2016 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · EU66 WDX

A clear pattern emerges from the MOT history of this 2016 SEAT Ibiza. The car has only one recorded defect entry across all tests, and that entry is notable for what it does not contain: it states only that the vehicle failed, with no advisories or failure items recorded against it. This typically points to a category of issue that the MOT computer system does not surface in the same way as advisory items, most often a registration or administrative matter, though it could equally be a reason that was recorded under a separate code. The latest test on 16 January 2026 recorded a clean pass with no defects, and the vehicle has alternated consistently between pass and fail in late December or early January across 2023, 2024, and 2025, suggesting a recurring annual issue that is rectified each time shortly after a failure. With no advisories recorded, there is no MOT-documented component wear pattern to scrutinise, but the repeated late-year test attempts indicate the car is in regular use and being presented for testing annually. The recorded mileage of 79,188 against a 2016 registration equates to roughly 7,919 miles per year over a ten-year life, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a vehicle of this age and class. There is no evidence of abnormally low accumulation that might indicate extended periods off the road, nor any rapid escalation between test dates that would suggest an odometer discrepancy or a sudden change in usage. The consistent annual pattern of testing around the December plate-change window implies the vehicle has been kept on the road continuously and is unlikely to have suffered the corrosion acceleration or component degradation that frequently affects cars left standing for long periods. Mechanically, this steady, moderate rate of use tends to be gentler on consumables than high-mileage accumulation, and the lack of recorded brake, suspension, or exhaust advisories across multiple tests supports the view that wear-related items have not yet reached MOT-fail thresholds. For a prospective buyer, the absence of advisory data means the standard MOT record cannot be used to pre-emptively flag which components are approaching replacement. Given the car's age and mileage, however, a thorough physical inspection remains essential. On a test drive, pay close attention to the front suspension for any clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as the Ibiza's lower wishbones and anti-roll bar drop links are known wear items at this mileage band. Listen for any binding or rubbing noises from the front wheels when turning at low speed, which can indicate worn suspension bushes or a failing wheel bearing. Check the steering for any vagueness off-centre or pulling to either side under braking, which would point to uneven brake pad wear or a sticking caliper. A close visual inspection underneath the car is also strongly recommended, focusing on the rear axle beam mounting points, the exhaust system for any corrosion or blowing joints, and the brake lines and flexible hoses for any surface rust or cracking. Inspect the engine bay for any signs of oil misting around the cam cover or sump gasket area, as the 1.2 and 1.4 petrol units fitted to this generation of Ibiza commonly seep from these joints at higher mileages. With no MOT advisories to reference, a pre-purchase inspection by a competent independent garage would be the most reliable way to confirm the true mechanical condition of the chassis, braking, and drivetrain components before committing to the purchase.