SEAT LEON (2016)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 28,078 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Total Tests (2024)
28,078
Avg Mileage
72,877 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,572
Is the 2016 SEAT LEON reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 8 years old, 87% of SEAT LEONs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 28,078 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 72,877 miles.
How does the 2016 SEAT LEON compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2016 SEAT LEON has 72,877 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Best year to buy a SEAT LEON?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2016 sits between the two at 87%.
How much does a 2016 SEAT LEON cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific SEAT LEON?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2016 SEAT LEON
The 2016 SEAT LEON is a small family car with a 1395cc petrol engine. 28,078 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 72,877 miles at 8 years old, SEAT LEON owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2016 SEAT LEON Fuel Costs
The 1395cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 SEAT LEON?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,572 (£131/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SEAT LEON Reliability Trend
Newer SEAT LEONs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 SEAT LEON
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 90%. With 28,078 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2016 SEAT LEON
The SEAT LEON is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2015) 81% pass rate (-6%) from 225,575 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2015) 78% pass rate (-9%) from 160,438 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2014) 80% pass rate (-7%) from 131,119 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (-1%) from 100,176 tests