2007 SEAT Leon 2.0L Diesel · CL04 PEN

A pattern of recurring advisories and two recent failures define the mechanical profile of this nineteen-year-old SEAT Leon. The 2026-03-05 test resulted in a pass, but it followed closely on a 2026-02-27 failure triggered by an ABS warning lamp fault, mirroring an earlier 2024-02-21 failure for the same ABS issue alongside an excessively worn nearside front lower anti-roll bar linkage ball joint. Across the recorded tests, the same oil leak has been flagged repeatedly since at least 2024, rear exhaust concerns have been noted over two consecutive cycles, and corrosion of the rear sub-frame has now appeared. The combined ABS fault appearing in two separate years is a notable point, as is the persistence of the same advisories without recorded resolution between tests, suggesting the vehicle has not undergone major remedial work between annual examinations. Recorded mileage of 137,462 across roughly nineteen years equates to an average annual accumulation of around 7,235 miles, broadly typical for the vehicle's age. There are no extended gaps in the MOT history that would imply prolonged standing off the road, and the mileage progression between tests is steady rather than erratic. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, the mechanical implications centre on wear to consumable and structural items: ageing suspension components, tired bushings, exhaust corrosion, and engine seals that have clearly reached the stage where minor seepage is present. The presence of two ABS-related major defects in different test cycles is not necessarily a mileage-driven concern, but it does indicate an unresolved electronic or sensor issue within the braking system that warrants targeted investigation independent of the odometer reading. From a buyer inspection standpoint, the ABS fault is the most pressing item to verify. On a test drive, the warning lamp should illuminate with the ignition and extinguish shortly after the vehicle begins rolling; if it remains lit, or returns under braking, a diagnostic scan should be performed to confirm whether the fault lies with a wheel speed sensor, the reluctor ring, or the ABS control unit itself. Given that an anti-roll bar linkage ball joint was previously failed as excessively worn, it is worth listening for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and visually inspecting the nearside front drop link and anti-roll bar bush for play by hand. The rear suspension trailing arm pin or bush advisories from 2025 should be rechecked, as bush wear progresses gradually and may now be approaching excessive movement; a feeling of vagueness or rear-end instability over bumps would indicate further deterioration. The persistent oil leak, noted on every recorded test, should be examined for its source, as repeated advisories over multiple cycles can indicate a worsening seal condition rather than a static one. On inspection, check the underside for fresh oil residue on the sump, cam chain area, or gearbox bellhousing, and look for staining on the exhaust downpipe which can suggest the leak is active. The rear sub-frame corrosion advisory, flagged only on the most recent test, warrants close visual examination for surface rust scaling, flaking, and any thinning of the metal, particularly around mounting points and welded joints, as corrosion in these areas can progress toward the seriously weakened threshold in subsequent years. Rear tyre wear close to the legal limit on both sides suggests an alignment or suspension geometry issue at the rear axle, and on a test drive the car should be monitored for steering pull or uneven rear tyre wear. Finally, the noted minor exhaust leak should be confirmed not to have worsened; listen for an increase in exhaust noise on start-up and overrunning, and ensure no fumes enter the cabin, as what was previously a minor advisory can develop into a major defect by the next examination.