SEAT Leon

What is the Seat Leon? It’s basically a VW Golf MkIV with a smarter suit of clothes, better equipment and a much lower price.

As you might imagine, this makes it a fantastic used buy. OK, it may not have the same image as the Golf and was only ever sold as a five-door hatchback, but it backs up its smart looks wit a spacious, ergonomic interior and tidy handling.

Build quality is high, with excellent panel fit and a beautifully screwed-together interior. Therefore, accept nothing less than perfect bodywork and a neat cabin.

As with any purchase, a service record is highly desirable and essential if the engine is a diesel (it’s the best engine in the range, although 20v T Cupra and Cupra R hot hatch owners might well disagree with that).

Make sure all the warning lights illuminate when you switch on, and then go out as they should. Sporty Cupra models may well have worn clutches, severe tyre wear and warped brake discs (brake hard and feel for juddering).

Also make sure that all the electrical items are working properly, such as window winders, sunroofs and electric mirrors. Finally, remember to check that the air-conditioning system is fully functioning.