2 years with my SEAT Leon Cupra 300. Should you buy one?!

[@CarFocused]

Guys I forgot to mention I had both front window switches replaced under warranty as the ‘two stage’ click stopped working on both of them.

[@hydraflyer]

You can reprogram them was that tried? Know with Fords any battery disconnection means you have to

[@CarFocused]

@@hydraflyer yea tried it all mate and so did the dealership - replacement was needed

[@hydraflyer]

@@CarFocused Interesting I suppose it's inevitable for some to fail I know from owning a Cupra Mk3 how much water falls into them when you have the window cracked and swish the wipers.

[@chriselse515]

Funny you say that as I've just replaced the window switch on my sisters 2017 leon fr looks like a common issue

[@andym1056]

I thinks the the actual button that fails, that’s what mine did anyway as it didn’t click. Dealership told me it wasn’t a common fault 😂

[@shaunnelson8605]

I changed from a Mk3 Focus RS to an ABT Cupra Sports tourer, absolutely love the car, comfortable, easy to drive and when you want to have a bit of fun the power is there.

[@CarFocused]

That’s quite a change, but can totally see the appeal. Those Cupra R ABT ST’s are lovely too 👌🏻 DSG is a game changer too for day to day use, wouldn’t want a manual anymore.

[@richardlester123456]

Personally I'd keep it based on the financials, but I know as a car person that temptation to get something new is never far away

[@CarFocused]

Keeping it makes sense at the moment, can’t really get any better for the same money!

[@markb68]

Hello Gary good to have you back mate! Cupras are great all rounders and unlike most other VAG models actually have a feel to them. Look forward to the next one (hopefully RS) mate. 👍🏻

[@CarFocused]

Thank you Mark 😊

[@aaronholden9843]

I've got the 300 st estate its a beast 💪🏽 dangerously quick especially in Cupra mode 🚗💨

[@nicksanderson9911]

8:02 casually just passing a Ferrari, didn’t even look to make a comment on it 😂

[@CarFocused]

Haha that’s actually a Lotus - I’ve driven past it loads so I’m used to it 😁 Merry Christmas 🎄

[@steerj07]

Had my 280 for 2 and a half years and still love it (if I ignore the cost to replace the infotainment and front arms/bushes in the last couple months..). Even now it still surprises me how quick it is when I do get to have a good punt in it. Only other hatch I'd chop it in for is the FL5, but I've got eyes on the GR Supra instead.. Cupra to Supra.

[@CarFocused]

They are a little Wolf in sheep’s clothing. Cupra to Supra - love it lol

[@Holdeenio]

I like it, I’d keep it personally… however, because of interest rates and the fact that you don’t like to modify or own your daily long term, I’d consider a lease. You like to mix things up, you can do a 24 month lease, fixed payments, covered on maintenance… sounds like you’re the ideal candidate.

[@CarFocused]

I had a brief look at leasing, but even that isn’t all that cheap. I should probably just keep it 😂

[@PsychoPablo]

I’ve got a 2019 cupra 290. The one with the GPF. Absolutely love the car. Just gutted I couldn’t find the ‘lux’ model with the extras. Other than the fact it has no spec, it’s a brilliant car

[@CarFocused]

They are certainly mega value for money. Mine has been brilliant.

[@anthonymeek4248]

Really split on buying a 2017/18 Cupra 300 or spending the extra few £K on getting the DSG 7 and newer plate car. GPF is a shame though?

[@PsychoPablo]

@@anthonymeek4248 GPF does make them sound a lot quieter. They still make some noise but nothing that you can notice from inside the car. I still love it. I’ve actually put a GPF back exhaust on mine now

[@anthonymeek4248]

@@PsychoPablo thank you for this!

