2017 SEAT Leon 1.2L Petrol · BN17 VTG

The most recent MOT history for this 2017 SEAT León reveals a concerning deterioration in roadworthiness over the past year, with two tests conducted within days of each other in August 2025—one passing and one failing—both at around 110,690 miles. The failure was triggered by a misaligned headlamp, a nail embedded in the offside rear tyre, and critically, the persistent issue of thin front brake pads , which had already been flagged in the passing test just two days prior. The near-side rear shock absorber’s light oil misting, noted in both tests, suggests internal wear, though not yet at a critical stage. This pattern indicates that while some issues—such as the brake pads—have been allowed to reach an urgent threshold, others, like the suspension component, show gradual but avoidable degradation. The fact that the vehicle passed cleanly in August 2024 and 2023 implies that the decline in maintenance standards is recent, likely reflecting either neglect by the current owner or a deliberate avoidance of addressing minor advisories that escalated into failures. The mileage accumulation on this vehicle is aggressive for its age, with roughly 21,700 miles covered between the August 2024 and August 2025 tests—a rate that accelerates wear on high-stress components. Over its nine-year lifespan, the León has logged 110,690 miles, which is well above the UK average for its class, particularly given the absence of any recorded defects until the past year. The rapid mileage increase between tests—from 61,486 miles in 2023 to 88,995 in 2024, then to 110,690 in 2025—suggests either intensive use or a period of inactivity followed by heavy driving. Such patterns often correlate with deferred maintenance, as owners prioritise usage over servicing when a vehicle is worked hard. The clean MOT records prior to 2025 also imply that the car may have been well-maintained under previous ownership, making the recent decline in standards all the more striking. For a prospective buyer, the most urgent areas to inspect in person are the front brake system and rear suspension . The repeated flagging of thin brake pads—now at a failure threshold—demands immediate verification of pad thickness, disc condition, and whether the calipers are binding or corroded. Given the mileage, the discs may also show uneven wear or glazing, which could indicate longer-term neglect. The rear shock absorber’s oil misting, while not yet a failure, warrants a closer look for signs of leakage, reduced damping performance, or worn mounting bushes, which can compromise handling and tyre longevity. Additionally, the embedded nail in the rear tyre during the failed test suggests either poor tyre condition or a history of rough driving; inspecting tread depth, sidewall integrity, and rotation patterns is essential. The headlamp misalignment, though easily adjustable, could mask deeper issues with the mounting or electrical components, so a functional check of all bulbs and alignment is prudent. Structural corrosion is not explicitly noted, but the high mileage and age warrant a thorough examination of wheel arches, sills, and underbody for any signs of rust penetration or weakened chassis integrity.