Used car guide

2016 SEAT MII: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 SEAT MIIs, from 2,242 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,242MOT tests in 2025
74%pass first time (all 2016 cars: 75%)
5,300typical miles a year
2.8×the usual rate for braking performance

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 SEAT MIIs than on all cars registered in 2016.

  • Braking performance2.8× usual
    SEAT MII
    7% All 2016 cars
    2.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

  • Exhaust emissions (catalyst)7.6× usual
    SEAT MII
    3.8% All 2016 cars
    0.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.5% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Fuel cap32× usual
    SEAT MII
    3.2% All 2016 cars
    0.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Sidelights2.8× usual
    SEAT MII
    3.9% All 2016 cars
    1.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Better than most

Shock absorbers: 1.3% here, against 4.3% of all 2016 cars. Coil springs: 1.6% here, against 4.1% of all 2016 cars.

By area

The share of 2016 SEAT MII MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    27% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    21% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    14% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    12% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    5% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Looking at a SEAT MII?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20211,081Tyres 28%
20191,299Tyres 26%
20181,276Tyres 29%
20171,467Tyres 28%
20152,685Tyres 30%
20143,072Tyres 28%
20133,483Tyres 28%
20121,730Tyres 27%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 SEAT MIIs registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score