2016 SEAT MII 1.0L Petrol · HV66 WBF

The most recent MOT, dated 15 October 2025, recorded a failure for the nearside front position lamp and three major exhaust emissions defects – excess carbon‑monoxide at idle, excessive hydrocarbon output after the second fast idle, and a lambda sensor reading outside the prescribed range. These are significant because they indicate a fault in the lighting circuit and a likely malfunction in the exhaust after‑treatment system or engine management, both of which would prevent a legal road‑worthiness pass. Prior to this, the vehicle enjoyed three consecutive years of clean passes, suggesting a previously stable maintenance regime that has now deteriorated. At ten years old the odometer reads 42 713 miles, equating to roughly 4 300 miles per annum – well below the average UK usage of about 7‑8 000 miles a year. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of infrequent use or extended storage, which can be benign but may also allow moisture to settle in components, promote corrosion, and cause seals to dry out. The modest mileage means that wear‑related items such as the clutch, gearbox, and engine internals are likely to be in good condition, yet the vehicle’s age introduces calendar‑based degradation that must be inspected. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the lighting circuit – verify that the nearside front position lamp illuminates correctly and check the associated fuse and wiring for corrosion or loose connections. The emissions failures suggest a possible fault with the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, or fuel injection timing; a diagnostic scan should be performed to read any stored fault codes, and a functional test of the lambda sensor’s response at idle and under load is advisable. On a test drive listen for a lean or rich engine note, note any hesitation on acceleration, and watch the exhaust for excessive smoke, which could confirm a catalytic issue. The 2022 advisory about the off‑side front tyre being close to the legal limit and the 2020 note on front tyre perishing at the outer shoulder indicate that the tyre sidewalls have been exposed to ageing and possibly under‑inflation; inspect both front tyres for cracking, bulging, or loss of tread depth, especially on the outer shoulder, and replace them if any signs of perishing are evident. The noisy rear wiper blade and the under‑inflated rear tyre recorded in 2022 should be checked – ensure the wiper blade makes smooth contact without chatter and verify that all tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures, correcting any low‑pressure condition before further testing. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough calendar‑based inspection is prudent. Examine the battery for sulphation and test its cranking voltage, as a ten‑year‑old battery may have lost capacity even with low mileage. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, glazing or uneven wear, and confirm that the calipers move freely without binding; any shudder or pulsation under braking would warrant disc resurfacing or replacement. Check the suspension bushes, ball joints and coil springs for any signs of cracking, oil seepage or play, especially on the front axle where previous tyre wear was noted. Finally, verify that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are at the correct levels and appear clear; fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage, so a full service, including oil and filter change, coolant flush and brake fluid replacement, would be a sensible precaution before committing to purchase.