2020 SEAT Leon FR TSI EVO 1.5L Petrol · MH03 AMY

The vehicle most recently passed its DVSA MOT test on 12 December 2025, though five advisories were recorded, including rear brake pads wearing thin, light oil misting on three separate shock absorbers, and a nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit. While a pass outcome confirms no immediate failures against statutory standards, the accumulation of advisories across recent tests suggests a maintenance trend that warrants attention rather than reassurance. Comparing the 2024 and 2025 tests, the previous advisory on the offside rear shock absorber has persisted, and it has now been joined by misting on the nearside front and nearside rear units, indicating a progressive deterioration of the damping components. Similarly, brake pad wear and tyre condition have only emerged in the latest test, meaning these items are approaching service intervals and should not be overlooked simply because the vehicle has not failed outright. With 48,978 miles recorded over approximately six years of service, the vehicle has covered an annual average of around 8,163 miles, which is broadly consistent with typical usage for a car of this age. This level of mileage implies regular but moderate use, generally sufficient to keep mechanical components, lubricants, and brake surfaces in reasonable working condition without excessive wear on major drivetrain items. There is no evidence within the supplied history of extended periods of standing or of unusually high annual accumulation, so concerns relating to seized calipers from disuse or accelerated clutch or turbo degradation from sustained high-mileage motoring are reduced, though not eliminated. The most pressing advisory concerns the rear brake pads, which were noted as wearing thin at the most recent test. On a prospective test drive, listen for any metallic squealing or grinding from the rear axle during light pedal application, and be alert to brake judder or pulling to one side, which could indicate uneven pad wear or a sticking caliper slide pin. Given that pads approaching the 2 to 3 millimetre range typically require imminent replacement, a thorough inspection of pad remaining thickness, disc condition, and caliper operation is advisable, with budget allowed for discs if they show lipping or surface corrosion beyond service limits. The nearside rear tyre noted as worn close to the legal limit should be checked for both tread depth and any uneven inner or outer wear patterns, as such wear can suggest misalignment or worn suspension components rather than simple age-related depletion. The repeated and expanding advisories relating to shock absorber oil misting are particularly relevant for buyer scrutiny, as this condition typically progresses gradually towards seal failure and reduced damping efficiency. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or during direction changes, and observe whether the vehicle continues to oscillate excessively after passing over undulations. Additionally, given the calendar age of the vehicle, a prospective buyer should verify the date of the most recent brake fluid and coolant changes, as these are time-sensitive services irrespective of mileage, and inspect the 12V battery for signs of weakened cranking performance, particularly if the vehicle has predominantly been used for short journeys. Tyres that are six years or older should be examined for sidewall cracking or perishing even where tread remains adequate, as rubber degradation with age can compromise safety independently of the MOT wear criteria.