2003 SEAT Ibiza 1.9L Diesel · MV03 AEM
2003 SEAT Ibiza (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01/07/2003. Recorded mileage 165,919 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- SEAT IBIZA
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Manchester & Merseyside
- MOT Status
- Valid until 15/01/2024
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (31/05/2023)
- Recorded Mileage
- 165,919 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2003
- Engine
- 1896cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
MV03 AEM Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/01/2023
- 165,919 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
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MV03 AEM Mileage History
- 13/01/2022157,174 mi
- 13/01/2022157,174 mi
- 13/01/2023165,919 mi+8,745 mi
- 13/01/2023165,919 mi
Average of roughly 8,749 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
MV03 AEM MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Seat Ibiza (MV03 AEM) between January 2022 and January 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 13 January 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (5 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”; “Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated (1.1.6 (d))”; “Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Avoid this vehicle unless major repairs are confirmed. Frequent MOT failures and high mileage indicate potential mechanical and safety risks.
This vehicle requires careful scrutiny. Insist on a full mechanical inspection focusing on suspension components (subframe bushes, ball joints) and the ABS system. Verify repairs for the 2023 MOT failures, particularly the headlamp and parking brake issues. Negotiate heavily due to high mileage and repeated defects. Be wary of hidden corrosion or engine wear common in 20-year-old diesels. Check for a full service history to confirm maintenance consistency.
Diesel fuel economy for the 1.9L engine is likely poor by modern standards, with high maintenance costs expected. Tax would be £140 annually (2003 registration). Insurance group is unspecified but likely mid-to-high. Major repairs (e.g., ABS module, suspension components) could exceed £500. Estimated annual running cost: £1,200-£1,500, excluding unexpected failures.
Prioritise checking the nearside rear subframe bush, front suspension arm ball joints, and ABS system. Inspect the nearside front headlamp for proper operation and lens clarity. Test the parking brake mechanism for proper engagement and check all tyres for uneven wear. Examine registration plate lamps and ensure the windscreen wiper clears the glass effectively. Look for signs of body corrosion, particularly around suspension components and under the chassis.
This 2003 SEAT Ibiza diesel has accumulated 165,919 miles, exceeding typical mileage for its age. Recent MOTs reveal recurring suspension, braking, and lighting issues, with a 2023 failure citing ABS faults and severely reduced headlamp output. No aggregate reliability data exists for the model, but the vehicle's history suggests poor maintenance and wear.
No aggregate MOT data available for the SEAT Ibiza, but this vehicle's history suggests poor maintenance and mechanical degradation typical of older diesel models.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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