2015 SEAT Ibiza 1.0L Diesel · FH65 MVR

A clear pattern emerges from the MOT history of this 2015 SEAT Ibiza, centring on the front axle. Across four consecutive tests, the nearside front shock absorber has been flagged for oil misting, both front tyres have repeatedly appeared with sidewall damage or edge wear, and a near accumulating list of advisories from 2022 onwards points to a front brake disc and pad wear issue alongside a worn lower suspension arm rear bush. The most recent test on 21 February 2026 returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, suggesting that the items previously raised have either been rectified or have not yet deteriorated to fail level, but the underlying theme of front-end wear remains the defining mechanical characteristic of this car and warrants close physical inspection prior to purchase. With 60,319 miles recorded over an eleven-year service life, the vehicle has averaged approximately 5,484 miles per year, which is notably low for its age. This kind of mileage profile typically indicates a vehicle used for short urban journeys rather than sustained motorway use, which has practical mechanical consequences. Lower annual mileage often correlates with prolonged stationary periods, exposing rubber components such as tyres, suspension bushes and brake seals to drying and perishing rather than gradual wear. Combined with the consistent front-end advisories, this usage pattern points to a car whose consumables and suspension joints may have aged more from inactivity than from outright distance covered. For any prospective buyer, the front suspension and braking components should be the primary focus of a physical inspection. The 2022 advisory on the nearside front lower suspension arm rear bush should be checked by attempting to rock the wheel at the front while stationary and listening for clonking or knocking noises over uneven surfaces, particularly on full lock. A subsequent test drive should include driving over speed humps and rough tarmac with the windows down to detect any renewed knocking from the front damper area, given that the nearside shock absorber showed oil misting as recently as November 2023 and light oil film can precede more serious seal failure. Steering response should also feel precise, with no vagueness through the centre that might indicate excessive play in the worn bush. The front braking system likewise merits direct attention, as the nearside disc was recorded as pitted and scored in 2022, with pads down to 4mm. During a test drive, any vibration through the brake pedal or shudder under heavy braking would suggest the disc has worn beyond its serviceable limit, and a pulsing feel through the steering wheel under similar conditions would confirm the same. Visually, the nearside front disc can be inspected through the wheel for a pronounced lip on the outer edge, an indicator of worn material. Finally, both front tyres should be examined closely for the sidewall damage previously flagged in 2024 and 2025, as repeated advisories on the same component suggest the wheels may have been kerbed at some point, potentially compromising the sidewall integrity even if the tread depth currently appears legal.