2020 SEAT Tarraco 2.0L Diesel · CY69 FPD

The most recent MOT in March 2026 at 62,656 miles passed without defects, indicating the vehicle met all roadworthiness standards at that point. However, the history reveals a clear pattern of brake and suspension issues that were not fully resolved before the last test. The February 2025 failure—just a year prior—highlighted critical concerns: binding front brakes due to near-minimum brake fluid and pads below 1.5mm, alongside worn suspension bushes likely to detach. While these were addressed by the next test, the February 2024 advisory for low brake fluid and worn suspension components suggests the repairs were temporary or incomplete. The trend is neither stable nor improving; it shows intermittent compliance with basic maintenance, particularly around braking and steering geometry. The mileage accumulation of roughly 10,443 miles per year aligns with average usage for a six-year-old vehicle, but the gaps between tests reveal inconsistent upkeep. The largest jump occurred between the January 2023 test at 31,026 miles and the February 2024 test at 45,610 miles—a 14,584-mile interval in just over 13 months, suggesting either prolonged storage or aggressive driving. The February 2025 failure, just 1,520 miles later, implies the vehicle was driven despite known faults, raising questions about whether previous repairs were superficial. The most recent clean MOT suggests recent attention, but the underlying issues—particularly suspension and brake wear—demand closer scrutiny before purchase. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front brake system, given the repeated advisories and failures for worn discs, thin pads, and low brake fluid. The suspension components, specifically the lower arm bushes, were flagged twice as "likely to detach," which poses a serious risk to handling and safety. Structural integrity checks are also warranted, as the 2023 and 2025 tyre advisories for edge wear may indicate alignment issues or uneven loading, potentially linked to worn suspension. Finally, verify that any past repairs—such as brake fluid top-ups or bush replacements—were done professionally, as the recurring faults suggest either deferred maintenance or poor-quality fixes.