2018 SEAT Leon 1.0L Petrol · BN18 LOA

The 2018 SEAT LEON carries a mechanical history defined by a significant deterioration arc that began with a severe failure in March 2023 and has persisted through subsequent tests, culminating in a repeat of critical issues by late 2025. After passing its earlier MOTs with minor advisories, the vehicle suffered a major breakdown in March 2023 featuring a cut nearside rear tyre extending to the ply or cords and serious fluid leaks from both front and rear shock absorbers, marking the first outright failure in the record. A brief period of stability followed with clean passes in December 2023 and December 2024, yet the December 2025 MOT revealed fresh front brake pad thinning alongside continued light oil misting in the front shock absorber, indicating that the underlying degradation has not resolved but rather evolved. The overall trajectory is therefore one of unstable performance rather than gradual improvement, with the vehicle exhibiting recurrent system failures that require immediate attention regardless of the most recent passing result. At 70,044 registered miles, the LEON's eight-year usage averages approximately 8,756 miles per annum, which aligns with typical consumption for its age but does not by itself suggest excessive wear. The absence of a test between January 2024 and December 2025—nearly a full year—is noteworthy given the persistence of front brake pad thinning and front shock oil contamination, implying either lower utilisation during that interval or extended periods of storage between assessments. When compared against the earlier 2022-2023 period where multiple minor advisories appeared on rear tyres, front shock oil, and shock absorber fluid levels, the current mileage figure reflects a vehicle that has accumulated measurable wear on suspension and braking components even when driven moderately. The gap between the last clean MOT (December 2024) and the next failure (December 2025) further complicates the reliability picture, suggesting that the vehicle's systems remain vulnerable to accelerated wear once certain thresholds are crossed. Buyers should treat the front brake pads as a primary concern, as they have remained consistently thin across every recorded test from 2024 onward, and expect audible knocks or pulling over rough bumps during a test drive due to inadequate pad material. The front shock absorbers present a dual issue requiring inspection: the persistent oil misting indicates internal leakage, which can compromise damping performance and increase the risk of fluid loss over time; a test drive should reveal a noticeably soft or spongy ride quality, and a visual check of the shock mounts will likely confirm visible oil weeping. The nearside rear tyre that was cut in March 2023 remains a potential hazard if it has not been fully repaired, so the tread depth and sidewall condition should be verified, particularly checking for remaining sharp edges or uneven wear that could affect handling. Given the broader pattern of recurring failures, it is prudent to request a detailed service history for the shock assembly and brake caliper area, and to consider whether the vehicle's overall structural integrity has been affected by the sustained oil exposure and vibration loads indicated by these repeated defects.