2016 SEAT Leon 1.4L Petrol · DG66 LXT

The 2016 SEAT Leon passed its most recent MOT on 10 September 2025 at 76,314 miles, but the record reveals a worsening maintenance trend that demands caution. That same test initially failed with a serious fluid leak on the nearside rear shock absorber, a defect that escalated from light misting noted in the previous two consecutive tests. The tester also flagged a worn nearside front suspension arm rear bush and an offside front tyre worn to the legal limit. Within the same day, the car passed after repairs, yet the rapid progression from misting to a serious leak on the rear dampers suggests the suspension components are deteriorating faster than expected for a vehicle of this age. The recurring headlamp aim failures in 2024 and 2025 point to a pattern of neglecting basic setup checks, likely from replacing bulbs or units without proper alignment. The mileage progression tells a consistent story. Between September 2023 at 63,488 miles and September 2024 at 68,477 miles, the car covered 4,989 miles. The following year, it accumulated 7,837 miles, bringing the total to 76,314 by September 2025. This roughly aligns with the UK average annual mileage of around 7,500 miles, indicating regular daily use rather than long periods of inactivity. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden drops in the recorded mileage, which supports the integrity of the service history. The vehicle has been driven consistently, meaning wear on consumables and mechanical components is proportionate to its age. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension and front suspension bushes. The nearside rear shock absorber progressed from light misting in 2024 to a serious leak in 2025, meaning the replacement unit fitted just before the September 2025 pass may be a short-term fix rather than a lasting repair. Check for uneven tyre wear, knocking over speed bumps, and any fresh oil residue around the rear dampers. The front suspension arm rear bushes have appeared as advisories in both 2024 and 2025, indicating gradual wear that could eventually cause excessive movement and affect steering precision. Inspect the offside front tyre edge wear pattern, as it suggests possible tracking misalignment or a worn bush allowing the wheel to scrub. The repeated headlamp aim failures across two consecutive MOT cycles are a minor but telling sign. While not a structural risk, they suggest previous owners addressed lighting faults reactively rather than correctly. Verify that both headlamp units sit flush, show no signs of water ingress, and that the aim adjustment mechanisms function smoothly. Given the car's age and the pattern of deferred suspension attention, a pre-purchase inspection focusing on shock absorbers, front suspension bushes, and wheel alignment would be a prudent step before committing.