2016 SEAT Leon 1.4L Petrol · AP16 ATV

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows signs of worsening in the braking and steering systems. The most recent test in May 2026 at 85,574 miles identified slight free play in the offside front steering rack inner rack end and noted thin rear brake pads. This represents a progression from the May 2025 test, where the rear pads were already flagged as thin, indicating that the braking system now requires immediate attention. The mileage pattern is consistent with a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,500 miles per year. There is steady usage between tests, with a gap of roughly 4,300 miles between May 2024 and 2025, and another 11,800 miles between 2025 and 2026. While the low annual mileage suggests lighter use, the appearance of mechanical wear at 85,000 miles suggests components are reaching the end of their service life as the car ages. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the steering assembly to determine if the free play in the rack is isolated or indicative of wider wear. The recurring issue of binding brakes noted in 2024 on both the nearside and offside rear, combined with the current thin pads, suggests the calipers may be seizing or the sliders are failing. Additionally, the loose outer sill covers reported in 2023 should be re-examined to ensure no underlying structural corrosion has developed beneath the bodywork.