2018 SEAT Leon 1.8L Petrol · S16 ACB

The 2018 SEAT Leon presents a generally sound mechanical picture, though the most recent MOT on 4 August 2025 at 36,360 miles flagged a recurring concern with rear brake discs worn, pitted or scored. This is not a new problem. The record shows a clear pattern of brake-related advisories cycling between axles. Front brake discs were flagged in August 2023 at 29,688 miles, and rear brake pads were noted as wearing thin in the same test. By August 2025, the fronts were clear but the rears had deteriorated. This suggests a gradual, ongoing wear pattern rather than a sudden failure, but it does indicate that braking components have required closer scrutiny at nearly every test since 2023. The maintenance trend is stable in the sense that the car has consistently passed, yet the recurring nature of these advisories means a buyer should not assume the braking system is in perfect order. The mileage profile is notably low for an eight-year-old vehicle. At 36,360 miles, the annual average sits around 4,545 miles per year, well below the typical UK figure of roughly 8,000 to 12,000. The progression is steady and unremarkable: 20,399 miles in June 2021, 25,657 in August 2022, 29,688 in August 2023, 33,482 in August 2024, and 36,360 in August 2025. Each year adds between roughly 2,800 and 5,800 miles, with the largest jump occurring between 2024 and 2025. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden spikes that would suggest odometer tampering or prolonged periods of disuse. The annual tests have been completed consistently in late summer, indicating a regular pattern of upkeep. The most important area for a buyer to inspect in person is the braking system. The rear brake discs were flagged as worn and pitted in the most recent test, and the rear pads were noted as wearing thin two years prior. A physical inspection should check whether the discs have since been replaced or whether they remain in service with visible scoring or lipping. Front discs, which were flagged in 2023, should also be examined for any remaining wear or uneven surfaces. Beyond the brakes, the low annual mileage raises a separate consideration. Vehicles driven infrequently can suffer from deteriorated rubber components such as suspension bushes, brake hoses, and tyre sidewalls due to age rather than distance. Tyre date codes should be checked, as original or early replacement tyres from a 2018 vehicle may now be approaching or exceeding six years of age, regardless of remaining tread depth. A thorough inspection of the underside for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and brake lines, is also advisable given the car's age.