2012 SEAT Altea 1.6L Diesel · W13 GYD

The most recent MOT, carried out on 9 February 2026, was a pass but it was accompanied by several advisories concerning the off‑side rear brake disc, the rear shock absorbers and the parking‑brake operation. Over the last two years the vehicle has alternated between passes and failures, most notably a failure in January 2026 for a supplementary restraint system fault and headlamp aim, and earlier failures in February 2025 for registration‑plate placement and a battery mounting issue. While the latest result shows the car is currently roadworthy, the recurrence of rear‑brake and rear‑suspension advisories indicates that the underlying wear has not been fully rectified and the maintenance trend is at best marginally improving but still requires attention. At 135,902 miles on a 2012 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 9,700 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope. There are no obvious periods of prolonged inactivity that would suggest severe calendar ageing, nor is there evidence of a sudden mileage surge that would accelerate wear on high‑stress components. Consequently the wear on wear‑items such as tyres, brake discs and suspension bushes is likely to be proportionate to age and mileage rather than excessive, but the cumulative distance does mean that consumables will be approaching the end of their typical service life. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the rear suspension and braking system. The repeated advisory of light oil misting from both rear shock absorbers points to deteriorating seals; on a test drive this may manifest as a soft or uneven ride, especially when traversing bumps, and could progress to reduced damping or complete shock failure. Inspect the shock bodies for oil stains and check the condition of the rear bushings for cracking or excessive play. The off‑side rear brake disc is recorded as worn, pitted and scored, while the corresponding pad was noted as thin; a visual inspection should reveal scoring depth and pad thickness, and a road test may reveal pulsation or shudder under braking. The service‑brake binding advisory suggests the rear caliper may be sticking; listen for a dragging sensation when the foot is released and verify that the parking brake releases cleanly without excessive effort. In addition to the specific defects, age‑related checks are advisable. Verify that the tyre sidewalls are free of dry‑rot, cracks or age‑related hardening, as tyres older than six years can become unsafe even if tread depth appears adequate. Examine the 12 V battery for corrosion on terminals and test its cranking voltage, especially if the car has spent long periods stationary. Confirm that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been changed in line with the manufacturer’s calendar schedule, as fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. Finally, ensure the headlamp aim is correctly set and that the front‑lamp lens is clear of any residue, as these were previously flagged, and check that the supplementary restraint system warning lamp is extinguished after any recent air‑bag system service. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and any imminent maintenance that may be required.