2016 SEAT Toledo: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Shock absorbers3.6× usual
  SEAT Toledo

  12.8% All 2016 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.8% of all 2016 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.6× usual
  SEAT Toledo

  12.6% All 2016 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.9% of all 2016 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.

• Engine oil leaks4.4× usual
  SEAT Toledo

  8.7% All 2016 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3× usual
  SEAT Toledo

  4.5% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.9% of all 2016 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.

• Engine warning light2.5× usual
  SEAT Toledo

  3.3% All 2016 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.3% 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 Toledo MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  31% 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.

• Tyres
  29% 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
  25% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  15% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  10% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 SEAT Toledo

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

1. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2016 SEAT Toledo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2016 SEAT Toledo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2016 SEAT Toledo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?