2012 SEAT Altea 1.6L Diesel · YS62 FND

The vehicle remains in a roadworthy state but the maintenance history indicates a pattern of reactive rather than preventative care. While the most recent test in November 2025 at 75,356 miles passed, it followed a failure just two days prior for multiple mechanical issues. The trend shows a recurring failure of components, specifically the exhaust system and suspension, which require repeated attention, suggesting that the owner only addresses faults when they threaten the MOT certificate rather than maintaining the vehicle through regular service intervals. At 14 years old, the recorded 75,356 miles represent low annual usage, averaging approximately 5,400 miles per year. This low mileage often results in vehicles sitting for extended periods, which explains the specific degradation of rubber-based components observed. Between October 2023 and November 2025, the car covered roughly 6,000 miles, maintaining a consistent low-use profile. However, the low mileage does not protect against age-related perish, as seen in the recent instances of tyres failing due to cracking rather than tread wear. A buyer must conduct a close inspection of the rear suspension, as the arm pins and bushes were flagged as worn in both the 2025 failure and the 2025 advisory. These components are prone to causing handling instability and uneven tyre wear if left untreated. The braking system also requires scrutiny following the October 2024 failure for low parking brake efficiency and a binding nearside rear caliper. You should verify that the handbrake is now fully effective and that the rear brakes are not seizing due to infrequent use. The exhaust system is another known point of weakness, with records showing corrosion and defective mounts in 2024 and an insecure sleeve in late 2025. Check for further structural rust or loose hangers that could lead to another failure. Additionally, given the advisories for perished front tyres in the latest test, check the age and condition of sidewalls for deep cracking which necessitates immediate replacement regardless of the remaining tread depth.