[@Insetta]

​@anthonymeek4248 I got a 18 plate 300. Sound alot better than the gpf models. With a res delete its fairly loud. I've seen as high as 43mpg with 4 passengers on country roads which is pretty mad. Get an 18 plate if u want a digital dash too

[@gordonremsey8055]

Having a look at one tomorrow in red❤

[@CarFocused]

You could have had mine - I’ve sold it to motorway!

[@mickcundall4036]

Great car. Always liked them. Would definitely like to own one. Agree with you on the Continentals. Very good tyre and reasonable cost

[@CarFocused]

Yes the Conti’s have been great. I run Michelin PS5’s on my RS and I can’t tell the difference between the 2!

[@martynbywater]

Have you thought about getting it remapped and keeping it for a bit longer? I've had my Cupra 300 for 3 years now and still loving it.

[@CarFocused]

The thought of mapping it does occasionally cross my mind, but it’s already rapid haha.

[@MS_Speed]

@@CarFocusedI’d recommend it. Transforms the car like crazy

[@jimmyboy1975]

Good video. Bought myself a 300 Lux ST earlier this year, my ideal dream car. I'd stick with it if I were you, the mk4 imo is worse looking and the interior tech is rubbish. What mileage are you on?

[@CarFocused]

Hi mate thanks for watching. I’m on 56k now so plenty of life left in the old girl yet 😊 The 300 ST must be a great all round car, I do love an estate 👌🏻

[@jimmyboy1975]

@@CarFocused there's your answer then, trade it in for a mk3.5 estate!

[@FezzaYT]

These are great cars. I drove a 280 version and it was very quick and great as a daily. I would keep it if I was you!

[@CarFocused]

It’s been a great, trusty steed that’s for sure. Super quick too for what it is! You know what it’s like though when you get the itch 🤦🏼‍♂️ But like I say there’s just nothing that’s worth changing to at the moment 🙈

[@Nadk2010]

I have had mine now for 1 month i absolutely love it, same colour as yours i have the pan roof, also has had a tune from vrs Northampton producing 410BHP wooow what a machine leaves cars in its dust. But the most impressive thing for me which i honestly didnt expect is actually the handling! It is absolutely amazing so tight and when u push it around bends it feels like its a rwd but it just absolutely sticks i have ps4's all round. Car has been absolutely sound already done 4000 miles as i have 3 months warranty and want to drive it as much as possible. I just wanted to ask one question can you only check the car oil from the dipstick or can you also check it on the vehicle settings on the entertainment system. Thanks and loving your videos keep them coming pal 👍❤

[@CarFocused]

Hey mate - glad to hear you’re enjoying yours, they do go like a rocket ship once mapped don’t they! And as for the handling, they are very capable on the twisties, the DCC setup works well on them 👌🏻 As for the oil - I think the only way is by checking the dipstick.

[@AdamLeask]

It's been pretty reliable, all things considered. I vote that you keep it through until it's yours, especially with the lower interest rate. Once that's done, flick it on and buy something extra special!

[@CarFocused]

This is the sensible option, it’s so annoying how much rates went up after I bought it 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@justincase7471]

If you think that Start/Stop is annoying then watch out for cars with Lane Keep Assist when you decide switch to another car.

[@CarFocused]

Ah mate I had a T-Roc hire car on holiday and I couldn’t work out how to turn that off, so spent the whole time fighting it 😂🤦🏼‍♂️

[@Dzady]

Hi. Thank you for the review. A question about the dash rattle: Are you aware of how did they fix it? Mine is becomming really annoying. Not under waranty anymore unfortunately. Other than the creaking interior I love my 300 as well.

[@CarFocused]

I think they removed the binnacle and packed it out with foam.

[@Birmingham_racing]

Far as I'm aware if you let the drapers know about the issue before the warranty ends they still have to fix it even if the warranty is finished because you made them aware of the fault

I had a Cupra 300 ST manual with awd for about a year. Great daily. But to me a FWD architectured hot hatch is not very exciting. Now if this wasn't just a Golf and it would have rear wheel drive with an LSD it would be different. But it just isn't an exciting car. Which is fine for most people. I am aware of the fact that this is my opinion and not fact. But these are not driver's cars. The fact that a lot people choose the automatic version says it all.

