2014 SEAT MII 1.0L Petrol · C7 WJC

The 2014 SEAT Mii presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 23 July 2025 at 45,922 miles, passed but flagged a binding nearside rear service brake and corrosion on the rear axle. This is not a clean bill of health. Comparing this to the 2024 test at 42,733 miles, which also noted binding rear brakes and play in the steering rack inner joint, a pattern of unresolved, low-level mechanical friction emerges. The trend is not worsening dramatically, but it is stable in a concerning way, with the rear brake issue persisting across consecutive tests. The tester's qualifier "not excessively" is noted, yet a binding caliper is a binding caliper, indicating a sticking piston or slider pin that has not been addressed for at least a year. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a twelve-year-old vehicle. The record shows a steady accumulation from 31,263 miles in July 2021 to 45,922 miles in July 2025, averaging roughly 3,827 miles per year. This is well below the UK average. Such low annual use suggests short journeys or extended periods of inactivity, which can be detrimental to a small petrol engine and its exhaust system, preventing them from reaching optimal operating temperature and accelerating internal corrosion and condensation buildup. The MOT history is consistent, with annual tests recorded each July, showing no alarming gaps in its statutory testing record. A buyer must inspect the rear braking system thoroughly. The repeated advisory for a binding nearside rear brake, coupled with the 2025 identification of a corroded rear axle, points to a potential neglect of this critical area. The rear axle corrosion is a structural concern that warrants a close physical inspection for perforation and weakened mounting points. The persistent play in the steering rack inner joint, noted in both 2023 and 2024, suggests worn track rod ends or rack bushings that will eventually affect steering precision and tyre wear. The history of corroded exhaust mountings and worn front brake discs indicates a vehicle that has suffered from moisture ingress and general wear, likely exacerbated by its low-mileage usage pattern. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the structural integrity of the rear end, the operation of all brake calipers, and the condition of the steering linkage.