2009 SEAT Leon 2.0L Diesel · K222 AAY

The vehicle achieved a PASS at its most recent MOT on 1 April 2026, having earlier failed the same day on a present-and-shortcoming basis relating to the windscreen washer providing insufficient washer liquid, a straightforward preparatory issue that was likely rectified immediately and is not indicative of any underlying mechanical concern. The test also recorded two minor advisories concerning the offside front track rod end ball joint dust cover and the nearside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover, both showing signs of deterioration but still preventing ingress of dirt. Looking back across the available MOT history, the overall maintenance trend shows a mild degree of worsening rather than improvement; 2023 and 2024 were both clean tests with no advisories recorded, but the 2025 test introduced an advisory on the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint showing slight play, and the 2026 test has now flagged the related track rod end and suspension arm ball joint dust covers as deteriorated. The fact that wear is beginning to surface on multiple front suspension and steering components within consecutive tests suggests that this area of the vehicle warrants close attention from a prospective buyer. Against the vehicle age of approximately seventeen years, the recorded mileage of 143,004 miles equates to an annual average of roughly 8,412 miles, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of this vintage and indicates reasonably consistent usage rather than extremes of low-activity standing or excessive high-mileage wear. The MOT records show broadly annual test intervals with no large recorded mileage jumps between tests, suggesting the mileage has accumulated in a normal, even pattern. There are no extended gaps in the MOT history that would point to long periods of inactivity, which reduces the risk of standing-related complications such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, or perished rubber components, although at seventeen years of age such age-related degradation remains plausible regardless of mileage. Given the recurring advisory and minor items on front suspension and steering joints, a prospective buyer should undertake a focused inspection of this area. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clunking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, as such symptoms often indicate worn or perished suspension bushes, tired anti-roll bar linkages, or failing ball joints. Uneven or accelerated tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges of the front tyres, can point to deteriorated suspension geometry or worn components, and a visual check of the tyres for feathering or scalloping is worthwhile. When stationary, the steering should be checked for excessive play or looseness at the straight-ahead position, and a visual inspection of the front suspension arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and track rod ends for perished rubber boots, weeping grease, or signs of aftermarket or non-OEM replacement components is strongly recommended. If any of these components are found to be at the end of their service life, replacement can be relatively modest in cost but is essential to maintain predictable handling and structural integrity. Beyond the recorded suspension advisories, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants broader age-appropriate checks even where the MOT record is clean. Brake discs should be inspected for lipping, corrosion, or hot spots, particularly as wear becomes more pronounced as the vehicle ages, and the brake fluid should be confirmed as recently renewed, as fluid absorbs moisture over time and typically benefits from replacement every two to three years regardless of mileage. The exhaust system, including the catalytic converter, centre box, and rear silencer, should be examined for corrosion, splits, or blowing joints, as these are common failure points on older vehicles and can lead to emissions non-compliance or excess noise. The 12V battery should be load-tested if possible, as batteries frequently fail without warning on cars of this age, and all drive belts, the coolant hoses, and the condition of the cambelt replacement history should be verified against the service book. Finally, the tyres warrant particular attention for age-related sidewall cracking and perishing given the seventeen years since manufacture, as rubber compounds degrade with time irrespective of tread depth, and any tyres bearing early-2000s date codes should be viewed with caution regardless of remaining tread.