2020 SEAT Leon 1.6L Diesel · MK70 HFV

The 2020 SEAT Leon presents a generally sound mechanical picture, though the most recent MOT on 16 September 2025 at 69,865 miles introduced a new advisory that warrants attention. Both nearside and offside rear shock absorbers were flagged for light oil misting under item 5.3.2 (b). This is not a failure, but it indicates the seals are beginning to weep. The maintenance trend is stable overall, with no structural or dangerous defects recorded across the full history, yet this emerging suspension issue suggests the car is entering a phase where ageing components will need closer monitoring. The mileage progression tells a consistent story. The vehicle covered roughly 14,000 miles between the clean pass on 18 September 2023 at 41,027 miles and the re-test on 26 September 2024 at 56,011 miles, then added another 13,854 miles in the twelve months leading to the September 2025 test. That annual rate of around 13,000 to 14,000 miles sits above the typical 11,644 miles per year implied by the current odometer reading, pointing to sustained regular use rather than long periods of inactivity. The 2024 failure for a low nearside headlamp aim was a minor lighting defect, promptly corrected at the same test session, and has not recurred. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension. Light oil misting on both shock absorbers simultaneously often points to a shared environmental cause, such as road salt ingress or age-related seal degradation, rather than a single faulty unit. Check the shock absorber bodies for wetness beyond a light film, inspect the bump stops and dust covers for splits, and examine the rear coil springs for corrosion or sag. Given the mileage, also assess the condition of the rear brake discs and pads, as higher-than-average annual use accelerates wear on consumables. A short test drive over uneven surfaces will reveal whether the rear dampers are still controlling body movement effectively or if knocking and excessive bounce have developed.