops, or the coolant level keeps falling.
3. Camshaft recall (15H1). Give the VIN to a SEAT dealer. Bad result: the camshaft adjuster has not been replaced on a 2014 or 2015 1.2 TSI.
4. 1.5 TSI judder (manual). Pull away from cold in first gear at low speed. Bad result: judder that comes back after a software update. Ask for the software update record.

From the engine guide

1. Oil level (no scanner needed). Check the dipstick and ask for the oil-use history. Bad: the level falls between services, or blue smoke comes out under hard acceleration. Ask for proof of any ring or head work.
2. Coolant and water pump (no scanner needed). Check the coolant level when the engine is cold, and look under the car for wet stains near the pump. Bad: a low level or any leak. Ask for a dated invoice showing the pump was changed with the belt.
3. Invoices. Ask for dated invoices with the mileage for any belt, pump, oil or software work. No record means budget for the job.
4. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check for the car's country. Bad: an open campaign on the car.

Running costs

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

ADAC versions