2004 SEAT Leon 1.8L Petrol · MF04 FBG

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile with a clear trend of reactive rather than proactive maintenance. While it passed its most recent test in December 2025 at 87,661 miles, this success followed a comprehensive failure just one month prior. The November 2025 failure revealed multiple critical safety defects, including four tyres with exposed cords, a broken shock absorber bolt, and an inoperative parking brake. This suggests the owner only addresses faults when forced by a tester rather than performing preventative maintenance. The mileage pattern is notably low for a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,000 miles per year to reach 87,661 miles. However, the data shows a significant jump in usage between November 2023 and November 2024, where the car covered nearly 8,000 miles in a single year compared to previous periods. The low annual mileage often correlates with the degradation of rubber-based components, as evidenced by the recurring deterioration of CV boots and the corrosion of brake pipes noted consistently between 2022 and 2025. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system and suspension geometry. The record shows persistent issues with corroded brake pipes covered in grease, which is often an attempt to hide structural decay from the tester. The binding offside rear brake noted in 2024 and 2025 indicates a seized caliper or cylinder that requires attention. Furthermore, the repeated failure of the front CV boots and the previously broken shock absorber mounting suggest that the suspension components are reaching the end of their service life. The ongoing oil leak mentioned across three consecutive tests should also be identified to ensure it remains a minor weep rather than a failing seal failure.