2017 SEAT Ibiza 1.0L Petrol · CV67 DDA

A pattern of front-end steering and suspension wear defines the MOT history of this 2017 SEAT Ibiza, most clearly evidenced by the August 2023 failure where both track rod end ball joint dust covers were recorded as excessively damaged on the nearside and offside. While the vehicle was repaired and subsequently passed tests in 2024, 2025, and 2026 with no defects at the most recent examination on 1 May 2026, the underlying mechanical risk associated with this area has not been conclusively resolved through the recorded history. Both advisories issued on the same 2023 visit concerned premature front tyre wear on the edge with cracking and, in one case, a nail in the tread, which is consistent with geometry being affected by worn steering components or suspension compliance at that point. The fact that the dust covers were already compromised enough to be classed as a major defect means contamination may have entered the ball joints, accelerating internal wear even after replacement of the visible cover. Annual mileage of around 7,684 miles places this Ibiza broadly within the typical range for its age, with eight recorded tests spanning 2020 through 2026 reflecting consistent on-road use rather than any extended period off the road. There are no significant testing gaps or sudden mileage jumps to suggest the vehicle was laid up for multiple consecutive years, so there is no particular concern around long-term stagnation of components such as the braking system, fuel, or cooling circuit from inactivity. However, the usage profile remains moderate rather than low, and combined with the recorded advisories around tyre wear and shock absorber condition, it indicates that normal wear items have been flagged across multiple consecutive tests and should not be dismissed. The advisories from the 2025 test require particular attention from a prospective buyer. Light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber was noted and, although not yet a failure, this is typically the earliest visible sign of seal degradation on the damper and is worth monitoring for progression into a more serious leak or ride-quality deterioration over the next 12 to 18 months. The nearside rear tyre was also flagged as being worn close to the legal limit on the edge alongside a cut that had reached the central tread, so all four tyres should be inspected for age, tread depth, and any uneven wear patterns suggesting alignment or suspension issues still present from the 2023 geometry concerns. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps, and pay attention to steering vagueness, pulling to one side under braking, or a shimmy through the steering wheel, all of which could indicate that the track rod ends or related steering linkage have continued to deteriorate since the dust covers were replaced. Although the two most recent tests returned clean pass results, the buyer should commission an independent assessment of the front suspension and steering geometry as a priority, given the bilateral track rod end failure recorded in 2023. The front tyres have now been flagged for edge wear across two separate visits, and a four-wheel alignment check should be carried out to verify that nothing in the suspension arms, bushes, or anti-roll bar drop links has been left with play or damage. Brake feel should also be tested under firm pedal pressure from higher speed, looking for any judder or pulling that might indicate warped front discs, while a thorough visual inspection underneath the car for any fluid staining around the shock absorber turrets would confirm whether the 2025 oil misting advisory has developed into an active leak. Completing these checks will establish whether the vehicle has fully recovered from its earlier steering and suspension issues or whether further remedial work is likely to be required.