2019 SEAT Ibiza 1.0L Petrol · AP68 SVZ

A 2019 SEAT Ibiza carrying 58,690 miles presents a broadly reassuring MOT profile, though a single recent failure and a cluster of advisories linked to the front steering and rear tyres warrant close attention before purchase. Across five recorded tests spanning 2024 to 2026, the vehicle has passed four times without any defects, including clean outcomes in January 2024, January 2025, and January 2026. The most recent test on 25 August 2026 also returned a pass with no advisories, but only twelve days earlier the car failed on a major defect concerning the nearside front track rod end ball joint dust cover, which was recorded as excessively damaged and no longer preventing ingress of dirt, alongside a minor defect on the offside equivalent. The pass immediately after this failure suggests the dust covers were replaced prior to the retest, but the proximity of the two tests means the underlying wear on the steering linkage was identified very late and the components are now at a stage where deterioration is occurring. Annual mileage on this Ibiza works out at approximately 8,384 miles per year over its seven-year life, which sits broadly in line with average usage for a vehicle of this age and type. The test history shows consistent annual testing from January 2024 through August 2026, indicating the car has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for extended periods. There are no dramatic gaps in the record or unusual mileage jumps between tests, suggesting steady commuting or mixed use. At this accumulation rate the wear items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components would be approaching or past mid-life, and consumable replacement intervals will be more pressing than on a lower-mileage example. The absence of any mileage-related advisories in earlier passes, combined with no recorded advisories at all in the three pre-failure tests, indicates the car had been maintaining its roadworthiness standards consistently before the recent steering concerns emerged. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas to inspect are the front steering and suspension components, particularly the track rod ends and their associated ball joint dust covers, which were the focus of the recent failure. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, pay close attention to whether the steering feels loose, vague, or exhibits any shimmy or vibration through the wheel, and check for uneven or excessive wear on the inside or outside edges of the front tyres which can indicate worn track rod ends or bush play. With the steering rack area recently disturbed, it is worth confirming the tracking is correct and that there is no pulling to either side under braking or acceleration. Inspect the rear tyres carefully for any cracking, perishing, or sidewall damage, as both rear tyres were flagged for this on the failure date, and budget for replacement if the tread depth is also approaching the legal limit. Beyond the steering and tyres, a thorough physical inspection should cover the rest of the suspension and braking system given the mileage accumulation. Check the condition of the front brake discs for lipping or scoring, and confirm the pads have adequate material remaining, as these are wear items that will be due attention at this mileage. Examine the coil springs and shock absorbers for any signs of corrosion or leakage, and inspect the lower wishbones, anti-roll bar bushes, and drop links for perished rubber or play, as Ibiza models of this generation can suffer from rear bush wear. Finally, verify the condition of the exhaust system, check for any oil leaks from the engine and gearbox seams, and ensure all warning lights on the instrument cluster extinguish promptly on ignition. The DVSA record itself does not evidence mechanical soundness, but it does establish that any current defects have been rectified at test and that there are no outstanding advisories from the latest pass.