2021 SEAT Ateca SE Technology TSI EVO 1.5L Petrol · DL70 EWK

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 26 January 2026 at 43,511 miles, but the test revealed multiple critical advisories and one prior failure just days earlier, indicating a clear and worsening maintenance trend. The front tyres are worn to the legal limit with uneven edge wear, the front shock absorbers show oil misting, and both front and rear brake pads are thinning dangerously close to the 1.5 mm minimum. The prior failure on the same date highlighted a serious fluid leak from the nearside front shock absorber and critically low brake fluid — issues that were not resolved before the subsequent pass, suggesting deferred or incomplete repairs. The recorded mileage of 43,511 over five years equates to roughly 8,700 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. However, the gap between the 2025 and 2026 tests is unusually long — 12 months — while the jump from 25,658 miles in February 2024 to 34,573 in January 2025 shows a 8,915-mile increase in just 11 months, indicating a period of heavier use. The absence of any defects in the 2024 test suggests the car was well-maintained until late 2024, after which wear accelerated rapidly, particularly on tyres and brakes. A buyer must inspect the front suspension thoroughly: the shock absorbers show signs of progressive failure, and the oil misting combined with the prior serious leak point to imminent component collapse. The brake system requires immediate attention — the low fluid level and thin pads on all four corners suggest either neglect or a fluid leak that may still be active. The tyre wear pattern indicates possible misalignment or worn suspension components, which should be checked with a laser alignment. No structural corrosion or exhaust issues have been flagged, but the repeated brake and suspension advisories over a short timeframe signal that this vehicle has been driven hard without timely servicing, and the cost of urgent repairs will likely exceed the purchase price if not addressed before handover.