Seat Leon Emocion TDI (2009)

111 real MOT outcomes analysed • 76.9% first-time pass rate

2009 Seat Leon Emocion TDI

CarHunch analysed 111 real MOT records for the 2009 Seat Leon Emocion TDI. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 2009 SEAT LEON EMOCION TDI is slightly below the UK average, with a 77% first-time pass rate compared to the national 80%, though the good news is it has never recorded a dangerous defect across 111 vehicles tested. The diesel engine has proven robust enough, posting a 77.3% pass rate that's fairly typical for TDI models of this age.

At nearly 130,000 miles on average, these cars have covered genuine mileage for their 15 years, yet they're only averaging one failure per test, suggesting the failures tend to be minor or wear-related rather than structural problems. If you're considering one, budget for the occasional repair but check the full service history carefully—diesel engines reward regular oil changes and will punish neglect.

Average reliability 3.1% below UK average
76.9%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
123,127
typical mileage
106,198–146,458 middle half
0%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.98
avg MOT failures per car
over 5.1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2009 Seat Leon Emocion TDI

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Seat Leon Emocion TDI

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (98%) 109 77.3% 0.95
Gas Bi-Fuel (2%) 2 55.6% 3

Mileage Distribution

Most 2009 Seat Leon Emocion TDI vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

106,198
low mileage
123,127
typical
146,458
high mileage

Half of all 2009 Seat Leon Emocion TDI vehicles fall between 106,198 and 146,458 miles.

2009 Seat Leon Emocion TDI — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 36 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (40% of peak).

24 36 2017 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.

MOT History Averages

5.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.98
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Seat Leon Emocion TDI?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK