Used car guide

2013 SEAT Toledo: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 SEAT Toledos, from 744 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

744MOT tests in 2025
63%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 66%)
9,000typical miles a year
1.9×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2013 SEAT Toledos than on all cars registered in 2013.

  • Brake discs1.9× usual
    SEAT Toledo
    26.5% All 2013 cars
    13.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints4× usual
    SEAT Toledo
    13.2% All 2013 cars
    3.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

  • Steering rack inner joints4× usual
    SEAT Toledo
    8.9% All 2013 cars
    2.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
    SEAT Toledo
    15.9% All 2013 cars
    8.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.8% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Shock absorbers2.1× usual
    SEAT Toledo
    12.6% All 2013 cars
    6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.3% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

By area

The share of 2013 SEAT Toledo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    43% 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.

  • Brakes
    38% 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.

  • Tyres
    36% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    20% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Driveshafts and joints
    13% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Steering
    11% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Looking at a SEAT Toledo?

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

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20181,101Suspension 32%
2017705Suspension 30%
2016512Suspension 36%
2015671Suspension 39%
2014812Suspension 40%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 SEAT Toledos registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score