2016 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · FP16 RYX

Chronic brake disc wear is the dominant mechanical theme in this 2016 SEAT Ibiza's MOT history, with both front and rear discs flagged as pitted or scored across virtually every test for the past three years. The pattern began in March 2022 when the rear discs were first noted as scored, continued through 2023 and 2024 with progressively worsening commentary, and culminated in March 2025 when all four discs were simultaneously flagged as worn, pitted or scored. The vehicle actually failed its test on 6 March 2025, though the failure reasons are not itemised separately from the advisories and it passed just six days later on 12 March 2025, suggesting the defects were marginal or a repair was carried out in that short window. A secondary recurring concern is an oil leak, first noted in 2022 between the engine and gearbox, repeated in 2023 as a front oil leak, and again in 2024. The leak has remained within MOT tolerance each year but its persistence across multiple tests indicates an unresolved sealing issue rather than a one-off incident. The most recent nearside rear tyre advisory for slight damage or perishing adds a minor but present rubbery condition note to the otherwise brake-and-oil focused profile. Against an expected average of roughly 8,000 to 10,000 miles annually for a ten-year-old supermini, this Ibiza's recorded 53,944 miles equates to about 5,394 miles per year, placing it firmly in low-mileage territory. The MOT records themselves do not contain explicit annual odometer readings, but the consistent year-on-year test attendance and the absence of any extended gaps in testing suggest the vehicle has remained in regular road use throughout its life rather than being laid up for prolonged periods. Low annual mileage of this nature typically results in less wear on high-cycle components such as the clutch, drivetrain and major engine internals, but it does mean the car spends more time on short journeys, which can accelerate corrosion on brake discs due to insufficient heat cycling to dry them after wet use. This usage profile aligns directly with the observed disc pitting and scoring pattern, as lightly-driven vehicles rarely achieve the sustained brake temperatures required to keep discs clean and free of surface oxidation. A prospective buyer should treat the brake system as the immediate priority for inspection and budgeting. All four discs have been flagged across consecutive tests, and given that the 2025 advisories described the wear as not seriously weakened, the discs are likely approaching or already past the point at which machining is no longer permissible, meaning a full set of replacement discs and pads is a realistic near-term cost. On a test drive, listen for any graunching or grinding on light brake application, feel for pedal judder or vibration through the pedal under firm stops from speed, and check for any pulling to one side which would indicate uneven disc wear or a binding caliper, particularly on the rear axle where calipers can seize on low-mileage cars. Inspect the discs visually through the wheel spokes for a pronounced lip on the outer edge and for a blueing or heat-discolouration tint indicating the surfaces have been subjected to repeated heavy thermal cycling. The recurring oil leak warrants equally careful attention, given it has been flagged at every test since 2022 with no recorded resolution. On inspection, check the underside of the engine and bellhousing area for fresh oil staining, and smell for any burnt oil odour after a sustained drive. Examine the area where the car is normally kept for drips on the ground. The source could be a rear main crankshaft seal, a camshaft seal, or a gasket between the engine and gearbox, and given the leak has persisted for at least three years it is worth budgeting for diagnosis and repair even though it has not yet caused an MOT failure. Beyond these known issues, conduct the usual pre-purchase checks appropriate to a ten-year-old car, paying particular attention to the condition of the coolant and expansion tank, the state of the auxiliary drive belt and timing chain interval if not recently replaced, the operation of the air conditioning compressor, and any signs of corrosion on the underbody, sills and wheel arches which are common failure points on Ibiza chassis of this era.