2017 SEAT Ateca 2.0L Diesel · FE02 CAT

The most recent MOT, carried out on 18 July 2026, was passed but returned two advisories – rear brake discs showing wear and slight damage to the off‑side front seat‑belt webbing. The preceding test on 14 July 2026 failed on a dangerous basis because the off‑side rear brake pads were below the 1.5 mm minimum thickness, with the same rear‑disc advisory also recorded. Earlier years show a pattern of recurring brake wear advisories and a persistent seat‑belt webbing issue, while the remaining tests have been clean. This indicates a maintenance trend that is generally stable in terms of overall pass/fail status, but with a clear deterioration in the rear braking system that has not yet been fully rectified. At nine years old the vehicle has logged 112 655 miles, averaging roughly 12 500 miles per annum – well above the typical UK usage of 7‑9 000 miles per year. Such a high annual mileage accelerates wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, suspension bushings and engine components. The mileage history does not reveal any long periods of inactivity, suggesting the car has been regularly driven rather than stored, which tends to keep fluids circulating but also means that any neglect of scheduled service intervals would have compounded component wear. A prospective buyer should give the rear braking system the highest priority. Verify the actual thickness of the off‑side rear pad and the condition of both rear discs – look for scoring, rust or excessive run‑out and listen for any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes. The front‑disc advisory from 2021 also suggests that the front discs may be approaching the end of their service life; a visual inspection for deep scoring or uneven wear, together with a brake‑pedal feel test, is essential. The frayed off‑side front seat‑belt webbing should be inspected for fibre breakage and, if present, replaced promptly as it compromises occupant safety. Tyre tread on the near‑side front was already close to the legal limit in 2021; with the current mileage the tyres are likely near the end of their useful life, so check for sidewall cracking, uneven wear patterns that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension components, and ensure the remaining tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm across the tread width. Beyond the specific MOT items, the buyer should assess age‑related items typical of a nine‑year‑old, high‑mileage car. Examine the battery terminals and perform a load test to confirm the 12 V battery still holds charge, as prolonged high‑usage cycles can shorten its service life. Inspect all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour, level and any signs of contamination; fluids older than three years should be refreshed regardless of mileage. Look for corrosion on wheel arches, chassis rails and under‑body panels, especially where the car may have stood for extended periods, and ensure the suspension bushings and mounts are free of excessive play or cracking. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable), and that any previous brake‑pad or disc replacements are documented, as this will give a clearer picture of how well the vehicle’s wear items have been managed.