2012 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · RA57 AYN

The most recent MOT tests on this 2012 SEAT Ibiza, conducted in January 2026 at 69,520 miles, reveal a troubling pattern of repeated failures despite no recorded defects. The vehicle failed twice in quick succession—first at 69,518 miles and then again at the same mileage on the same day—before passing at 69,520 miles, a discrepancy that suggests either administrative error or a critical issue not captured in the official record. The lack of any advisories or defects across all five tests implies the tester did not identify any major mechanical or structural concerns, but the repeated failures at nearly identical mileages warrant suspicion. This could indicate a hidden fault—such as intermittent brake binding, suspension failure, or electrical issues—that only manifests under specific conditions. The absence of advisories in prior tests further suggests the problem may be recent or situational, rather than a long-standing wear issue. The recorded mileage of 69,520 miles over roughly 14 years equates to an average of just under 5,000 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The gaps between tests are also irregular: a 5,427-mile interval between the December 2024 failure and January 2024 pass, followed by a 5,157-mile span to the December 2023 pass, then a 5,627-mile jump to the 2022 test. While low mileage generally reduces wear on components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake discs, the prolonged periods without testing—particularly the 12-month gap between the 2024 failure and the January 2026 tests—raise concerns about whether critical maintenance was overlooked. The vehicle’s history does not indicate rapid mileage accumulation, but the extended periods between MOTs may have allowed for undetected deterioration in areas like corrosion, tyre condition, or fluid levels. Given the repeated failures at nearly identical mileages, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, including rear caliper binding, brake fluid condition, and disc thickness. The suspension—particularly rear bushes, coil springs, and ball joints—should be checked for uneven wear or corrosion, as these components often fail intermittently without obvious signs. Structural integrity, especially around the sills, wheel arches, and subframe, must be examined for rust penetration or weakened sections, as this is a common failure point in Ibizas of this age. Additionally, the electrical system, including lights, sensors, and the ABS system, should be tested for intermittent faults that could explain the repeated failures. The lack of advisories in prior tests does not guarantee these areas are sound, but a thorough mechanical inspection is essential to confirm their condition.