2004 SEAT Ibiza 1.4L Petrol · LC04 FTP

The most recent DVSA examination on 13 October 2025 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which represents a positive development after the previous test cycle. The 2024-11-04 pass had only one advisory concerning worn front brake discs, and the intervening 2024-10-25 failure was entirely focused on lighting and emissions-related items, specifically an inoperative engine management warning lamp, an incorrect headlamp beam pattern on the offside, and defective headlamp lenses. The earlier 2023 tests revealed a broader spread of concerns, including a supplementary restraint system warning lamp not illuminating, a coolant leak, corrosion to an offside front lower suspension arm, and the same recurring front brake disc wear advisory that has now been present at every MOT since 2022. Taken together, the trend suggests that the vehicle has stabilised following the 2023 cluster of advisories and the 2024 lighting failures, though the persistent brake disc advisory indicates ongoing wear to the front braking system that warrants direct inspection before purchase. With 91,325 miles recorded over approximately 22 years, the vehicle has covered roughly 4,150 miles annually, which is substantially below average for a car of this age and points to either prolonged periods of standing or genuinely light usage. The MOT cadence shows annual tests from 2021 onwards with mileage only broadly implied across entries, and the consistent presence of advisories related to brake discs and suspension components over multiple years is consistent with a low-mileage car where corrosion and surface deterioration develop faster than mechanical wear. Standing periods combined with modest use can accelerate issues such as brake disc pitting, caliper seizure, underfloor corrosion, fluid degradation, and tyre sidewall perishing, all of which would be consistent with the observed history. Regarding the recurring advisories, the front brake disc wear noted at every test since October 2022 should be physically inspected for lipping, surface pitting, and corrosion around the disc bell, while the offside front lower suspension arm corrosion advisory from October 2023 should be re-examined for any progression since. On a test drive, listen for suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, particularly from the front nearside area, and feel for brake shudder or vibration under firm pedal application, which would suggest the discs have now reached a serviceable thickness limit. The earlier coolant leak advisory and the general fluid leak note from 2022 also warrant a visual check of the cooling system hoses, radiator, and engine bay for fresh seepage, along with verification that the header tank remains at its correct level after a warm cycle. The lighting issues recorded in 2024, particularly the headlamp lens defects and beam aim problem, should be re-verified by operating all lamps and confirming that both headlamp patterns sit correctly on a flat surface. Given the vehicle's age and low annual mileage, several time-based inspections are highly relevant regardless of the clean 2025 pass. Tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing, cracking, or ozone damage rather than solely tread depth, as age-hardened rubber can fail suddenly even on lightly used cars. Brake caliper slide pins, handbrake mechanism, and rear brake components should be checked for seizure from standing, particularly as the rear position lamp failure noted in 2023 could indicate poor electrical contact or earth issues. The 12-volt battery health should be tested with a proper load tester, as batteries older than five years frequently cause starting issues in lightly driven vehicles. Coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should all be considered due for replacement on a calendar basis rather than mileage alone, and the exhaust system, given its 2021 advisory for rear silencer corrosion, warrants a thorough underfloor examination with the car raised. Finally, confirm that the service book contains recent stamps or invoices, as low annual mileage does not exempt the engine from requiring periodic oil and filter changes to maintain internal lubrication and prevent bore glazing.