SEAT Arosa (1997 - 2004) 1.4 TDi 3d (2001/Y) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Doesn't matter to me.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Most don't know what it is. I don't care.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, I wish I could buy it brand new all over again, with the 85,000 miles I've done in it removed from the clock. Unfortunately discontinued in 2004.

What are you likely to buy next?

Current circumstances would dictate a car with a larger boot, but I would miss the Arosa a lot.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,000

When did you buy the car?

July 2003

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not especially, as I wanted the car and was prepared to pay to get it. It was pretty hard to find one to start with.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

For the engine - economical but quick.

What was the dealer like?

Seat Dealer, pretty indifferent.

What's it like to drive?

Ridiculously nippy for a small diesel, very good motorway cruiser and made regular 700 mile round trips in it. Not so good around corners, rolls like a 2CV. Seats are pretty comfortable.

What's it like to park?

Very easy, light power steering and good driver visibility all around.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Light grey seats are impossible to keep clean, had to resort to covers. Indicator switch cluster started to disintegrate @ 97000 miles and flasher unit almost caught fire, both replaced by dealer, £200. Rumble from engine compartment neaside when in gear and road and engine speeds matched - probably worn halfshaft. Gear lever gate goes very stiff when the engine is idling for idling for a long time, ie, stop-start traffic. Bear in mind that these problems have only surfaced at nearly 100,000 miles and it gets driven very hard.

What's most practical about your car?

Fantastically low tax and low fuel consumption, relative to the fairly sporty performance. £36 a year for tax as I write this. (2008) Tyres last a very long time for me, always replaced with the original type fitted.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The engine. However, be aware that this engine requires very specific oil (VW Spec 505.01 'PD' oil) not available in most garages - 'ordinary' oil may turn to Gel and damage the engine.