Seat Toledo Review (2005 to date)

Quick Summary

Although its unconventional looks, vague market positioning and lack of image conspired against it first time round, used buyers who are now getting used to the SEAT family look can snap up a bargain. The Toledo is big, safe, good to drive and markedly undervalued. If that sounds what you're looking for, you know what to do.

Overall:

Models Covered:(5 dr mini-MPV, 1,6, 2.0 petrol, 1.9, 2.0 TDI diesel [Reference, Stylance, Sport])

TAKING A TOL

Fed up with boring family hatches and bland looking mini-MPVs? If that's the case and you don't want to shell out a fortune, the MK3 SEAT Toledo could well be the ticket. If you've never heard of it, you're excused, for the '05-onwards Toledo didn't really create too much of an impact with British customers who saw it as a rather curious oddity sitting between the rather similar looking Altea and Leon models in SEAT's product portfolio. Used buyers can take advantage of this perceived lack of image by picking up Toledos for a song.
Used Seat Toledo for sale

History of the Toledo

The raison d'etre for the SEAT Toledo is not instantly apparent. Whereas its predecessor was the saloon version of the popular Leon and cornered a small niche following, this model ditched the boot in favour of a hatchback and in so doing muddied the waters a little. First shown at the Madrid Motor Show as the Toledo Prototipo in May 2004, the Toledo followed hot on the heels of the Altea. Sales in the UK were rather slow, the public confused by SEAT's sudden lookalike policy and the transformation from the Volkswagen Group's sporting brand to one that seemed to produce a lot of cars that looked like mini-MPVs.
Used Seat Toledo for sale

Seat Toledo Road Test

As well as offering traction control, emergency brake assist and anti-lock brakes, the Toledo features a Bosch ESP stability control package. Six airbags are fitted as standard, comprising driver and passenger, side and head bags. There are also three-point seatbelts for all five seats with pyrotechnic pretensioners at the front and the ISOFIX child seat fixing system in the back. Electro-mechanical power steering and the SEAT-developed Agile Chassis combine with a multi-link rear axle to offer driving characteristics that are a cut above the usual mini-MPV fare.Four engines are available. The petrol powerplant is a budget 102bhp 1.6-litre, while diesel buyers can choose from either a 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI or the entry-level 105bhp 1.9. The 2.0-litre engine is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox or the option of the twin-clutch DSG 6-speed 'box.
Used Seat Toledo for sale

Buying a Seat Toledo

Tried and tested engines, the VW-standard quality auditing and an inherent feeling of solidity all bode well for the Toledo's reliability. No major faults have emerged, but watch out for neglected ex-hire cars. The Toledo is a car where the price differences between good and bad examples aren't too great, so be fussy. Look for a fully stamped up service history and reject anything that looks in any way tatty, grubby or vaguely dog-eared.
Used Seat Toledo for sale

Seat Toledo Typical Pricing

You'll be able to pick up a 54-plated 1.6 Reference model for less than £8,800 and 1.9-litre TDI Reference models can be found for around £9,000 with the plusher Stylance versions tacking another £600 onto these values. The cars that are in the biggest demand remain the 2.0-litre Sport variants. The 2.0-litre FSI Sport retails at around £10,250 while you'll need another £1,000 for the most desirable car in the Altea line up, the 2.0-litre TDI Sport. The trick DSG gearbox adds another £600 again. Insurance ranges from Group 6 through to Group 10.
Used Seat Toledo for sale

Seat Toledo Parts

(approx based on an Toledo 2.0 TDI DSG ex VAT) SEAT spares are reasonably priced, with a replacement Toledo headlamp costing £111. A replacement alternator unit retails at around £185 with an exchange starter motor setting you back just under £120. Opt for a new alternator and starter motor and the prices stack up at £370 and £226 respectively, so even if the old one is a steaming basket case, you'll save by getting an exchange unit. Front brake pads are £50 with rears a tad under £30 per pair. Many parts are a little cheaper for the 1.6-litre petrol models.
Used Seat Toledo for sale