2009 SEAT Ibiza 1.6L Diesel · GY59 TYG

The 2009 SEAT Ibiza remains roadworthy following its most recent MOT pass on 7 January 2026 at 116,534 miles, yet the maintenance trend is one of gradual deterioration rather than resolution. Five consecutive annual tests have flagged worn front suspension arm bushes, confirming a persistent and worsening wear pattern across both sides of the vehicle. The January 2026 test also recorded a new advisory for play in the offside steering rack inner joint, adding to a recurring inner joint issue that has appeared in four of the last five tests. Nearside rear shock absorber damping has been flagged every year since 2022, indicating a component that has degraded progressively and is unlikely to recover. The rear bush wear noted in January 2026 appears to have worsened compared to earlier tests, where only the general bush condition was cited. This suggests the suspension is entering a phase where multiple components may require simultaneous replacement to restore safe handling and structural integrity. The mileage progression is consistent and unremarkable, rising from 94,546 miles in January 2022 to 116,534 miles in January 2026, an average of roughly 5,500 miles per year over that four-year window. Annual test intervals are regular with no significant gaps, and the odometer readings align with the vehicle's age of approximately 6,855 miles per year since new. There are no anomalies suggesting long periods of standing or sudden spikes in use, which simplifies the mechanical assessment. Wear items such as tyres and shock absorbers have deteriorated in line with this steady usage pattern rather than through neglect or excessive strain. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering rack. The repeated advisories for worn suspension arm bushes on both sides point to bush degradation that may now be causing excessive play, particularly given the January 2026 note specifying the rear bush. The offside steering rack inner joint play demands a close check for knocks or vagueness during low-speed manoeuvres, as inner rack wear can progress rapidly once established. The nearside rear shock absorber has shown reduced damping for four consecutive years, so a bounce test is essential to confirm whether it is bottoming out or leaking fluid. Exhaust integrity also warrants attention, given minor gas leaks flagged in 2022 at the central joint and rear box casing, which may have worsened with age and corrosion. Tyre condition has appeared as an advisory in two separate tests, most recently in January 2023 for the offside front, suggesting uneven wear patterns possibly linked to the ongoing suspension wear. A thorough inspection of tyre sidewalls and tread depth across all four wheels is advisable, along with a check for any signs of inner rim corrosion or structural rust around the suspension mounting points, which is common on vehicles of this age and mileage. The cumulative picture is one of a car that has been kept on the road through annual passes but has not had its underlying wear items properly addressed, making a pre-purchase mechanical inspection essential before committing to the vehicle.