2019 SEAT Leon 1.5L Petrol · BA68 CVF

The 2019 SEAT Leon presents a mixed maintenance picture as of its most recent MOT on 8 August 2025 at 54,119 miles. The vehicle passed, but the record reveals a worsening suspension trend rather than a stable or improving one. Both rear shock absorbers have been flagged for light oil misting in consecutive years, first appearing in the 2024 test at 45,619 miles and repeating in 2025 at 54,119 miles. This recurrence suggests the dampers are seeping fluid progressively rather than suffering a one-off failure. The tester also flagged the nearside rear brake pads as wearing thin in 2025, indicating consumable wear that will demand attention soon. A fractured offside rear coil spring was identified and rectified during the October 2023 failure at 33,498 miles, but no further structural suspension defects have appeared since, which is a positive sign for the repair's durability. The mileage accumulation of roughly 7,731 miles per year over seven years sits squarely within typical usage for a vehicle of this age. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in the odometer readings. The progression from 29,163 miles in February 2023 to 33,498 miles by October 2023 shows about 4,335 miles covered in eight months, and the subsequent jump to 45,619 miles by August 2024 represents approximately 12,121 miles over ten months, suggesting a period of heavier use before settling back to a steadier pace through to 54,119 miles in August 2025. The record is complete with no missing annual tests, giving a reliable chronological picture of the vehicle's condition. A buyer inspecting this Leon in person should focus first on the rear suspension. The repeated shock absorber misting advisories point to deteriorating damper seals, and while the car has passed with these defects, deteriorated damping affects ride control, tyre contact, and braking distances. Check for uneven tyre wear on the inner edges of the rear tyres, which would confirm the dampers are no longer managing wheel movement effectively. Have a technician bounce-test the rear end and inspect for play in the suspension bushes and drop links, which often wear alongside failing dampers. The nearside rear brake pads flagged as thin in 2025 at 54,119 miles will likely need replacement imminently, so inspect pad thickness and condition of the rear brake discs for scoring or lipping. Given the previous coil spring fracture in 2023, visually examine both rear springs for any signs of corrosion or cracking, particularly at the seat points where stress fractures originate. A brief road test over uneven surfaces will reveal whether the rear end knocks, bounces excessively, or feels loose, all of which would confirm the suspension components are past surface-level wear and approaching replacement.