2017 SEAT Ibiza 1.0L Petrol · BF67 YBJ

The 2017 SEAT Ibiza presents a generally stable mechanical picture, though the most recent MOT on 16 March 2026 at 44,592 miles flagged items that warrant attention. Both front brake discs were noted as worn, pitted, or scored, and both front track rod end dust covers were damaged or deteriorated. These are advisories, not dangerous failures, but they signal the onset of wear in critical steering and braking components. The maintenance trend is neither sharply worsening nor improving; it reflects a vehicle that has been lightly used and largely trouble-free, with minor defects now emerging as age and mileage accumulate. At roughly 4,955 miles per year, the annual mileage is low for a nine-year-old car. The record shows a steady but modest progression: from 29,470 miles in October 2022, to 34,115 miles in November 2023, then a jump to 41,527 miles by February 2025, and finally 44,592 miles in March 2026. That acceleration in the last two years suggests the car may have been underused for a period before being driven more regularly, or it could indicate a change in ownership pattern. The gap between the November 2023 and February 2025 tests covers over 7,400 miles in roughly fifteen months, which is more active use than the earlier years. A buyer should verify whether long periods of standing occurred, as that can cause brake disc surface corrosion and perished rubber bushes, both of which appear in the latest test. The front brake disc advisories are the most significant finding. Pitting and scoring on discs, even when not seriously weakened, reduce braking efficiency and can accelerate pad wear. Combined with the deteriorated track rod end dust covers, which allow dirt ingress into the ball joint, a buyer should inspect the full front suspension and steering linkage in play. Check for uneven tyre wear, which would confirm tracking or steering geometry issues linked to the rod ends. The February 2025 failure for both front tyres worn to the legal limit, just two days before a clean retest, suggests the tyres were replaced promptly, but it also indicates the fronts wear faster than the rears, consistent with a front-wheel-drive car that may have alignment or suspension wear. Beyond the flagged items, a physical inspection should focus on the underside for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and brake lines, given the car's age. The exhaust system and catalytic converter condition deserve attention, as low-mileage short trips can cause moisture buildup and internal corrosion. Test the handbrake function and check for any binding rear brakes, which are common on this platform when the car sits for extended periods. The March 2026 test is recent, but advisories on brakes and steering components mean a pre-purchase inspection is advisable before committing.