2018 SEAT Ibiza 1.0L Petrol · AJ67 HHK

A pattern of suspension, tyre, and under-bonnet issues emerges across the MOT record of this 2018 SEAT Ibiza, painting a picture of a car with clearly worn front-end consumables that have been progressively flagged at successive tests. The 2026-06-23 pass arrived just a week after a fail on 2026-06-16, with the intervening repairs clearly addressing whatever was not visible in the public advisory data, though four advisories remained on the pass certificate. Most notable is the recurrence of front lower suspension arm pin or bush wear on both sides, recorded across both 2025 and 2026 tests, alongside a 2025 Dangerous defect for an offside rear tyre below the 1.6mm tread threshold and a Major failure for an inoperative or malfunction-indicating engine management MIL light. An oil leak, though classed as not excessive, has been flagged at both 2025 and 2026 tests, and the most recent test noted front tyres worn close to the legal limit on both sides. The 2024 pass was completely clean with no defects recorded, suggesting a clear deterioration in mechanical condition over the subsequent twelve to twenty-four months that a buyer cannot ignore. Recorded mileage of 84,228 miles over eight years equates to roughly 10,500 miles annually, which sits squarely within the typical band for a car of its age and original market positioning. There is no evidence in the MOT history of significant testing gaps or extended periods off the road, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2024 through to mid-2026, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than showing sharp spikes that might suggest towing, heavy motorway use, or an inaccurate odometer. At this annual rate the Ibiza will have absorbed a reasonable amount of urban and short-journey work alongside longer runs, which on a vehicle now eight years old places meaningful wear on the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, turbocharger if applicable, and suspension components that have already begun showing their age in the advisories. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension arm pin and bush wear is the single most important item to investigate physically before purchase, as the advisories specify the wear is not yet resulting in excessive movement but the component is clearly deteriorating and could soon cross the failure threshold. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, and when turning into kerbs at low speed, and feel for any vagueness or delay in the steering response that suggests the arm is moving within its worn bush rather than holding the wheel firmly. With both sides flagged, a pair of lower arm replacements is likely required and the work should be budgeted, ideally carried out with a proper alignment check afterwards to prevent uneven tyre wear. The front tyres themselves being at the legal limit on both sides means immediate replacement is due regardless of any negotiation, and the rear tyre dangerous failure from 2025 means the car has already demonstrated a pattern of uneven tread loss that warrants close inspection of wheel alignment and tracking settings. The recurring oil leak, although classed as not excessive, should be physically inspected on a viewing ramp or with the undertray removed to identify the source, whether it be a sump gasket, cam chain tensioner area, valve cover gasket, or front crankshaft seal, as some Ibiza engines of this generation are known for cam chain and tensioner wear that can manifest as seeping oil. Ask for evidence of any recent engine management diagnostic work, since the 2025 MIL inoperative or malfunction flag is a Major category defect that would have required investigation before the subsequent pass was issued, and check whether any fault codes have been cleared or whether an underlying sensor, emissions, or engine running issue remains unresolved. On the road, watch for an illuminated engine management light during the test drive, listen for any irregular idling, hesitation under acceleration, or unusual engine noises, and confirm the oil level on the dipstick is between marks and that the oil itself is not heavily discoloured or milky. Finally, verify that the small items noted in the advisories have been attended to, including the missing fuel cap door cover from the 2026 fail and the loose offside front wing mirror glass from 2025, as these are minor but indicative of general exterior condition and should be factored into any price negotiation.