[@CarFocused]

The hot hatch began with a FWD layout and I find them more fun in all honesty. Feeling the front lift and the wheels scrabbling for grip keeps you on your toes. I found the Golf R very dull compared to the Cupra. The likes of the Mk3 Focus RS with its rear drive bias is better AWD design for a hot hatch. But you are right in what say about the Cupra not being a drivers car, but that’s what makes it so good. It’s not exceptional at one thing, but does everything well. Pure drivers cars aren’t usually good daily drivers as there’s always a trade off with practicality and comfort.

[@meganjay30]

I just traded my 2014 Fiesta ST on a 2015 Fiesta ST that only has 72XXXkm on the clock and nicely modified, stage 2 Peron pro tune 221hp

[@CarFocused]

Nice one mate. My Fiesta ST days are long gone now - enjoyed mine though when I had it 👍🏻

[@Birmingham_racing]

Brilliant car as expected but unless you need the practicality of a 3 series estate I would stick with this more fun cupra

[@CarFocused]

The Cupra ST would be the ideal compromise I guess….😁

[@husseinj]

I used to have a 3 Series Estate and now have a Leon Estate. Leon is bigger!

[@philclyne3703]

Here's what I would do, extend the seat warranty and keep the car. Finance payments are manageable, you like the car, you know the car so why switch? But we are all car guys and are always looking!

[@CarFocused]

I’ve had a look at extended warranty. Around £65 per month with £100 excess per claim….

[@philclyne3703]

@CarFocused not too bad if it's with seat, I pay £1000 a year for my jag with jaguar. Having a excess is a bit cheeky though.

[@boss32233]

Yes but the estate version 😎

[@CarFocused]

Yea ideal car tbh mate and AWD drive too 👌🏻

[@christianwright5479]

Definitely keep it. You could get warrantywise

[@CarFocused]

Something to consider for sure!

[@205RallyTeam]

​@@CarFocused Better still take out extended warranty with SEAT directly, its peanuts.

[@CarFocused]

@@205RallyTeam I’ll have a look into mate 👍🏻

[@simontaylor3211]

It’s different for us all, Gaz, but what’s the insurance like on the Cupra? Presumably less than the RS?

[@CarFocused]

No mate the RS is £270 per year with mods and the Cupra is £400 per year standard 😂 But the RS is only insured for limited mileage, and it lives in the garage. The Cupra was £360 last year but with the recent hikes it’s gone up 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@simontaylor3211]

@CarFocused ah that makes sense. Not too bad for either considering their performance. You're right about price hikes though. My A4 was £140 last year but £310 this year 😳

[@CarFocused]

@@simontaylor3211 blimey that’s taking the biscuit!

[@keithstapleton7805]

Keep it.

[@CarFocused]

It’s a possibility Keith…

[@keithstapleton7805]

@@CarFocused there's a lot to be said for appreciating what you have.

[@ItsMeYeah888]

How did you sort out the creaking in the dash binnacle?

[@CarFocused]

They removed it and padded it out underneath and then put it back in. It’s been spot on since 👍🏻

[@barneymiller3684]

mid 40s mpg! I struggle to get above 40 and that's in eco and sitting at 65

[@CarFocused]

It’ll happily do 39mpg on country roads - I did a 129 miles trip of mixed driving recently (A roads / B roads) and averaged 38.8 mpg. I can get it into the 40’s on a long motorway run 👌🏻

[@mitchelljackson1263]

Hi I have had 2 cupras both 290 from 2019 & current 2020 & also 2 BMW 335 d saloons Both great cars however the cupra %100 much sportier and a better driver's car which I would say you would miss. The BMW quick & better quality but disappointed in handling certainly from factory... Which will feel worse on higher mileage examples.... Having had 2 of both definitely prefer the cupra But if handling wasn't important the BMW has the edge in other departments for sure...

