2009 SEAT Leon Emocion 1.6L Petrol · AF58 OAX

Across the available MOT history for this 2009 SEAT Leon, the overriding mechanical picture is one of consistent roadworthiness under test conditions. Seven of the eight recorded tests returned a pass with no defects, including the most recent examination on 3 February 2026, and the sole failure on 29 September 2021 is recorded without any defect details, which typically indicates a very minor administrative or visual issue rather than a substantive structural or safety defect. The only meaningful items of note in the entire record are two advisories logged at the 16 January 2019 test: an oil leak described as not excessive and light misting or limited damping effect on the offside rear shock absorber. With no advisories at any subsequent test, the trend across the past seven years is broadly stable rather than deteriorating. The mileage profile is largely consistent with what one would expect for a 17 year old vehicle. Recorded at 123,136 miles, the annual accumulation works out at roughly 7,243 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the normal band for a car of this age. There is a notable gap between the September 2020 test and the September 2021 test, and a further gap between January 2025 and February 2026, but these intervals are not unusual where a vehicle is tested slightly before or after its anniversary date. No sudden or anomalous mileage jumps are evident from the recorded tests, suggesting the odometer has progressed in a steady, predictable manner rather than reflecting any unusual usage pattern. For a prospective buyer, the most relevant items to investigate physically are those that correspond to the 2019 advisories. The recorded oil leak was assessed as not excessive at the time, but six years have since elapsed and engine oil leaks from areas such as the camshaft cover, sump gasket, or turbo oil feed lines on a higher mileage Leon have a habit of worsening gradually. On a cold start, listen for any ticking from the upper engine area and check the underside of the engine and bellhousing for fresh oil staining or drips on the driveway after the car has been left standing. Equally, an offside rear shock absorber that was already showing signs of light misting in 2019 will almost certainly have deteriorated by now; on a test drive, pay close attention to damping behaviour over uneven roads, particularly any continued oscillation after a single bump, a loose or floaty feel over undulating surfaces, or clonking noises from the rear suspension. It is also worth inspecting the offside rear coil spring for any sign of corrosion or sagging, as weakened rear damping can place additional load on the spring. Beyond the flagged items, a few targeted checks are sensible given the age and mileage. Listen for any knocks or clonks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven B-roads, as the front wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and lower arm bushes are known wear items on the Leon platform. Check the brake pedal feel and the response under firm application for any excessive travel, judder through the steering wheel, or pulling to one side, and inspect the brake discs through the wheels for a pronounced lip on the outer edge, which would indicate they are nearing the limit. Finally, examine the underside thoroughly for any corrosion on the rear axle, exhaust mounting points, and subframe areas, as road salt exposure over 17 winters can take its toll even when MOT examiners have not recorded it as an advisory.