2015 SEAT Ibiza 1.4L Petrol · LP15 YHS

The most recent MOT test on 10 April 2026 resulted in a pass with no recorded defects. However, the maintenance trend over the last two years shows signs of instability due to recurring major failures. The offside rear service brake was flagged for being excessively binding in both April 2025 and April 2026. Although the vehicle has since passed, the repetition of this specific fault suggests a persistent issue with the braking component, such as a seized caliper piston, a faulty handbrake adjustment, or a sticking slide pin, rather than a random occurrence. With 47,696 miles recorded over an eleven-year period, the vehicle has averaged approximately 4,336 miles per year. This represents very low usage compared to typical UK driving patterns. While this low mileage suggests less mechanical wear on the engine, gearbox, and suspension bushes, it introduces risks associated with infrequent operation. Vehicles that spend significant time stationary are susceptible to different forms of degradation, including the stagnation of fluids and the hardening of rubber components, which can be just as detrimental as high-mileage wear. Due to the recurring brake binding defect, you must pay close attention to the rear braking system during your inspection. On a test drive, listen for any metallic scraping or grinding from the rear and feel for excessive heat emanating from the offside rear wheel after a period of driving. Check the rear tyres for uneven wear patterns, particularly on the inner or outer edges, which would indicate a brake that is not releasing correctly. Furthermore, following the previous failure regarding a missing wheel fixing, you should physically verify that all wheel bolts are present, correctly seated, and that the wheel hubs show no signs of improper lug nut usage or damage. Given the low annual mileage, perform a thorough physical inspection for age-related degradation. Examine the tyre sidewalls for signs of perishing or fine cracking, which indicates the rubber has reached the end of its service life regardless of tread depth. Inspect the brake discs for heavy corrosion or pitting, which can occur if the vehicle sits for long periods without sufficient heat to clear surface oxidation. You should also confirm that the service history includes time-based maintenance, such as brake fluid replacements and oil changes, as these are critical for low-usage vehicles. Finally, check the condition of the 12V battery and ensure there is no evidence of fluid leaks from various seals that may have dried out due to inactivity.