2018 SEAT Leon 1.5L Petrol · DE68 AAY

The most recent MOT on 6 January 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, and the preceding twelve‑month test in January 2025 also passed cleanly. The only deviation in the five‑year record is a failure on 8 May 2024, which, despite the failure status, did not generate any defect entries. This pattern suggests that the vehicle has been maintained in a generally stable condition, with no recurring fault codes or advisory items emerging from the official inspections. At eight years old the SEAT Leon has logged 81,320 miles, giving an average annual mileage of roughly 10,000 miles. This figure sits comfortably within the normal usage envelope for a family hatchback of this age and does not indicate any periods of unusually high or low utilisation. The mileage progression is therefore unlikely to have accelerated wear on major wear items such as the clutch, gearbox synchronisers, or engine internals, but it does mean that time‑related deterioration will be as significant as kilometre‑related wear. Given the clean MOT record and the moderate mileage, the buyer should focus on age‑related checks. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or uneven tread wear that could signal mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery, looking for corrosion on the terminals and checking the charge voltage; an eight‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life even if the car has not been heavily used. Examine the brake discs and pads for surface rust, glazing or uneven wear, and listen for any shudder or squeal under moderate braking, which can indicate binding calipers or disc corrosion. Check all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour, level and any signs of leakage; fluids degrade with time and should be replaced on a calendar basis even if mileage is modest. Finally, request a full service history and confirm that the timing belt (or chain, depending on the engine variant) has been replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s interval, typically around 60‑000 miles for many 1.5‑litre TSI units. During a test drive, pay attention to any clunk or knock from the suspension, especially over bumps, which could reveal worn coil‑spring mounts or deteriorated bushings. Also listen for exhaust rattles that might indicate a cracked manifold or failing catalytic converter. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the car’s mechanical soundness and any imminent maintenance that may be required.