I’m after a fairly cheap (not quite bangernomics but almost) motorway mile muncher and I’m looking at the Seat Leon TDi (mk1).

I’m trying to find out which versions/specs/dates etc. avoided having a DMF, a DPF or both. Or other VAG models without either?

Anyone know if there’s an easy way to tell?

None of the Mk1’s have a DPF

Pretty sure the 5 speed has no DMF, but the 6 speed does…. either way no major issues if it’s not abused.

check out seatcupra.net though

These are the famously reliable ones afaik.

Exactly the reason I went for the 1.9 instead of the 2.0,

No dpf, no overcomplicated sensors, simple cat converter .

2002 MY Pd engines had camshaft issues ( soft lobes , made worse by the way the oil is sprayed around the top end )
Famously reliable. Do have a dual mass , but no DPF . easliy tunable for more bhp and torque and economy.
Abit rattly but the noise is the dump deuse system banging away in the head .
Took my Pd passat to 312K before moving it on.
Just change the oil more often than vag say , and ensure you use 50501 or 50502 pd oil

Had a Seat Cordoba (aka Mk3 Polo Estate) 1.9 TDi PD, and it was very reliable.

Surprisingly efficient @ 60mph on long journeys…