2012 SEAT Ibiza 1.4L Petrol · KV12 KVT

The vehicle currently presents as roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of deteriorating suspension and exhaust components. The most recent MOT test in February 2023 at 97,226 miles resulted in a failure due to a serious fluid leak from the nearside front shock absorber. While the vehicle passed the immediate retest, several mechanical issues such as a corroded coil spring and worn lower arm bushes remained advisories. This suggests that the owner only addresses faults necessary to pass inspection rather than performing preventative maintenance. At 97,226 miles over 14 years, the car has averaged approximately 7,000 miles per year, which aligns with typical low-to-moderate usage. There is a significant gap in the records between the October 2019 test and the March 2021 test, during which over 6,000 miles were covered. Since the last recorded MOT in late February 2023, the vehicle is now over three years overdue for a formal safety check. This lapse increases the risk that undetected wear has occurred, particularly regarding the components that showed weakness in previous years. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension geometry. The record shows a persistent issue with worn lower arm bushes and corroded springs dating back to 2019, which have never been replaced. You should check the nearside front shock absorber for fresh oil leaks and inspect the front coil springs for structural cracks or heavy rust. The front service brakes were noted as fluctuating in 2023, indicating potentially warped discs or sticking calipers that may require replacement to ensure consistent stopping performance. The exhaust system flexi-section has been flagged for deterioration since 2022, with a minor leak confirmed in 2023. This component is prone to point failure and should be inspected for further corrosion. Given the age of the vehicle and the recurring nature of the suspension faults, the structural integrity of the underbody should also be verified to ensure that corrosion has not progressed beyond the surface level noted by the tester.