2017 SEAT Leon 1.4L Petrol · AF66 FAZ

The 2017 SEAT LEON carries four consecutive MOT passes while its tyre system remains under persistent scrutiny, with the most recent 2026-02-18 test still flagging slight damage or cracking on all four tyres. A pattern emerges across the last five years where minor tyre deterioration has been identified repeatedly before each successful roadworthiness certification, including advisories in 2023 noting a cut on the nearside front tyre and again in 2024 alongside a child seat belt fitting concern. Despite the car having passed every test since 2022, the recurring nature of these tyre advisories indicates that the rubber compound and/or pressure management may not be keeping pace with cumulative exposure, even though the vehicle has accumulated relatively modest distance. The mileage figure of 15,915 miles for a nine-year-old vehicle represents approximately 1,768 miles per annum, which stands in stark contrast to typical usage expectations for a model of this age and suggests either exceptionally light driving or prolonged periods of storage. The testing record shows a single-year gap between the 2022-03-04 pass and the next MOT in February 2023, followed by successive annual tests through 2026, implying the car was available for regular road testing throughout the intervening period. While the low odometer reading does not inherently signal mechanical distress, it does shift the emphasis toward potential issues related to suspension fatigue, braking wear, and interior degradation rather than direct engine or drivetrain consumption. Focusing on the tyre advisories, a buyer should pay particular attention to the physical condition of all four tyres during a test drive, listening for any audible knocks when traversing speed bumps or curbs that would indicate worn sidewalls or internal structural compromise. The persistent "slightly damaged/cracking or perishing" notation warrants a visual inspection for transverse cracks radiating from the bead seats, bulges indicating internal separation, or uneven wear patterns that exceed normal for a lightly used vehicle. Given the proximity of the front tyres to their recommended replacement point according to the 2016 date stamps, the likelihood exists that continued monitoring will eventually require replacement regardless of how many miles remain on the odometer. Regarding the child seat belt fitting noted in the 2024-02-29 test, this item relates to safety equipment access rather than mechanical function, but it highlights that certain subsystems may not be fully compliant with standard inspection protocols. If the rear child seat cannot be inspected properly for the adult belt attachment, this suggests the seating arrangement may restrict proper fitment checks, potentially masking issues with the surrounding frame or mounting points. In addition to the tyre concerns, the absence of any other defects across seven consecutive tests provides some reassurance about the chassis, electrical systems, and powertrain, yet buyers should verify that the low mileage reflects genuine usage rather than extended idling, as this distinction affects the reliability assessment of suspension bushings, brake discs, and general engine health over the vehicle's lifespan.