2012 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · LR62 DZD

The vehicle shows signs of a worsening maintenance trend, particularly regarding steering and emissions components. While the most recent test on 23 December 2023 at 117,764 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged slight free play in the front steering rack at the nearside and offside. This follows a failure just two days prior on 21 December 2023, where the tester identified play in the steering rack inner joints, an exhaust Lambda reading outside specified limits, and a damaged windscreen. The recurrence of steering rack issues suggests that while repairs are being attempted, the underlying mechanical wear in the steering system is not being fully resolved. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 8,400 miles per year. The records show steady usage, moving from 85,726 miles in February 2020 to 117,764 miles by late 2023. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would suggest long periods of inactivity, which typically helps prevent seized components. However, the frequency of failures in the later years of the record indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase of its lifecycle where more significant mechanical and structural maintenance is required. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the steering system and the vehicle's structural integrity. The history reveals repeated issues with the steering rack and suspension components, including worn arm pins and bushes noted in February 2022 and February 2021. Furthermore, the tester flagged damage to the nearside front suspension component mounting area on the outer sill during the February 2022 test. This indicates potential corrosion or structural compromise in the sill area that requires close scrutiny to ensure it is not progressing. The repeated failures regarding exhaust Lambda readings in December 2023 and February 2022 suggest potential issues with the catalytic converter or oxygen sensors. These emissions faults, combined with the documented oil leak noted in February 2021, imply that the engine's efficiency and sealing should be verified. Finally, the recurring mentions of deteriorated registration plates and windscreen damage suggest a pattern of neglecting minor consumable items, so a complete check of all exterior lights, wipers, and glass is necessary.