2018 SEAT Arona 1.0L Petrol · BW67 ACY

The most recent MOT, carried out on 4 February 2026, was passed but carried an advisory that the rear brake disc is worn, pitted or scored, though not yet seriously weakened. The previous year’s test recorded the same advisory, indicating that the rear disc wear has persisted without progression to a failure. Earlier in the series, the 2024 test highlighted a damaged dust cover on the off‑side front track‑rod end ball joint and a general tyre perishing advisory, while the 2022 and 2023 tests were clean. Overall the MOT history suggests a stable maintenance pattern with a few recurring wear items that have not escalated to outright defects, but they do warrant attention before they become safety‑critical. At eight years old the Arona shows an exceptionally low cumulative mileage of 28 753 mi, averaging roughly 3 600 mi per annum. Such modest usage often points to periods of infrequent driving or extended storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage in terms of component ageing. Low mileage reduces the wear on consumables such as brake pads, clutch and engine internals, yet it also means that rubber elements, seals and fluids may have deteriorated simply with time. The absence of any sudden mileage spikes indicates no history of intensive short‑term use that would have accelerated wear on the drivetrain or suspension. When inspecting the vehicle, give particular focus to the rear brake assembly. Examine the discs for deep scoring, excessive rust or uneven wear, and verify that the pads are still within thickness limits; a pulsating or shuddering sensation when applying the brakes, especially under moderate load, would confirm that the discs are approaching the end of their service life and will need resurfacing or replacement soon. The off‑side front track‑rod end dust cover should be checked for cracks or missing pieces, as compromised protection can allow dirt ingress, leading to premature ball‑joint wear, steering looseness or uneven tyre wear. During a test drive, listen for any clunk or knock when turning the wheel at low speed and feel for any wandering or vague play in the steering response, which would indicate that the ball joint may be deteriorating beyond the advisory stage. Given the vehicle’s age and low utilisation, a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the tyre sidewalls for cracking, perishing or dry‑rot is essential, as the 2024 advisory flagged this risk across all tyres. Verify that the tyre tread depth is still above the legal minimum and that there is no cupping or uneven wear that could hint at suspension or alignment issues. Inspect the 12 V battery for signs of sulphation, check the electrolyte level if it is a conventional lead‑acid type, and perform a load test if possible, since long periods of storage can reduce cranking performance. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for correct levels, colour and any signs of contamination; calendar‑based fluid replacement is advisable even when mileage is low. Finally, look for corrosion on chassis mounting points, brake caliper pins and under‑body panels, as moisture can accumulate during idle periods, potentially leading to seized components or rust‑induced weakening of structural elements. Addressing these time‑related items now will help ensure the Arona remains mechanically sound and road‑worthy.