2013 Seat Toledo CR SE 1.6 TDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Rough, but still going

Faults:

Quite a lot but mostly wear and tear. I strongly suspect the car was an ex taxi (Toledos of this age are popular for it), but I got it for real cheap. Had to do the cam-belt, and changed the water pump too as it was leaking.

Engine management light on, needs investigation, currently does not affect how it drives.

Tank flap missing/broke.

Interior showing serious wear.

Exterior surprisingly unmarked, looks like a 5 year old car, not an ex taxi at over a decade old with high mileage! Smart looking in white with alloy wheels.

General Comments:

White Toledo 2013, a very common car to be used as a mini cab. It is solid and reliable, if a little rough around the edges.

The 1.6 TDi has OK performance, and with around 60 mpg it's easy to see why they are popular as economy cars.

Not very spacious inside however. You can just about sit four adults and a bit of luggage. Ride is very firm. Seats are comfortable enough however. Nice enough to drive, nothing spectacular, but does the job. SE model is mid range.

A dull car that won't last forever, but very practical and economical, and that is all I need from it. Cheap tax and insurance. I only paid £1200 for it last year with a long MOT and it has not broken down in 8000 miles; can't say fairer than that.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th February, 2026

2013 Seat Toledo S 1.6 TDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Not bad, avoid ex taxis

Faults:

Only had this car three years. Done a couple of services and replaced the brakes. No major faults.

Rattle from rear suspension, will need looked at. Lots of loose plastic inside as well, interior a bit rough.

General Comments:

A great little economy saloon/hatch, this Toledo is ideal if you want a no fuss reliable car.

Very economical, though not very fast as you would expect for a 1.6 diesel. Absolutely bomb proof reliable if serviced on time however.

OK to drive, nothing special. Ride is very rough, not the most refined car. Too much wind/road noise. Interior surprisingly not as hard wearing as you would think.

Seats are OK and even the basic "S" model has some electrics.

I got an OK deal on mine with reasonable mileage, but do not buy an ex taxi (these were VERY popular as private cabs) with higher mileage, they will have led a hard life.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th March, 2024

2013 Seat Toledo Ecomotive CR S 1.6 TDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Dull

Faults:

Exhaust, brakes, alternator, battery, fuses blowing, door trim loose, etc.

Lately the engine management light has come on and I will need to have it checked - it is running a bit rough, performance and economy is down.

General Comments:

Bought this as a cheap run around. Has been reliable enough until recently, but I strongly suspect it was a taxi before I had it. And with higher than average mileage, obviously reliability issues are starting to crop up. Still, for the price I paid, the last 2 years have been OK.

Not the most exciting car, this basic "S" model I have has wheel trims and looks very dull in white. Inside is a mass of grey plastic. Modern enough looking, but still very dull. Seats are too hard, not comfortable for long journeys. The car's ride is also too firm. Headroom is limited. Not much refinement, and too much road noise.

Not great to drive. Performance and economy is OK for the 1.6 TDi engine, but nothing special.

Overall for the money it has been an OK car, just try and avoid ex taxis (these are very popular in the taxi industry) or you will end up with a very rough example like I have! If I can get it fixed for a reasonable price I may keep it - these cars can run to 300,000 miles, I have been in taxis with this mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th May, 2023

27th Aug 2023, 15:00

They are very popular as taxis where I live. The rough running might just mean your DPF needs a clear out.

8th Jan 2024, 17:18

And/or EGR valve.

10th Mar 2024, 17:22

Sounds much the same as mine. Every Toledo in my area is/was a taxi at some point!

2013 Seat Toledo Ecomotive CR 1.6 TDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Brilliant

Faults:

Basically nothing beyond the usual wear and tear for age/mileage. I service the car regularly at a trusted local independent garage.

General Comments:

A brilliant car if you want pure economy - this car is cheap to tax and insure, repairs are reasonable also. My car is silver with wheel trims, boring looking but smart enough for me, I like the boxy saloon/hatch shape.

1.6 turbo diesel CR "common rail ecomotive" is the best engine, no wonder they are popular at the local taxi rank. I have never had the 70 mpg that Seat claim, but will do a solid 60 mpg + all day. Fast enough when you need to move as well.

The downside is it is a smaller car, a little cramped and noisy on longer journeys, seats are comfortable but feel hard when sat in a long time. Cabin has enough electric kit as standard though.

All in all, the family perfect transport for tough modern times.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th September, 2022

9th May 2023, 07:26

These are the most popular car at my local taxi rank, even more of them than the Skoda Octavia and Skoda Superb.

Using one privately I find the Seat Toledo a very dull but reasonably reliable and economical car, but watch for expensive repairs as the miles rise.