2003 SEAT Toledo diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel SEAT Toledo first registered in 2003 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 141 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 141 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2003 SEAT Toledo diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 SEAT Toledo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension50% 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.
- Brakes48% 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 electrics39% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors17% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions17% 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 2003 SEAT Toledo diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
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
Every year of the SEAT Toledo compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 258 | Tyres 36% |
| 2018 | 3,352 | Tyres 33% |
| 2017 | 2,159 | Tyres 30% |
| 2016 | 1,694 | Suspension 31% |
| 2015 | 2,251 | Suspension 35% |
| 2014 | 2,695 | Suspension 37% |
| 2013 | 2,652 | Suspension 39% |
| 2012 | 280 | Suspension 37% |
| 2008 | – | Too few tests |
| 2007 | 288 | Suspension 56% |
| 2006 | 471 | Suspension 52% |
| 2005 | 568 | Suspension 55% |
| 2004 | 271 | Brakes 48% |
| 2002 | 156 | Suspension 49% |
| 2001 | 117 | Suspension 50% |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
| 1999 | – | Too few tests |
| 1998 | – | Too few tests |
| 1997 | – | Too few tests |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of SEAT Toledo cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score