2009 SEAT Ibiza 1.4L Diesel · DN09 WMF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding front-end mechanical components. The most recent test in March 2026 at 108,669 miles resulted in an initial failure due to multiple faults including steering rack play, worn suspension bushes, and an exhaust leak. While the owner addressed the registration plate lamp to secure a pass, the persistence of steering rack inner joint play across several years indicates that critical components are reaching the end of their functional life without proactive replacement. The mileage pattern is consistent with a low-use vehicle, averaging approximately 6,400 miles per year over its seventeen-year lifespan. There is a notable gap in the records between December 2022 and March 2024, during which the car covered only 1,623 miles, followed by a more active period of 3,664 miles in the following year. This low annual mileage suggests the car may sit for extended periods, which often leads to the dry rot of seals and the gradual degradation of rubber-based suspension and steering components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the entire front suspension and steering system. The record repeatedly flags play in the offside steering rack inner joints and worn suspension arm bushes dating back to 2022, suggesting these issues have been monitored rather than rectified until they reached an MOT-failure threshold. The minor exhaust leak at the central joint noted in March 2026 also requires immediate attention to ensure it does not worsen into a significant failure. Additionally, the recurring advisories for uneven tyre wear on the front axle suggest persistent alignment issues or worn-out suspension components that will continue to prematurely consume new tyres if not addressed.