2015 SEAT Ibiza 1.4L Petrol · DN15 CVX

The most recent MOT on 22 November 2025 was a pass, albeit with three advisories concerning light oil mist from all four shock absorbers and slight play in the nearside front track‑rod end and suspension‑arm ball joint. Earlier that same week the vehicle failed due to a rear registration‑plate lamp and a serious excess of play in the nearside front wheel bearing, while the previous year’s test also recorded a failure for headlamp aim and parking‑brake adjustment. Over the last six years the pattern shows a move from outright failures to a series of advisory items, indicating that the vehicle’s maintenance condition is stabilising but that several wear points remain unresolved and should be addressed promptly. At 77 871 miles the Ibiza has averaged roughly 7 100 miles per annum since its 2015 registration, a usage rate that sits comfortably within the normal range for a small hatchback. The mileage record does not reveal any periods of unusually high accumulation, suggesting the car has not been subjected to intensive short‑term abuse. However, the relatively modest annual distance also implies that the vehicle may have spent extended intervals idle, which can accelerate the perishing of rubber components such as tyre sidewalls, suspension bushings and seals, and can promote corrosion in the under‑carriage and exhaust system. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension and steering assembly. The recurring advisory on nearside front ball‑joint and track‑rod end play can manifest as a vague clunk when traversing bumps or a slight wandering of the steering wheel under load; a qualified garage should check for excessive movement and consider replacement of the ball joints, track‑rod end and the associated bushings. The front wheel bearing that was flagged as excessively worn in 2025 should be inspected for grinding noises, especially when cornering, and replaced if any roughness or play is felt. The oil mist from the shock absorbers points to seal deterioration; while not an immediate safety failure, it can lead to reduced damping and a squishy ride, so the shocks ought to be examined for leakage and potentially fitted with new units. The advisory on inner steering‑rack joint play should be probed for any looseness or uneven steering response, and the parking‑brake lever’s excessive movement noted in 2023 should be verified and adjusted to avoid reduced holding force. In addition to the suspension concerns, the tyre condition warrants close scrutiny. Advisories from 2021 highlighted that the off‑side front tyre was near the legal tread limit and that both rear tyres showed early signs of cracking or perishing, which is typical for tyres that have been stored for long periods. Examine the tyre sidewalls for dry rot, check tread depth uniformly across the tread width, and be prepared to replace all four tyres if any evidence of age‑related degradation is found. The central exhaust‑pipe clamp was recorded as corroded in 2021 and 2022; ensure there is no exhaust leak or rattling at idle and that the clamp is secure. Finally, given the vehicle’s age, a thorough check of the 12 V battery health, coolant and brake fluid condition, and the state of the brake discs for surface rust or glazing is advisable, as these fluids and components degrade over calendar time even when mileage is modest. A full service interval, including replacement of the parking‑brake adjustment, fresh oil change and a comprehensive inspection of the suspension bushings, will place the car on a sound footing for continued roadworthiness.