2016 SEAT Leon 1.2L Petrol · GL66 TYH

The defining mechanical theme across this SEAT Leon's MOT history is a gradual, multi-year pattern of advisories concentrated on the rear suspension coil springs, alongside a cluster of minor body and electrical items that have only intermittently caused failure. Both rear coil springs were first flagged as corroded in 2025 and have been repeated advisories at the most recent test on 18 June 2026, suggesting progressive surface corrosion that the tester has not yet judged sufficient to fail but which a buyer should monitor closely. The same 2026 date produced a fail-and-pass combination: a dangerous rear tyre bulge (cited alongside ineffective front wipers) caused the initial failure, with the subsequent pass carrying through the same two rear coil spring advisories. Earlier years show a clean record in 2022 and 2023, with a failed washer bottle in 2023, and a failed rear number plate inscription in 2025 that is consistent with a deteriorated plate rather than a structural concern. Overall the trajectory points to a vehicle that is still broadly roadworthy but is beginning to show its age in the rear suspension area and in cosmetic/electrical items such as wipers, washers and number plates. Against an age of roughly ten years, the recorded mileage of 82,737 equates to an average accumulation of approximately 8,274 miles per year, which is in line with typical UK private use and indicates no extended periods off the road or exceptionally heavy use. There are no large year-on-year jumps or anomalous gaps in the test history, with annual tests recorded consistently from 2022 through 2026, supporting the view that the vehicle has been in regular service. The fact that the odometer has progressed steadily through these tests, combined with the gradual onset of advisories rather than sudden component failures, is broadly consistent with a car that has been driven at a moderate rate and is now showing natural wear on its consumables and suspension components. Nothing in the mileage pattern suggests a high-mileage fleet or motorway-bashed example, nor does it suggest long-term storage that would raise separate concerns. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a physical inspection of the rear suspension, specifically the nearside and offside coil springs which have now been flagged for corrosion in two consecutive tests. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly at low speed over speed humps, as corroded springs can fracture and contact the body or suspension arm. Also check the ride height visually from behind to confirm the car sits level, and rock each rear corner by hand to detect any excess play in the spring seats or surrounding components. Given that the most recent failure included a dangerous rear tyre bulge, any tyres fitted at handover should be examined closely for sidewall deformation, bulges, or cracking, and it would be prudent to budget for a full set of replacement tyres if their age or condition is in doubt. Additional checks should focus on the wiper system, the windscreen washer function, and the condition of the rear number plate, all of which have caused or contributed to recent failures. Operate the washers and wipers through all speeds to confirm full screen coverage and a positive jet from the washer nozzles, as washer bottle failure and ineffective wiper blades have both appeared in the record. Inspect the rear number plate for fading, cracking or delamination, as a deteriorated plate was flagged in 2024 and contributed to a 2025 failure. Finally, given the recurring advisories on the rear coil springs and the front and rear tyres noted in 2024, a borescope inspection of the springs for pitting and a close visual check of all four tyres for perishing would be sensible before purchase, and arranging an independent pre-purchase inspection that includes the underside of the vehicle would be a prudent step given the pattern of rear-end advisories.