Ford Focus or SEAT Leon diesel?

Hi there. I'm trading in a 1.6 petrol 2006 Mazda3 for a small diesel hatchback to commute in. Looking at a 2010 Ford Focus with 41,000 miles for €7,750 or a 2010 SEAT Leon with 47,000 miles for €7,950, both 1.6 diesel. I prefer the Ford's stats and Leon's looks - any advice?!

Claire O'Malley (Ardee)

Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Claire,

I'd go for the Leon. The Focus is a fine car, don't get me wrong, but the Leon is (as you point out) better looking, SEATs have incredibly good build quality and reliability (we've had four SEATs in our family and from personal experience there's barely been a day off the road between any of them) and the Leon is really good to drive too. Cracking car, you won't go wrong.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe