2016 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · KT65 FSG

The defining mechanical feature of this 2016 SEAT Ibiza is a generally clean MOT record punctuated by two specific areas of concern that a prospective buyer should investigate carefully. Across eight recorded tests spanning 2020 to early 2026, the vehicle has passed on seven occasions, including consecutive passes on 2026-01-20 and 2025-01-31 with no defects recorded. However, the record is not unblemished. A Dangerous failure was issued on 2022-01-31 for tread depth below 1.6mm on the nearside front tyre and exposed ply or cords on the offside front tyre, though a pass was recorded on the same date, indicating the tyres were replaced before the test concluded. More subtly, recurring advisories on front suspension components in 2021 and a worn rear brake disc in 2024 suggest a pattern of progressive wear on parts subject to regular mechanical stress. The overall trend over the last two years is stable, with the two most recent tests producing clean outcomes, but the historical pattern warrants scrutiny of those specific systems during any pre-purchase evaluation. With approximately 59,485 miles recorded over ten years, the Ibiza has covered around 5,948 miles annually, which is low for the vehicle's age and segment. This reduced accumulation rate means less wear on major drivetrain and engine components, but it also raises the possibility of extended periods of standing, particularly if the vehicle was used primarily for short journeys or stored seasonally. Low mileage can lead to dried seals, oxidised brake components, and degraded rubber items such as tyres and suspension bushes that age-harden regardless of mileage accumulation. The annual mileage appears broadly consistent year on year, with no dramatic spikes or extended gaps in testing evident in the record, which suggests the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than laid up for prolonged periods. Given the advisories recorded in 2021 for worn pins or bushes on both front suspension arms, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension geometry during any test drive. Listen for clonking or knocking noises over speed humps, rough surfaces, and during full-lock manoeuvres, which would indicate the rubber bushes have hardened or split. Feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering, excessive tyre wear on the inner or outer edges (which can suggest worn bushes allowing geometry to shift), and any creaking when turning at low speed. The 2024 advisory regarding a pitted and scored offside rear brake disc also merits investigation. On a road test, listen for any grinding or scraping from the rear brakes, check for vibration through the pedal or a pulling sensation under braking, and inspect the discs through the wheels for visible lipping or surface corrosion beyond a light coating. Regarding the 2022 Dangerous tyre failure, this is a relatively common MOT outcome on older vehicles but serves as a reminder to inspect all four tyres closely, including the sidewalls for cracking or bulges, particularly given the low annual mileage which can accelerate sidewall deterioration through UV exposure and prolonged static load. Verify that all tyres are of matching type and have adequate tread depth across the full width of the contact patch. Under the vehicle, check for any signs of fluid weeping from the engine, gearbox, or differential, and inspect the exhaust system for corrosion or blowing joints, as these items are not captured in the MOT record but are common concerns on a ten-year-old vehicle with low mileage. Finally, confirm the operation of all handbrake applications on an incline, as rear brake mechanisms that see infrequent use can seize, and verify that the cooling system is fully topped up with no evidence of mixing or leaks, given the age of the vehicle.