2015 SEAT Leon SE TDI S-A 1.6L Diesel · JIB 1188

This Honda Civic’s most recent MOT test on 2023-02-20—just 3 years and 5 months ago—shows a stable roadworthiness trend, though the record is unusual in that it documents a single test date with both a pass and a fail at identical mileage. The absence of defects in either entry suggests the vehicle cleared all mandatory checks for brakes, suspension, steering, and emissions at that time. However, the duplicate entries raise suspicion over administrative accuracy, and no tests have occurred since, leaving a critical 3-year gap with no verification of wear progression. The vehicle’s current mileage of 52,744 miles, combined with its 2004 model year, indicates it has likely been stored or used sparingly, but this does not preclude latent issues from prolonged inactivity. The recorded mileage pattern—just 4,178 miles covered between the 2022 and 2023 tests—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, averaging around 1,094 miles per year over the past decade. This suggests prolonged periods of disuse, which can accelerate deterioration in suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake caliper seals due to lack of motion. The 2022 test at 48,566 miles and the 2023 tests at 52,744 miles imply minimal usage, yet the absence of advisories or defects in those entries does not confirm whether critical components like steering dampers or exhaust mounts were inspected. Buyers should scrutinise whether the vehicle was ever driven regularly, as static conditions can lead to hidden corrosion or degraded rubber components. Given the sparse MOT history, an in-person inspection should prioritise suspension integrity, particularly rear coil springs and bushes, which are prone to fatigue in low-mileage vehicles. The brakes, though not explicitly failed, warrant closer examination for uneven wear or binding calipers, especially if the vehicle was stored with the brakes applied. Structural corrosion—common in older Civics—should be checked at wheel arches, sills, and the subframe, as rust can compromise structural integrity without obvious signs. The lack of recent tests also means fluid levels (brakes, power steering, coolant) and tyre condition should be verified, as these are not covered by MOT but are critical for safe operation. The buyer should demand a full service history to validate whether maintenance was performed between tests.