2003 SEAT Arosa petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 SEAT Arosa petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 SEAT Arosa petrol than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  SEAT Arosa

  19.5% All 2003 cars

  10%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2.8% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes3× usual
  SEAT Arosa

  5.9% All 2003 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Transmission oil leaks2.3× usual
  SEAT Arosa

  3.6% All 2003 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 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.

Common 2003 SEAT Arosa petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 SEAT Arosa petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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
  36% 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
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  21% 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 an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 SEAT Arosa petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2003 SEAT Arosa petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2003 SEAT Arosa petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2003 SEAT Arosa petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?