SEAT Leon (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 431 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1896cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Diesel1896cc25 years old431 tests128k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1896cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.

75% of MOT tests on SEAT Leons from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 431 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 128,387 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models128th of 350(top half)

Rank among SEAT models249th of 310(bottom 20%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 2001 models average+2%(73% avg)

vs SEAT average-10%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

128,387

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 SEAT Leon had 128,387 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2001 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

SEAT Leon by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	85%	184	29,531 mi
2020	90%	13,840	38,299 mi
2019	88%	33,662	45,808 mi
2018	88%	37,787	53,378 mi
2017	88%	32,092	63,602 mi
2016	87%	28,078	72,877 mi
2015	86%	30,311	83,849 mi
2014	85%	33,359	93,735 mi
2013	83%	21,374	100,080 mi
2012	79%	16,909	108,558 mi
2011	78%	12,613	114,006 mi
2010	77%	11,322	120,467 mi
2009	77%	9,868	119,895 mi
2008	76%	9,717	124,433 mi
2007	75%	8,629	129,414 mi
2006	74%	5,613	129,640 mi
2005	76%	3,477	130,247 mi
2004	77%	2,724	136,378 mi
2003	76%	2,090	129,241 mi
2002	76%	1,025	126,696 mi
2001	75%	431	128,387 mi
2000	76%	92	108,063 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2003 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

73%

-2%

Ford Fiesta

2002 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

-5%

Vauxhall Astra

2003 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

-3%

Volkswagen Polo

2002 · 1400cc Diesel

£2,144/year

68%

-7%

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About the 2001 SEAT Leon

The 2001 SEAT Leon is a family car. Our records list a 1896cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 431 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 128,387 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, SEAT Leon owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2001 SEAT Leon Fuel Costs

The 1896cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2001 SEAT Leon?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

SEAT Leon Reliability Trend

Newer SEAT Leons pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2001 SEAT Leon

At 25 years old, the SEAT Leon is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 128k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2001 SEAT Leon stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
SEAT Leon(2001)	75%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Volkswagen Golf(2003)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Ford Fiesta(2002)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£283
Vauxhall Astra(2003)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Volkswagen Polo(2002)	68%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£2,144-£83

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2001 SEAT Leon

Is the 2001 SEAT Leon reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2001 SEAT Leons ended in a pass, from 431 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 SEAT Leon cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 SEAT Leon?

75% of 431 MOT tests on the 2001 SEAT Leon ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 128th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (top half).

Which year SEAT Leon has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 SEAT Leon has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 2006 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 SEAT Leon?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 SEAT Leon is 128,387 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.