2017 SEAT Leon 1.4L Petrol · LM17 AAY

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 23 April 2026, although this followed an initial failure on the same day due to a serious fluid leak from the nearside rear shock absorber. Reviewing the history since 2023, the maintenance trend appears to be worsening. The rear shock absorbers have been flagged for oil misting for three consecutive years before the nearside unit finally failed, suggesting a pattern of deferred maintenance where advisories were ignored until they became critical failures. With a recorded mileage of 73,827 miles over approximately nine years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 8,203 miles per year. This usage rate is considered typical for a car of this age and suggests a balanced duty cycle of mixed urban and motorway driving. Mechanically, this mileage indicates the vehicle is entering a phase where wear-and-tear components, such as suspension bushings and dampers, naturally reach the end of their service life, which is reflected in the recent MOT advisories. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the chassis and suspension. The recurring issues with the rear shock absorbers and the current advisory regarding the nearside front suspension arm bush indicate a general degradation of the vehicle's damping and articulation system. During a test drive, listen for knocks or clunks when traversing uneven surfaces and observe if the rear of the car exhibits excessive bouncing or instability. Furthermore, the history of tyre stepping and perishing on the rear axle suggests potential alignment issues or uneven loading, which can lead to premature tyre wear and reduced grip. The current advisory regarding a non-excessive oil leak requires a physical inspection of the engine bay and the underside of the vehicle. You should check for fresh oil residue around the sump, rocker cover, or oil filter housing to determine the source and severity of the leak. Ensure the oil level is correct and check for any signs of emulsification. Given the age of the vehicle, verify the service history to ensure that calendar-based maintenance, such as coolant flushes and brake fluid replacements, has been performed, as these fluids degrade regardless of the mileage covered.