SEAT Toledo (1991 - 1999)

Last updated 5 April 2019

Buying Guide

Good

SEAT self-help group: www.seatcupra.net 

Low 3 out of 9 point death rate from accidents in this model. 

SEAT generally 2nd lowest average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 39.83 v/s lowest 31.93)

SEAT 5th top top of Reliability Index for 2004 combining very average cost of repair of £328.32 with 22.69 failures per 100 Warranty Direct policies. www.reliabilityindex.co.uk

Bad

Not a great looking car. 

SEAT built a special Taxi-spec diesel Toledo. 

That big hatchback did nothing for the car's structural rigidity.

Watch

Watch out for Toledo diesels that began their lives as taxis. 

VW's 'self adjusting' clutch cable that can lead to a slipping clutch. 

Leaks from ill-fitting tailgate (it's big, so twists out of shape easily). 

Check all electrics, including lights. Make sure servicing up to date and warranty still in place. 

Power loss on TDI 90s over 3,000rpm can be cured by replacing a thin hose that runs from the exhaust, near the turbo, to the ECU.

Recalls

1996: cooling fan motor may seize, leading to overheating in traffic or on hills.