2009 SEAT Altea 1.9L Diesel · KS09 DZX

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 7 July 2026, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning. While it achieved a clean pass in 2025, the broader history reveals a pattern of recurring suspension and drivetrain failures. The progression from light misting on shock absorbers in 2024 to serious fluid leaks across three separate dampers in 2025, followed by multiple corrosion advisories on coil springs and play in the anti-roll bar joint in 2026, suggests a vehicle where chassis components are reaching the end of their natural service life and are being addressed reactively rather than preventatively. With 103,330 miles recorded over approximately 17 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 6,078 miles per year. This is a typical usage profile for a car of this age, suggesting it has avoided the extreme wear associated with high-mileage commuting as well as the stagnation issues common in vehicles that have stood idle for long periods. However, at this age and mileage, rubber bushings, seals, and springs are naturally prone to perishing and fatigue, which is clearly reflected in the recorded history of leaking shock absorbers and split constant velocity boots. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the chassis and suspension during inspection. The current advisories regarding corroded coil springs and play in the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint indicate that further suspension expenditure is imminent. During a test drive, listen for metallic clunks or knocks when traversing uneven road surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvring, as these are classic symptoms of worn ball joints and fatigued springs. Inspect the tyres for any signs of uneven wear, which could indicate that the previous shock absorber replacements have not fully restored the vehicle's geometry or that the remaining springs are sagging. Beyond the suspension, the previous failure regarding a split CV boot suggests the drivetrain has been subject to significant wear; ensure there are no clicking sounds from the front wheels during full-lock turns, which would indicate the constant velocity joint itself has failed. The advisory regarding product on the headlamp lenses suggests UV degradation or poor-quality polishing, which may require professional restoration to ensure optimal nighttime visibility. Finally, given the age of the vehicle, the buyer must verify the service history for timing belt and water pump replacements, as these are critical maintenance items for this engine age and mileage that fall outside the scope of an MOT test.