2009 SEAT Leon 1.6L Petrol · OY09 KWB

A persistent theme throughout the MOT history of this 2009 SEAT Leon is the condition of its drive shaft and prop shaft constant velocity boots, which have appeared as either advisories or minor defects at every annual test since 2023 and were still flagged as severely deteriorated on the offside front prop shaft joint at the most recent pass on 30 March 2026. While a minor categorisation technically permits a pass, a severely deteriorated CV boot that has been allowed to remain on the vehicle across multiple test cycles raises legitimate concern, as a split boot will progressively allow grease to escape and contamination to enter, ultimately destroying the joint itself. Equally telling is the tyre history, which has produced advisories at six consecutive tests covering perished tread, edge wear, and cracking on both front and rear axles, pointing to either prolonged use of aged rubber, incorrect wheel alignment, or suspension geometry that is encouraging uneven contact patch wear. The vehicle has also accumulated two recorded failures during the period covered: an exhaust carbon monoxide content failure on 23 March 2022 that was noted twice on the same test and required a successful retest the following day, and an airbag supplementary restraint system warning lamp major failure on 17 March 2025 that was remedied for the pass two days later. Both failures have been resolved at retest, but the ABS lamp issue in particular warrants close attention, as intermittent SRS faults on vehicles of this age frequently point to failing seatbelt pretensioner squibs, clock spring ribbon wear, or corroded under-seat connectors rather than a one-off sensor glitch. Against an age of roughly seventeen years, the recorded 120,290 miles equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 7,076 miles, which sits within the typical range for a privately used hatchback of this vintage and rules out the dual concerns of an excessively high-mileage workhorse and a long-standing unused vehicle. The MOT records themselves cover the period from 2021 through to 2026 and show consistent annual testing with no obvious multi-year lay-up gaps in the data provided, suggesting the car has remained in active use throughout this window. The mileage progression across these tests appears steady and broadly in line with the calculated annual figure, indicating regular rather than sporadic driving, which is mechanically favourable for keeping seals lubricated, brake surfaces free of corrosion, and the drivetrain from suffering cold-start wear. There are no sudden mileage jumps between tests that would suggest odometer irregularities or major tourer use, and equally no suspiciously flat readings that might indicate periods off the road. For a prospective buyer, the most important areas to scrutinise on inspection are those that mirror the recurring advisories in the MOT file. The constant velocity boots should be examined on a ramp or with the wheels turned to full lock, looking for fresh grease around the inner and outer joints of both front drive shafts and the prop shaft, as any replacement carried out since the 2026 test should be evidenced by a recent invoice. Given the repeated advisories for perished tyre sidewalls across all four positions, the rubber currently fitted should be checked carefully for hairline cracking in the sidewall flex zone and between the tread blocks, and the tread depth measured across the full width rather than just the central grooves, since edge wear on both fronts suggests a four-wheel alignment check is overdue and the tracking, rear axle bushes, and front suspension wishbone bushes should all be assessed for play. The 2021 advisory for thin front brake discs is now five years old and the discs will almost certainly have required replacement since, so the current discs should be measured for remaining thickness and the caliper slide pins checked for smooth operation, as binding calipers are a known issue on this generation of Leon. The 2023 advisory relating to a P0491 secondary air injection insufficient flow fault should be queried directly, as unresolved faults in this area can cause cold-start emissions failures and may have contributed to or been related to the 2022 CO exceedance. Finally, the airbag system that prompted the 2025 failure should be verified by ensuring the SRS warning lamp extinguishes promptly on ignition and stays off during a test drive, with particular attention paid to any flicker when turning the steering wheel from lock to lock, which would indicate clock spring degradation. On a road test, drive the vehicle cold from standstill and listen for any clonk or shudder from the front axle during the first few metres, which would suggest worn lower wishbone bushes or top mounts, both of which are common wear items at this mileage on the Leon and would explain the chronic front tyre edge wear pattern. Engage a roundabout or series of tight turns in both directions and listen for any rhythmic clicking or crunching from the front hubs, the classic symptom of a CV joint that has been contaminated by a torn boot, and feel for any vibration through the steering wheel above 40 mph, which would point to a worn or imbalanced prop shaft joint consistent with the 2026 minor defect. Brake firmly from around 50 mph and confirm the pedal feels solid without any judder through the steering, which would indicate warped front discs, and check that the car pulls straight under gentle braking rather than veering toward one wheel, which can be symptomatic of a seized flex hose or sticking caliper. Listen for any metallic knocking from the exhaust on start-up, as the earlier CO failure could indicate a failing lambda sensor, blocked catalytic converter, or exhaust leak upstream of the lambda probe, and confirm that the engine returns to a steady tickover without any hesitation or rough running once warm.