SEAT TOLEDO SALOON 1999-2005 Review
Good Points
- It’s a good looking car
- It offers an enjoyable drive
Bad Points
- Some of the engines are prone to giving problems
Engines
There have been six engines in the Toledo throughout its life in the form of both petrol and diesel units. The Petrol engines comprise of a 100bhp 1.6-litre unit, a 125bhp 1.8-litre that was increased to 180bhp in 2003, and a 150bhp 2.3-litre V5 that was increased to 170bhp in 2000.
The diesel engines originally started with a 110bhp 1.9 TDi which was joined by 130bhp and a 150bhp 1.9 TDi units in 2003.
Performance & Economy
The entry level 1.6-litre petrol was the most economical of the petrol’s achieving 37mpg, but it was dropped not long after being introduced. The original 1.8-litre is a good all-rounder going from 0-60mph in 10.2 seconds and achieves 33mpg. The 180bhp turbocharged unit that replaced it in 2003 is more impressive though achieving the same 33mpg, but now reaches 60mpg in just 7.7 seconds making it the fastest engine available in the SEAT Toledo. The top of the range V5 unit producing 170bhp offers good performance reaching 60mph in 8.3 seconds, which may not be as fast as the turbocharged 1.8-litre, or as economical at 32mpg, but it is extremely smooth and has lots of torque.
We would recommend the diesel engines as all of them offer fuel efficiency figures that all sit above 50mpg and all offer good performance too. The entry level 110bhp unit is a good little engine, but it’s the 130bhp and 150bhp units that were introduced in 2003 that are the ones to go for. They both achieve 52mpg with the 130bhp going from 0-60mph in 9.6 seconds, while the 150bhp does it a second faster at 8.6 seconds. They are both extremely refined and smooth as well.
The 1.6-litre is the cheapest to insure falling into group 5 with the more sporty models falling into group 15.
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Introduction
The SEAT Toledo Saloon is a good looking car by SEAT with its design being based upon the floor-plan of the Volkswagen Golf. The interior is comfortable and spacious with good kit levels as standard and a wide range of powerful and smooth engines to choose from.
Exterior & Interior
The Toledo is a good looking car with plenty of space inside for all the passengers. The quality of the materials used in the cabin is good and all of the seats are supportive and comfortable. The boot is a good size too being able to accommodate a weeks worth of luggage. For any longer items of luggage the back seats split and fold flat turning the boot into a more usable space.
All models come with good levels of kit as standard that includes alloys, ABS, air-con, front eclectic windows, driver and passenger airbags along with remote locking. Higher trim levels add a CD auto-changer, cruise and climate control and rear electric windows. The SE trim offers the best all round value for money, but the V5 engines will give you the highest trim level available.
Drive
The driving position is good with both the driver’s seat and steering wheel being adjustable in order to find the best position. The Toledo provides good all round visibility and a clearly laid out dash so you are unlikely to be disappointed. The handling is sharp with plenty of grip and controlled body roll in the corners making the Toledo feel safe and secure at all times. All of the engines are smooth, quiet and responsive although the diesels can be slightly noisy when first started.
Faults & Repairs
The Toledo is far from fault free being and was affected by several recalls over the years for a problem with the passenger airbag, bolts on the fuel pump cover breaking and tension cracks appearing on the brake servo vacuum pump. The 1.8-litre petrol is also prone to timing belt problems especially in higher mileage models. So if you’re looking at one make sure the timing belt is new. If it breaks you’ll end up paying for a new engine and not just a new timing belt. The turbo’s in the diesels have also caused a few problems over the years especially if the oil hasn’t been changed regularly and there have been a fair few electrical glitches too.
As for service and repair costs the Toledo’s come in slightly higher than its rivals Skoda and VW.
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