2012 SEAT Altea XL 1.6L Diesel · FV62 DPE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding suspension components. While it passed its most recent test on 29 August 2025 at 88,215 miles, it had failed just one day prior due to a serious fluid leak on the nearside rear shock absorber. This specific fault appears to have been rectified, yet the persistent advisories for the offside rear shock absorber and the offside front coil spring suggest that the suspension system is reaching the end of its functional life. The mileage pattern is consistent with a low-use vehicle, averaging approximately 6,300 miles per year over its 14-year life. The data between 2022 and 2025 shows steady progression, moving from 75,356 miles in August 2022 to 88,215 miles in August 2025. This low mileage suggests the car has not been subjected to heavy motorway stress, though it often correlates with the gradual degradation of rubber components and metal components seen in the recent MOT records. A prospective buyer must closely inspect the undercarriage for advanced corrosion, particularly on the rear anti-roll bar which was flagged for corrosion in 2025. The recurring reports of worn inner suspension arm bushes on both rear sides indicate that the rubber is perished and will likely require replacement soon to maintain handling geometry. Additionally, given that the front brake discs were noted as pitted and scored back in both 2022 and 2023, the buyer should verify the current thickness and surface condition of the rotors to ensure they have been replaced since those advisories.