[@CarFocused]

Hi mate - thanks for sharing your experience with the BMW’s - did you have the F30 with the adaptive suspension?

[@mitchelljackson1263]

@@CarFocused yes had a nice 2016 in 2019 m sport plus in grey with hud adaptive Harmon kardon etc Even had that mapped to 365 bhp from 313 it was a great car but definitely not as poised on twisty roads So couldn't attack like in the cupra... Ultimately think it's an M light with AVG suspension and too heavy.

[@Lewis_Treff97]

Love my 2020 cupra 290 lux although insurance is due at the end of the month and its making me consider selling it 😢 Ps. I was the same with my shock absorbers. Also told me it wasn't bad enough

[@CarFocused]

That would be a shame mate. Mine has come out at £400 for the year now fully comp. More expensive than last year but not horrendous. Did you change the shocks in the end then?

[@Lewis_Treff97]

@CarFocused lucky. I'm 27 with 9 years ncb and getting quotes of around £700 with a black box but my car is slightly modified so getting quotes from £900 to up to £1500 😭. I never replaced the shocks but can get replacement ones for £115 each on autodoc. Seat wouldn't replace them under warranty unless they were pishing out oil

[@eddiec438]

Test drove one and though its fast it felt like a one trick pony. Effortless to drive and with little feel or character it left me cold. I'd end up going crazy fast just to get some real excitement and that's not clever. Disappointing.

[@CarFocused]

They are certainly more clinical than a more Focused manual hot hatch, but I wouldn’t say a one trick pony. It does most things very well, but nothing exceptionally. If I was going to road trip around Scotland or something I’d deffo take the Cupra over the RS.

[@stevehumphreys8666]

Don't buy the new leon cupra pls!! I've had 2 and they are flawed. Suspension issues. And not as good as your shape

[@CarFocused]

Interesting to hear your input mate. It’s unlikely I’ll go down that route to be honest, but it was a consideration.

[@H8XME]

VAG group cars = boring and bland !

[@CarFocused]

What one did you own mate? I love the Cupra - more fun than its German rivals with the same engine 😁

[@johnboy2436]

hows the bus today mate?

[@iCore7Gaming]

At least they don't break down.

[@Thuds593]

If you have to finance all these cars you can’t afford it. Simple

[@CarFocused]

I own my Mk2 Focus RS outright, and have my Cupra on a low APR loan as I didn’t have 21k sitting about. I can easily afford the monthly repayments I just refuse to pay anymore per month on a car than I already do 👍🏻

[@Thuds593]

@@CarFocused that’s good then

[@johnboy2436]

some of the richest people in the world finance cars. thats a bold statement.

[@anthonymeek4248]

Why? My current best fixed savings is 2 years at 5.66%. My current best car finance rate is 6.2%. So for a 0.54% interest difference, I can keep the cash around for a rainy day and not have to quickly sell out of the car. Additionally, if interest rates come down a little over the next year the market long term will likely outdo the finance rate. Maybe not in the Cupras case but for some car purchases e.g. high-performance electric cars PCP is great because if the car has lost tons over the term you just hand the keys back.

[@jonyb4]

I said it last time, and ill say it again, immensely boring car, like a ham sandwich, nothing about it

[@CarFocused]

We’re all entitled to our opinions dude. Personally I think it’s great as a daily 👍🏻

[@jonyb4]

@@CarFocused I'm sure it is, I just find vag stuff immensely boring, and these Leon are particularly underwhelming to look at

[@CarFocused]

@@jonyb4 doesn’t attract any unwanted attention yet smokes most cars on the road 😎

[@jonyb4]

@@CarFocused I played with one on my stage 2 225 and it edged away, was gobsmacked

[@johnboy2436]

Rather drive a Cupra than 90 percent of the cars that are on your channel mate. There all crocs minus a few.