2016 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · AY16 BBY

Across five recorded MOT tests spanning 2022 to early 2026, this SEAT Ibiza presents a largely clean roadworthiness profile, with all entries returning a pass and no advisory-free tests interrupted by any failure. The mechanical story is one of low-level, isolated advisories rather than chronic faults, with the most recent test on 8 April 2026 passing alongside a single note that the rear brake pads are wearing thin. This is the first brake-related advisory in the recorded history, and it appears against a backdrop of two entirely defect-free tests in 2024 and 2025. The earlier advisories were minor in nature: a nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit on edge in January 2023, and a child seat fitted at the 2022 test that prevented full inspection of the adult belt. None of these point to any systemic deterioration, and there is no recorded pattern of corrosion, suspension component wear, exhaust leakage, or lighting defects that would suggest underlying structural or mechanical neglect. With 83,230 miles accumulated over ten years, the Ibiza is averaging roughly 8,300 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no significant gaps in testing, with the records showing an annual MOT cadence since 2022, indicating continuous road use rather than extended periods of standing. The mileage progression between tests is consistent rather than erratic, suggesting steady utilisation that would have kept mechanical components, lubricants, and brake surfaces regularly exercised. This is a sensible accumulation rate for a supermini: high enough to avoid the typical concerns associated with low-mileage corrosion and dried seals, but not so high as to imply harsh duty cycles such as heavy urban stop-start traffic or prolonged high-speed motorway running. The absence of any advisories relating to oil leaks, suspension bushes, or exhaust mounting integrity across all five tests is a positive indicator given the mileage now on the odometer. For a prospective buyer, the immediate attention item is the rear brake pad wear flagged at the most recent test. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or metallic scraping from the rear axle under light braking, and feel for any vibration or judder through the brake pedal that might suggest the pads have worn to the point of contact with the discs, which would also necessitate disc inspection or machining. Given that rear pads typically wear more slowly than fronts, the fact that they are flagged while no front pad advisory has appeared in any test suggests either an inherent bias toward rear wear on this particular Ibiza or that the vehicle has seen a higher proportion of urban driving. A visual check through the wheel spokes for pad material thickness and any scoring on the visible edge of the rear brake disc would be advisable before purchase, and the handbrake should be tested on a hill to confirm the rear calipers are not binding, which can accelerate pad wear unevenly. The earlier advisory concerning a nearside rear tyre worn on the edge in 2023 is worth correlating with the current state of the tyres. On inspection, examine the tread across the full width of all four tyres rather than just the centre, looking for uneven shoulder wear that could indicate an alignment issue, worn suspension components, or inconsistent tyre pressures. With the vehicle now approaching the higher end of its expected service mileage, particular attention should be paid to the suspension on a test drive: listen for any clonks, rattles, or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and rough surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel that might indicate worn track rod ends or drop links. The Ibiza uses a simple torsion beam rear axle, so check for any vertical instability or wandering at speed, and inspect the rear brake flexible hoses and underbody for any corrosion given the vehicle's age, even though no such advisories have yet been recorded.