2016 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · BT65 VPK

A fractured offside front wheel rim recorded as a Dangerous failure at the most recent test in March 2026 defines the mechanical picture for this 2016 SEAT Ibiza, and although the vehicle passed on a retest two days later, the underlying defect warrants close attention from any prospective buyer. The rim failure was the only Dangerous defect in the entire MOT history, but it appeared alongside a recurring advisory for an offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement, which was noted on both the failed and the subsequent pass. The remainder of the record is reasonably stable, with passes recorded at every annual test from 2020 through 2025, and only the 2026 entry disrupting an otherwise clean sequence of roadworthiness outcomes. Braking components also surfaced as a theme in 2022, when advisories were logged for both front and rear brake discs showing pitting and scoring, and tyres have been flagged at multiple tests for inner-edge wear and damage. Taken together, the advisories point to a chassis that is beginning to show its age in the usual Ibiza areas: front suspension bushes, wheel rims, and brake discs, with the 2026 dangerous failure elevating these from routine wear items to matters demanding immediate verification. Recorded mileage stands at 61,858 miles across nine years of testing history, giving an annual accumulation rate of roughly 6,186 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a ten-year-old supermini in regular use. The mileage progression between tests is consistent and continuous, with no unusual gaps or sudden jumps that would suggest clock irregularities or extended periods off the road. This pattern indicates steady, moderate utilisation rather than long stationary lay-ups or exceptionally high motorway mileage, meaning the wear profile is likely to reflect a mix of urban and shorter-journey use. The annual MOT interval has been maintained without any missed tests from 2020 through to the current 2026 cycle, providing a near-complete picture of the vehicle's mechanical condition over its recent life. None of the recorded mileage figures suggest that the car has been standing idle for extended periods, which reduces the likelihood of issues such as seized brake calipers or deteriorated coolant and brake fluid, although those items would still benefit from age-based inspection regardless of use. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a thorough physical inspection of the offside front wheel and suspension assembly, given the recent dangerous rim failure and the persistent advisory on the lower arm bush. On a test drive, listen for any clonks, knocks, or wandering sensation from the front end over bumps, potholes, or undulating road surfaces, as a worn bush that was within tolerance in March could easily have deteriorated further by the time of viewing. With the steering on lock at low speed, any clunking or slack in the offside front corner would suggest the bush has progressed beyond the advisory threshold. The wheels should be inspected for cracks, deformation, or signs of repair, and the offside front tyre should be checked for uneven wear that may indicate a bent rim still in service. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive, with no judder under braking that would suggest the disc pitting noted in 2022 has worsened, and the car should pull up in a straight line without pulling to either side. The tyre wear pattern flagged repeatedly across 2024 and 2025, particularly at the rear on both sides and at the nearside front, suggests the geometry or suspension geometry may be contributing to uneven contact, and a four-wheel alignment check should be considered alongside any replacement tyres. Because front and rear brake discs were both recorded as pitted and scored four years ago, prospective buyers should expect that replacement may now be due, and a visual check through the wheel spokes for deep grooving, lipping at the disc edge, or blueing from overheating is worthwhile. The lower control arm bush, if it has progressed to noticeable movement, will manifest as vague steering response and a tendency for the front to tram along camber changes in the road. Beyond the flagged items, a standard pre-purchase inspection covering fluid condition, coolant strength, exhaust integrity, and underbody corrosion in the wheel arches and subframe mounting areas is advisable for any ten-year-old vehicle, even one with a largely stable MOT record such as this.