SEAT Exeo (2009 – 2013) Review

SEAT Exeo (2009 – 2013) At A Glance

4/5

+2.0 TDI surprisingly good to drive. Very economical. Exceptionally solid build. Multitronic auto option from 2011. Good value.

-Undistinguished looks both inside and out. Possible problems to come with piezo injectors.

Insurance Groups are between 21–28
On average it achieves 87% of the official MPG figure

Over the model life of the Audi A4 B6 and B7, what started out as an attractive, solidly built, yet sometimes unwieldy and hard riding car turned into quite a good one.

It was almost as if criticisms had been listened to and faults rectified as a result.

I particularly remember, having written off ‘S Line' models as internal organ re-arrangers, the last one I tried rode acceptably well. So I didn't necessarily think it a bad thing that VAG has shipped the production line down to Barcelona and given the car a second lease of life as the SEAT Exeo.

SEAT Exeo 2009 Road Test and Video

SEAT Exeo 2.0 TDI Multitronic 2011 Road Test

Real MPG average for a SEAT Exeo (2009 – 2013)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

87%

Real MPG

38–62 mpg

MPGs submitted

99

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

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Ask Honest John

Which is the best used family saloon?

"We need to replace our SEAT Altea. We have a £4500 budget and two growing children, but only a small commute. I'm taken with the idea of a Volkswagen Passat, SEAT Exeo, Honda Accord or Toyota Avensis. I know the Avensis is probably the sensible choice, but can't help feeling the driving experience itself may be lacking compared to the others. Also, what's your experience concerning the auto boxes in each? Many thanks."
The Honda Accord and Toyota Avensis are the sensible choices. Both have a good reputation for reliability. The auto box in the Honda isn't particularly refined, but we have received very few complaints in regards to reliability. The Avensis uses a CVT which again is reliable but occasionally noisy under heavy loads. Avoid diesel is your commute is less than 15-miles, a modern diesel engine is not designed for low-mileage runs.
Answered by Dan Powell

What do I do if the emissions fix messed up my 2009 SEAT Exeo?

"3 weeks after the emissions fix to my 2009 SEAT Exeo 170 estate, the glow plug warning light flashed continuously and limp mode activated. I visited the the SEAT main dealer twice which resulted in the replacement of solenoid, an alleged bill of clean health and a real bill of £200. I only use BP or Shell Premium diesel and use the car for short trips and now longer unnecessary ones to keep DPF soot burned off. What next?"
Whoever did this to your car has messed it up and is liable to fix it. So take your car back to the SEAT dealer, demand that he fixes it, and demand an equivalent replacement while he is doing it. The dealer will just have to get the money back from VAG that put him in this situation.
Answered by Honest John

Can the Volkswagen Emissions Fix be reversed?

"I have had the corrective emissions work done on my SEAT Exeo and found the fuel economy to be worse by 5-10 per cent. Can the procedure be reversed?"
Simply don't know. VAG is being extremely evasive. But you are within your rights to demand that the dealer either fixed your car or replaces it.
Answered by Honest John

SEAT Exeo buying advice?

"I'm thinking of buying SEAT Exeo ST 2.0 TSI 2010 67K miles. I a see practical sporty estate that should have several more years reliable service - assuming its been well looked after (full service history and I'm getting RAC inspection). I've been roundly harassed by my father and father-in-law who say its too high mileage, and I should buy something more modern (and considerably more expensive) for 'piece of mind'! Who is right? "
These are basically Audi A4 B7 Avant with the later 143PS diesel engine. That engine can still sometimes have an oil pump problem and at 67k miles needs a new timing belt, tensioner and waterpump anyway. But they drive and handle very well.
Answered by Honest John
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