2016 SEAT MII: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 SEAT MII?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 SEAT MII 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.

Common 2016 SEAT MII MOT failures and advisories

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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 SEAT MII

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2016 SEAT MII as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 7.6× as often on the 2016 SEAT MII as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the fuel cap? (Flagged at MOT 32× as often on the 2016 SEAT MII as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?