2009 SEAT Leon 1.4L Petrol · GY59 TYP

The 2009 SEAT Leon passed its most recent MOT on 4 February 2026 at 100,024 miles, just over four months ago, so the certificate is still fresh. The maintenance trend is mixed and shows a gradual worsening of structural and braking issues rather than a clean bill of health. The tester flagged a front oil leak, both front brake discs worn and pitted, rear corrosion across the subframe and suspension, and multiple tyres worn to the legal limit or perishing. These are not new one-off advisories. They build on a pattern of recurring defects that have persisted across several tests. The mileage progression tells a story of very light use. Between the February 2023 test at 89,685 miles and the February 2025 test at 93,618 miles, the car covered only 3,933 miles in two years. From February 2025 to February 2026 it added 6,406 miles, a modest increase but still well below the UK average. Over its 17-year life the car has averaged roughly 5,884 miles per year, which is low. That low mileage can mean less mechanical wear in some respects, but it also raises the possibility of long periods standing still, which accelerates rubber deterioration and corrosion. The gap between 2023 and 2025 shows particularly slow accumulation, and the jump to 2026 suggests slightly more regular use recently. The rear subframe and suspension corrosion is the most structurally significant concern. It appeared as a corrosion advisory in February 2025 and was still present in February 2026, suggesting the condition is not being actively managed. Combined with the recurring worn front brake discs, which have appeared in multiple consecutive tests, and the perished inner tyre walls, a buyer should have the underside inspected on a ramp before purchase. Pay particular attention to the subframe mounting points, rear suspension bushes, and the condition of the brake discs and pads across all four corners. The front oil leak noted in the latest test also warrants investigation, as even a minor leak can worsen and contaminate other components over time. The tyre wear pattern is telling. Inner edge wear on the front tyres and inner wear on the rear suggest possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension geometry components, which would be consistent with the deteriorated ball joint dust covers flagged in 2023. A buyer should check for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking from the front suspension over bumps, and verify that the rear brakes are not binding, given the advisory about the nearside rear service brake barely meeting requirements in 2025. Overall, the car presents as a low-mileage example with a current MOT, but the accumulating corrosion and repeated brake and tyre advisories point to deferred maintenance rather than careful ongoing upkeep.