2025 BYD Seal Design EV Electric · LF74 RJS

At approximately one year old, this BYD Seal has accumulated 63,374 miles, which is substantially higher than typical first-year usage for an EV of this class. The mechanical story so far is one of consistent test passes, with no failures recorded across either DVSA test, but the advisories that have surfaced on both occasions centre on premature tyre wear. The most recent test on 29 July 2026 passed with an advisory for the nearside front tyre being worn close to the legal limit on its edge, and the earlier test on 30 January 2026 also passed while flagging the offside front and nearside rear tyres for similar edge wear concerns. With only two tests on file, the trend cannot yet be firmly established, but the recurrence of edge wear across different axles within six months warrants attention, as it points to a potential geometry or alignment issue rather than simple tyre ageing. The annual mileage figure of roughly 63,374 miles per year is the defining characteristic of this vehicle's usage profile and has direct implications for mechanical wear. Although the BYD Seal's electric drivetrain is largely immune to the engine and exhaust deterioration that would dominate a combustion equivalent, high mileage disproportionately loads the suspension, steering, wheel bearings, and brake components. In particular, the regenerative braking system fitted to most EVs should reduce pad and disc wear compared with a conventional car, but the tyres, bushes, and anti-roll bar linkages still accumulate fatigue at a rate proportional to mileage rather than calendar age. With 63,374 miles already on the clock inside the first year, any consumable item normally expected to last two or three years on a typical vehicle will likely have been through the equivalent of two or three lifecycles already. For a prospective buyer, the recorded front and rear tyre edge wear advisories are the primary inspection focus and should be investigated thoroughly before purchase. Edge wear of this nature is commonly caused by incorrect wheel alignment, particularly excessive or insufficient camber, or by toe settings that have drifted out of specification, and it can also be aggravated by worn suspension components. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which may indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, control arm bushes, or top mount bearings. Check that the steering returns to centre smoothly without delay after cornering, and feel for any pulling to one side under steady acceleration or braking, both of which can indicate alignment drift or worn suspension geometry. Inspect the inner and outer edges of all four tyres for feathering or uneven shoulder wear, and confirm that the sidewalls are not showing any cracking or bulges, as high-mileage use accelerates sidewall fatigue. A four-wheel alignment check and a close inspection of the suspension arms, wishbones, and subframe mounting points would be prudent given the pattern observed. Beyond the flagged tyres, the high usage profile means brake discs and pads, wheel bearings, and drive shafts deserve closer scrutiny despite there being no advisories recorded for these items to date. With regenerative braking, the discs can be susceptible to surface corrosion through lack of regular cleaning action, so on a test drive the buyer should be alert to any vibration or judder through the brake pedal under firm application, which can indicate warped or corroded discs. Listen for any humming or droning from the wheel hubs that increases with speed and changes with cornering direction, as this points to bearing wear. Inspect the underbody for any signs of fluid residue around the power inverter, reduction gearbox, or high-voltage cabling, as EV drivetrain components are not immune to leaks from seals and gaskets. Finally, given the mileage, a battery state-of-health report from BYD or an independent specialist would be a sensible precaution, as rapid cycling and frequent high-state-of-charge use can accelerate degradation of the high-voltage traction battery over time.