2009 SEAT Leon S TDI 104 1.9L Heavy oil · BN59 WNG

Two MOT failures recorded without any specific defects stand out as the defining mechanical story for this 2009 SEAT Leon S TDI. Both the 9 December 2022 and the 8 September 2018 failures left the MOT sheet blank for faults, while the three intervening tests in 2021, 2019 and 2018 were passed with no advisories. The pattern suggests that the vehicle has, at least twice, triggered a failure for an issue that was either resolved before the test was completed or fell outside the standard defect categories captured by the MOT system, rather than demonstrating a consistent trend of component deterioration. At 164 330 miles the car averages just under 10 000 miles per year, a mileage rate that sits within the normal range for a vehicle of its age. The MOT history shows a gap of over two years between the 2018‑09‑08 failure and the next recorded test in 2018‑09‑17, after which the schedule returns to an annual cadence. This usage pattern implies the car has been driven regularly rather than sitting idle for extended periods, which generally reduces the risk of age‑related corrosion but does mean that consumables such as clutch, suspension bushes and brake pads have been subjected to typical wear for a vehicle with this mileage. Given the absence of recorded component failures, a prospective buyer should focus the inspection on the systems most likely to cause an undocumented MOT failure. Verify that all exterior and interior lighting functions correctly, including daytime running lights, indicators, brake lights and fog lamps, as lighting faults are a common cause of MOT rejection that may not leave a defect note. Check the exhaust system for excessive smoke, rattles or visible leaks, and confirm that the vehicle’s emissions control devices (such as the diesel particulate filter) are operating within legal limits, as a failed emissions test can also result in a blank failure entry. During a short drive, watch for any dashboard warning lights, especially those related to engine management or emissions, and listen for unusual hisses or clunks that could indicate a hidden leak or loose component. Even though the MOT records do not flag specific wear items, the car’s age and mileage warrant a thorough assessment of the suspension, steering and braking systems. Feel for any play in the front and rear wheel bearings, listen for knocks over bumps that could reveal worn control arm bushings or deteriorated coil springs, and test the steering for any pull to one side or excessive vibration. Apply the brakes firmly and note any judder, sponginess or uneven pedal feel, which could point to worn pads, discs or a binding caliper. Finally, inspect the under‑carriage for any signs of rust or corrosion, particularly around the subframe and wheel arches, as structural rust can develop silently and may not have been captured by the MOT if it was not severe at the time of testing.