2017 SEAT Leon 1.4L Petrol · YA67 GOP

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 23 October 2025 with no defects recorded, representing a successful retest after a dangerous failure on the preceding day for excessively worn front and rear brake pads. That earlier dangerous classification indicates the pads were below 1.5 mm thickness, a level at which braking efficiency and disc protection are significantly compromised. The fact that the car passed cleanly the following day suggests the brake pads were replaced promptly, and there is no subsequent record of further brake-related defects. Looking at the broader trend, the MOT results show generally stable outcomes since 2021, with only minor advisories and one repairable failure for a windscreen washer issue. However, the October 2025 dangerous brake failure does warrant attention, as the earlier advisory on rear brake pad wear from January 2022 may have indicated a progression that was not monitored closely enough. The recorded mileage of 97,566 on a nine-year-old SEAT Leon equates to approximately 10,841 miles per year, which is broadly typical for the age and segment. The mileage progression through the MOT records shows reasonably steady annual accumulation without obvious gaps that would suggest extended periods of standing, and no sudden jumps that would imply inconsistent use. Given this average annual mileage, wear on major mechanical components should be in line with expectations for a petrol or diesel family hatchback of this age, with clutch, timing belt, suspension, and exhaust items requiring routine attention at this stage of life. The combination of typical mileage and reasonable test outcomes suggests the vehicle has been used as intended rather than neglected or abused. Given the dangerous brake pad failure recorded in October 2025, the brake system should be a primary focus during any inspection. Confirm directly with the seller that the front and rear brake pads were renewed with quality components, and verify that the brake discs were measured for remaining thickness at the same time, as worn pads often necessitate disc skimming or replacement. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder under firm application, feel for vibration through the steering wheel, and check for pulling to one side, which could indicate uneven pad bedding or a binding caliper. Inspect all four wheels for fresh pad wear and ensure the brake fluid has been changed recently, as fluid degrades with moisture absorption over time regardless of mileage, and the original fluid on a 2017 vehicle would be well overdue for renewal on a calendar basis. Several advisories from earlier tests merit physical inspection. The front registration plate deterioration noted in 2025 and the rear plate noted in 2024 suggest cosmetic weathering, and while not safety critical, replacement ensures legal compliance. The nearside front inner tyre being worn close to the legal limit and on its edge indicates a possible tracking or suspension geometry problem, so check the current tyres for uneven inner-edge wear across the front axle, which would point to worn suspension bushes, a failing strut top mount, or misaligned geometry following any recent suspension work. The 2023 advisory of light oil misting on both nearside front and rear shock absorbers suggests the dampers are beginning to weep, so on a test drive listen for clonking over bumps and observe whether the car settles quickly after compression, as further deterioration will compromise ride quality and tyre contact. Additionally, inspect the nearside front wheel arch liner that was noted as damaged, confirm it has been refitted correctly to prevent water ingress into the engine bay, and verify that the timing belt, water pump, and auxiliary drive belt have been serviced in line with manufacturer schedules, which is essential on a nine-year-old vehicle approaching the end of its recommended replacement interval.