2022 Cupra Formentor V2 TSI S-A 1.5L Petrol · LM22 SWF

A pattern of front suspension wear and front shock absorber oil seepage is beginning to emerge on this low-mileage 2022 CUPRA Formentor, with the most recent MOT on 14 May 2026 flagging three component-specific advisories alongside a pass. The offside front shock absorber is recorded as having light oil misting, which at this stage is typically a seep from the internal seal rather than a functional failure but warrants close monitoring as it tends to progress. The front suspension arm rear bushes on both sides have been noted as worn though not yet exceeding the movement threshold for a failure, indicating that compliance is being lost in the lower wishbone assembly. Additionally, a nearside front tyre was recorded as close to the legal limit and worn on its edge, suggesting either an alignment deviation or that the tyre is nearing the end of its usable life. The earlier 2025 test was notably clean apart from an advisory regarding under-tray and engine bay cover fitment restricting inspection access, which means the meaningful component wear only became apparent in the most recent examination. With 23,998 miles recorded over approximately four years, this Formentor has averaged around 6,000 miles annually, which is below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The relatively modest accumulation suggests reduced wear on major drivetrain components, but the advisories recorded in 2026 demonstrate that lower annual mileage does not necessarily shield a car from suspension component degradation, particularly given the upright stance and relatively heavy unladen mass of a CUPRA-badged SUV. Corrosion-related defects remain entirely absent from the record, and no structural or braking system failures have been logged across the two recorded tests, which is a positive indicator for the chassis and underbody condition. No advisories relate to brake disc wear, brake pipe corrosion, or exhaust integrity, so the rolling and stopping components appear to be holding up under the limited mileage accumulation. Given the flagged front suspension components, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the feel and noise of the front end during a road test. Listen for clonks or dull thuds from the front suspension when traversing speed humps or potholes, which would indicate that the worn arm bushes have progressed beyond advisory tolerances, and feel for vagueness or judder through the steering wheel that might suggest the worn bushes are allowing excessive geometry change under load. With the offside front shock absorber having recorded oil misting, a subsequent bounce test on that corner should be performed: if the vehicle takes more than one cycle to settle after being pushed down firmly on the wing, damping efficiency is likely compromised. Uneven or feathered inner or outer tyre wear across the front axle would also support a geometry concern linked to the worn bushes, and an alignment check should be factored into any acquisition costs. The nearside front tyre advisory combined with the suspension wear pattern makes it prudent to inspect all four tyres for age-related cracking in the sidewalls and to confirm manufacture dates, particularly as low-mileage vehicles often suffer from standing degradation of rubber compounds even when tread depth remains serviceable. The 2025 advisory regarding under-tray and engine bay cover fitment is worth noting because it can mask oil leaks from the engine or transmission, so any inspection should ensure those panels are removed for a thorough undertray and lower engine examination. Under-bonnet checks should focus on the offside front strut top mount area for fresh oil residue, and the lower wishbone rear bushes should be physically levered with a bar to confirm whether movement is now beyond acceptable limits. Finally, although the brake and exhaust systems have not attracted any advisories to date, a road test should still include several firm stops from higher speeds to confirm there is no pulling, vibration, or binding, as the DSG automatic transmission and turbocharged petrol drivetrain warrant confirmation of smooth torque delivery and consistent pedal feel.