2009 SEAT Leon 2.0L Diesel · LS59 VGG

The most recent MOT on 9 November 2021 was a pass, with only an advisory noting slight play in the off‑side front anti‑roll bar ball joint. Over the last seven tests the vehicle has moved from a clean record in 2015 to a series of wear‑related advisories and a single dangerous failure in 2019, before returning to a pass with only minor comments. The pattern suggests that the main wear items have been recognised and, presumably, remedied, and that the car’s condition has stabilised in recent years, albeit with lingering suspension joint wear that warrants monitoring. At 128,232 mi after 17 years the average annual mileage is roughly 7,500 mi, which is modest for a vehicle of this age. Such a usage rate often indicates periods of low utilisation or extended storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage because age‑related degradation of rubber components, seals and corrosion can progress regardless of distance travelled. The relatively low cumulative mileage reduces the likelihood of severe drivetrain wear, but the age factor means that consumables will be near the end of their service lives and should be inspected with a focus on calendar‑based deterioration. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the front anti‑roll bar assembly; the slight play reported could manifest as a clunk when negotiating bumps or during hard cornering, and excessive wear of the ball joint or its dust cover may allow dirt ingress that accelerates bearing failure. Examine all suspension bushings, tie‑rod ends and wheel bearings for looseness, creaking or uneven tyre wear, especially the inner shoulder wear noted in earlier tests, which can indicate mis‑alignment or worn steering components. Verify the condition of the brake system – measure front pad thickness (the 2019 failure recorded pads below 1.5 mm) and inspect the discs for scoring or excessive rust, as prior advisories highlighted disc wear; any pulsation or shudder under braking would be a warning sign of impending replacement. Check the current tyre tread depth on all four wheels, ensuring each is above the legal 1.6 mm limit and that sidewalls show no cracking, dry rot or embedded objects, as the vehicle previously failed for worn tyres and a nail in the near‑side rear. Beyond the recorded defects, age‑related checks are essential. Inspect the battery for sulphation and verify that it holds charge, as a 17‑year‑old unit is likely approaching the end of its service life. Examine the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid for colour, sediment and proper levels; fluids degrade over time even when the car is not driven heavily. Look for corrosion on the chassis, undercarriage and exhaust system, especially if the car has been stored outdoors, and ensure that any rust is superficial rather than structural. Finally, confirm that the service history is complete and that any major scheduled maintenance – such as timing‑belt or chain replacement, water‑pump and spark‑plug service – has been performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s interval, as neglect of these items can lead to costly failures despite a clean MOT record.