2018 SEAT Leon 1.5L Petrol · DA68 ABF

The most recent MOT, carried out on 17 October 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, and the preceding four annual tests (2024‑2021) also returned clean passes. This uninterrupted succession of fault‑free results suggests a consistent maintenance regime and that no major mechanical issues have been flagged by the DVSA over the past five years. While the MOT data alone cannot confirm the condition of wear items, the absence of advisories indicates that the vehicle has, to date, met the statutory safety and emissions standards on each inspection. At eight years old the SEAT Leon has accumulated 170,880 miles, equating to an average of roughly 21,360 miles per annum. This figure is considerably above the typical UK average of 10‑12 k miles per year for a family hatchback, implying a relatively high level of component utilisation. Prolonged high mileage accelerates wear on engine internals, transmission bearings, suspension bushings, and brake components, and it also increases the likelihood of corrosion in the chassis and exhaust system, especially if the car has been subjected to frequent short journeys or stop‑start traffic. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, so the accumulation appears steady rather than the result of long periods of storage followed by intensive use. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the condition of the tyres, inspecting tread depth, sidewall integrity and any signs of cracking or dry rot that can develop with age even on low‑wear compounds. Examine the suspension for any play in the ball joints, worn bushings or leaking shock absorbers, and listen for clunking or excessive bounce during a short test drive, as high mileage can lead to fatigue of coil springs and deterioration of anti‑roll bar links. The braking system warrants a thorough check: verify that the discs are not scored or excessively thin, that the pads have sufficient material, and that the calipers operate without binding or uneven pull, since brake wear is directly proportional to mileage and driving style. Given the vehicle’s age, the 12‑volt battery should be tested for charge retention and electrolyte condition, especially if the car has experienced periods of inactivity. Time‑based fluids such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and the automatic transmission fluid (if applicable) should be inspected for colour, level and any contamination; replacement intervals are often prescribed on a calendar basis as well as by mileage. Finally, request a complete service history to confirm that major services—including timing belt or chain replacement, spark plug changes and major filter renewals—have been performed at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, as these are critical to sustaining reliability in a high‑mileage vehicle.