2003 SEAT Toledo petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol SEAT Toledo first registered in 2003 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 190 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 190 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 petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 SEAT Toledo petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes41% 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.
- Suspension39% 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 electrics33% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres33% 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 emissions15% 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 leaks14% 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 Toledo petrol
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