2021 SEAT Leon FR Sport Etsi EVO S-A 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · YD71 CFK

The most recent DVSA examination on 5 January 2026 resulted in a PASS outcome, although three tyre-related advisories were issued against the vehicle at that time. With the previous test on 3 September 2024 recording a clean pass and no defects, the maintenance trend is broadly stable, but the appearance of multiple tyre advisories on the latest test signals that attention to the wheels and tyres has become a notable concern. A clean pass on the earlier examination followed by advisories on the most recent one suggests the vehicle has not suddenly become poorly maintained, but rather that consumable items such as tyres have now reached a stage where replacement or close monitoring is warranted. The advisory items should not be regarded as failures, but they do indicate the prospective buyer should anticipate imminent expenditure on new tyres as part of their acquisition cost. The recorded mileage of 32,788 miles over a five-year period equates to an average annual usage of approximately 6,558 miles, which is broadly typical for a privately owned vehicle of this age. There is no evidence in the MOT history of significant gaps in testing or unusually rapid mileage accumulation between recorded tests, suggesting the vehicle has been used consistently rather than left standing for prolonged periods. Typical mileage for a SEAT Leon of this vintage places average wear on suspension components, brake friction materials, and drivetrain parts within expected parameters. The relatively modest annual mileage does, however, mean that calendar-based degradation of items such as tyres, brake discs, coolant, brake fluid, and the 12V battery may be a more relevant consideration than wear from high mileage alone. The tyre advisories recorded at the most recent test warrant particular attention during a physical inspection. All three tyres mentioned showed evidence of cracking or perishing as well as edge wear on the front pair, which is consistent with a combination of age-related rubber degradation and possibly incorrect wheel alignment, suspension wear, or prolonged under-inflation. Perishing appears as visible cracking in the sidewall or tread grooves and indicates the rubber compound is hardening and losing its flexibility, which can compromise grip especially in wet conditions. The buyer should closely inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, tread depth measured across the full width, and uneven wear patterns such as feathering on the inner or outer edges. On a test drive, listen for any increase in road noise, vague steering response, or pulling to one side under braking, all of which can indicate suspension geometry issues or brake-related concerns. Given the advisories specifically noted worn edges on the front tyres, it would be prudent to check for worn suspension bushes, top mounts, and drop links, as these can cause inconsistent camber angles leading to premature and uneven tyre wear. Beyond the recorded advisories, several age-and-mileage-appropriate checks are strongly recommended for a five-year-old vehicle with moderate annual usage. The brake discs should be examined for corrosion or pitting on the outer edges, as a vehicle used gently and predominantly for short journeys can develop surface rust that, if severe, may lead to juddering under braking. The caliper guide pins and sliding mechanisms should be checked for smooth operation, particularly on a vehicle that may have had periods of light use, as seized calipers are a common issue on lower‑mileage cars. The 12V battery health should be verified, as batteries typically require replacement every four to six years regardless of mileage, and a weak battery can cause erratic behaviour in modern electronics. Time-based servicing should also be confirmed, including replacement of the brake fluid (generally every two years), coolant, and DSG or automatic transmission fluid where applicable to this semi-automatic S-A variant, as these degrade with calendar age rather than mileage. Finally, request evidence of recent service history stamps, particularly confirmation that the timing chain, oil changes, and filter replacements have been carried out at manufacturer-specified intervals, and consider having an independent pre-purchase inspection carried out by a qualified technician to assess the underside, suspension linkages, and exhaust system for any signs of corrosion or oil leakage that would not be visible from a standard road test.