2014 SEAT Ibiza 1.4L Petrol · GV14 AWA

Recurring issues with braking systems and tyre wear define the mechanical profile of this SEAT Ibiza, with the most recent test on 26 November 2025 showing a continued trend of advisory items regarding tyre tread depth and brake adjustment. The vehicle has a history of significant braking failures, most notably a dangerous failure in 2023 and a major failure in 2024 involving excessively binding rear service brakes and abnormal brake linkage movement. While the vehicle passed its latest inspection, the presence of advisories for both front and rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit, alongside a rear handbrake requiring adjustment due to insufficient reserve travel, suggests that consumable components are frequently reaching the end of their service life between inspections. The vehicle has covered 79,062 miles over its twelve-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 6,588 miles. This usage pattern is relatively low for a vehicle of this age, which typically correlates with less frequent wear on drivetrain components and suspension linkages compared to high-mileage examples. However, the MOT history indicates that even with this lower mileage, specific components such as tyres, brake pads, and discs are subject to regular wear and replacement, and the recurring nature of the braking advisories suggests that the braking system requires consistent monitoring regardless of the annual distance travelled. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the braking performance during a test drive, specifically looking for any signs of the binding issues previously recorded. Listen for any scraping or grinding noises from the rear wheels and feel for any unevenness or pulling when applying the brakes. The most recent advisory regarding the handbrake having very little reserve travel means the lever may feel unusually high or require significant effort to engage; check that the vehicle remains securely stationary on an incline. Additionally, the repeated advisories for pitted or scored front brake discs and thinning pads suggest that the front braking assembly is a high-wear area that may require immediate attention. Suspension and tyre condition also require scrutiny based on the recorded history. The 2023 advisory for a worn nearside front lower suspension arm bush indicates a potential for movement in the steering or suspension geometry. During the test drive, listen for knocks or knocks over bumps and feel for any wandering or instability in the steering, which could indicate that the bush has degraded further. Given the recent advisories for tyres being worn on the inner edges, check for any uneven tread wear across all four tyres, as this can be a symptom of incorrect wheel alignment or worn suspension components.