2003 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · FN03 EXZ

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status but the history reveals a period of significant neglect and reactive maintenance. While the most recent test in February 2025 at 109,009 miles was a pass, it followed a chaotic period of failures where critical safety components were ignored. The maintenance trend shows a recent improvement as major faults were addressed between 2023 and 2024, but the persistence of corrosion issues suggests the vehicle is only maintained when forced to rather than through preventative care. The mileage profile is highly unusual for a 23-year-old car, averaging approximately 4,740 miles per year. There is a glaring eight-year gap in records between the June 2015 test at 108,705 miles and the December 2023 test at 108,772 miles. During this decade, the car covered only 67 miles, suggesting it sat stationary for long periods, which explains the severe degradation of rubber components, seized brake calipers, and extensive corrosion noted in the later high-frequency inspections. A buyer must scrutinize the structural integrity of the front and rear subframes, as the 2023 report flagged corrosion across all prescribed areas. The braking system has a history of serious failure, including binding calipers, leaking pipes, and corroded hose ferrules. Although these were reportedly fixed, the 2024 failure regarding incorrectly fitted ball joint bolts and upside-down washers indicates a poor standard of workmanship during previous repairs. A thorough inspection of the suspension bushes and the state of the exhaust system is required to ensure that the ongoing rust is not merely superficial.