2013 SEAT Altea 1.6L Diesel · FR13 NFH

A thirteen year old SEAT Altea carrying 100,867 miles presents a broadly stable MOT profile, with the most recent test on 16 July 2025 recorded as a pass with no defects noted, and the prior test on 22 July 2024 also clean. The pattern is not without blemish, however, as a test on 7 February 2024 resulted in a failure for two presenting reasons: a non-functioning nearside rear stop lamp and a front windscreen washer delivering insufficient fluid. Both items are straightforward, but their simultaneous presence on a single inspection is worth noting. Notably, the same date carries a pass result, indicating the vehicle was re-submitted and cleared within the same visit once the lamp and washer were remedied. Aside from this minor incident, the vehicle has avoided any major mechanical failures across the recorded tests, and the overall trajectory from 2024 onwards is one of recovery and stability rather than decline. Against an age of roughly thirteen years, the accumulated mileage equates to approximately 7,759 miles annually, which sits close to the typical usage band for a vehicle of this vintage. There are no extended gaps in the testing record that would suggest a prolonged period off the road, and the mileage accumulation appears consistent with regular but moderate use, the kind of pattern that tends to keep mechanical components, particularly suspension bushes, brake components and rubber seals, working rather than seized or dried out. Such mileage does, however, place the consumable drivetrain and chassis items squarely within their mid-life wear window, meaning components such as shock absorbers, springs, brake discs, pads and flexible brake hoses should be considered at greater risk of requiring attention within the next service interval. Continuous year on year testing without lay-up is generally favourable for avoiding the deterioration that affects vehicles left standing for extended periods. The advisories recorded in February 2024 merit particular attention from a prospective buyer. Both rear suspension arms were flagged, with the offside rear arm noted as corroded though not seriously weakened, and the nearside rear arm as damaged but again not seriously weakened. On a physical inspection, these components should be examined for play by hand when the wheel is lifted, and on a test drive any clonking or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps or potholes, should be taken as an immediate prompt to investigate further, as corrosion at suspension pickup points can progress once initiated. The central exhaust mounting defect recorded at the same test is also worth a physical check underneath, looking for excessive exhaust movement when the engine is revved or for signs of the front silencer or pipe resting against the underbody. The 2023 advisories regarding a slightly perished nearside rear tyre and an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit are tyre life items rather than structural concerns, but they do underscore the importance of inspecting all four tyres closely for age cracking, particularly on the sidewalls, and confirming even wear across the tread. For a test drive, attention should be directed toward the symptoms consistent with the flagged components. Listen for any suspension noise from the rear, particularly when traversing broken tarmac or speed cushions, and feel for vagueness or wander in the steering that could suggest worn bushes further forward. The brake pedal should be tested for sponginess or excessive travel, as flexible brake hoses on a vehicle of this age and mileage are common wear items not always captured in MOT records, and the handbrake should hold the vehicle on a moderate slope without creeping. Verify operation of all exterior lamps, including the rear brake lights that previously failed, and confirm that the washer system delivers a clear spray to both the windscreen and, if fitted, the rear screen. Finally, with the engine warm, listen for any irregular idle, camshaft chain noise, or diesel knock applicable to the engine type fitted, and check for any fresh oil seepage around the sump, cam cover and turbo plumbing, as these are typical areas of wear on higher mileage SEAT products of this era.