Used SEAT Cars for Sale

Looking to buy a used SEAT? Get a full car history check

Used SEAT cars overview

Ever since SEAT was taken over by Volkswagen Group (which happened way back in 1986, fact fans…) buying a SEAT has often been a more cost-effective way to get a car with Volkswagen quality and technology, but at a lower price and with some Spanish style thrown in. In the used market, SEATs are prized for their reliability and low running costs.

Popular used SEAT models

All of SEAT’s models are based on shared Volkswagen Group mechanical bits and pieces, so everything is well proven and largely very reliable.

Used SEAT Arona

The SEAT Arona is a fairly stylish small SUV that uses the same mechanical parts as a Volkswagen T-Cross, but stuffs them into a body that’s less boxy and upright. In fact, compared to the T-Cross an Arona is downright sleek. It’s still roomy enough inside for family life, and the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine is lively and economical. The cabins are a bit plain, but the Arona is well-made and reliable.

Used SEAT Ibiza

Basically a Volkswagen Polo in a Spanish suit, the SEAT Ibiza has long since been one of the canniest buys in the small hatchback market. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine is frugal and still perky enough for you to have some fun, while the Ibiza is also good to drive if a touch uncomfortable around town. Long-haul drivers should go for the smoother 1.5-litre petrol engine. The back of the Ibiza is large enough for family life, but the Skoda Fabia has a much bigger boot.

Used SEAT Ateca

The SEAT Ateca is the Spanish answer to the Nissan Qashqai, but if you’re expecting the automotive equivalent of sangria and sunburn, forget it — for the most part, the Ateca is a pretty ordinary mid-sized SUV with plenty of space, solid reliability and good quality, but it’s well and truly lacking any sense of fun.

Used SEAT Leon

The SEAT Leon is the VW Golf’s more stylish brother. In fact, you could make a good argument that the Leon is the pick of the VW Group family hatchback litter — better looking than the Golf, more affordable than the Audi A3, and sportier to drive than the Skoda Octavia. Leons are reliable, thanks to well-proven petrol and diesel engines, and if you need to save some fuel money, there’s a plug-in hybrid option too. There’s also a Leon estate for those who need a bigger boot.

Used SEAT Tarraco

The seven-seat SEAT Tarraco is one of the unsung cars in the SEAT range. It was generally overshadowed, when new, by the mechanically similar Skoda Kodiaq, but the Tarraco hits back hard in the used market with better value for money, and a very high-quality cabin that comes with seats for seven. Not bad to drive, either.

FAQs

Are used SEAT reliable cars?

Generally speaking, SEAT has been a builder of reliable and solid cars. More recently, though, some of that has slipped a little as the cars become more complex and niggles start to creep in.

What to look for when buying a used SEAT?

The biggest thing to look for when buying a SEAT is if it’s one of the models with the 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol three-cylinder engine. This uses a ‘wet belt’ timing belt that passes through the engine’s oil system, which can lead to early wear of the belt, and also to fragments of the belt clogging the oil system. Check for regular timing belt and oil filter changes, and budget to get the belt changed early yourself.

Equally, models with the DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox need attention. The gearbox itself is fairly robust, but it needs regular and careful servicing, so if there are any gaps in the service history, walk away.