2012 SEAT Ibiza 1.4L Petrol · DL12 ACY

Front‑end wear dominates the MOT record – recurring off‑side shock‑absorber oil mist, persistent play in the steering‑rack inner joint and a fractured near‑side front coil spring flagged as a major failure in 2025, together with ongoing front‑suspension arm bush wear and a high hand‑brake reading. The most recent test in June 2026 recorded a clean pass, but the pattern of front‑suspension advisories suggests that the underlying wear has not been fully resolved and could re‑emerge if components are not addressed. At 121,906 mi over fourteen years the vehicle averages roughly 8,700 mi per annum, a mileage rate that sits squarely within normal private‑use expectations. Annual MOTs are present with no prolonged gaps, indicating the car has been regularly presented for inspection, but the cumulative distance means that wear items such as shock absorbers, coil springs, bushings and brake components are likely approaching the end of their service lives. A prospective buyer should give the front suspension a thorough road‑test. Listen for clunking or knocking when traversing uneven surfaces, feel for any looseness or wandering in the steering column that could betray lingering rack joint play, and note any vibration or pull under braking that might indicate a compromised coil spring or worn bushings. Inspect the tyres for uneven wear patterns, especially on the edges, as the 2025 advisory highlighted tread close to the legal limit; replace them promptly if the tread depth is marginal. Verify that the hand‑brake holds firmly without excessive travel, and confirm that the hand‑brake adjustment is within specification. Finally, ensure the registration‑plate lamp operates in sync with the position lamps, as a failure was recorded in 2024, and confirm that the hand‑brake and parking‑brake mechanisms are correctly adjusted. A qualified mechanic should check the off‑side shock absorber for oil leakage, assess the condition of the steering‑rack inner joints, and replace the fractured near‑side coil spring if it has not already been fitted with a new unit. Addressing these specific items before purchase will mitigate the risk of sudden front‑end failure and bring the vehicle’s roadworthiness in line with current MOT standards.