2013 SEAT Ibiza 1.4L Petrol · LS13 WWR

The most recent MOT on 5 February 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the six‑year MOT window the majority of tests have been passes, with the only failures relating to a registration plate lamp in early 2025 and a suite of major wiper, washer and headlamp faults in early 2022. The 2023 advisory concerning thin front inner brake pads and moderate front disc wear has not re‑appeared, suggesting that the brake wear may have been addressed or is now within acceptable limits. Overall the maintenance trend appears to be stabilising after the earlier electrical and wiper issues were remedied, but the brake system should still be inspected closely as the previous advisory points to components that approach the end of their service life. At 92 802 miles the Ibiza has logged roughly 7 100 miles per year since its 2013 registration, a figure well below the UK average for a vehicle of this age. Such modest annual mileage often reflects periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be benign for engine wear but may accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber components, battery cells and corrosion‑prone metalwork. There are no obvious mileage spikes that would suggest excessive stress on the drivetrain, yet the relatively low utilisation means that consumables such as tyres, brake pads and fluids may have deteriorated more from calendar ageing than from wear. When you examine the car, give particular attention to the front braking system. Verify that the inner pads have been replaced or still retain sufficient thickness, and inspect the front discs for scoring, glazing or excessive rust that could impair heat dissipation. During a test drive listen for any high‑pitched squeal or low‑frequency shudder when applying the brakes, and feel for any pull to one side that could indicate uneven pad wear or a sticking caliper. Also confirm that all exterior lamps, especially the registration plate and off‑side dipped‑beam headlamp, illuminate correctly, and operate the windscreen washers and both wipers to ensure they clear the glass effectively; any hesitation or streaking may reveal a failing pump, worn blade pivots or a clogged spray nozzle. Given the vehicle’s age and relatively low mileage, inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening of the rubber, and confirm that the tread depth is at least 1.6 mm across the width. Examine the suspension bushes, ball joints and coil springs for any looseness, creaking or uneven wear that could be hidden by limited road use. Check the 12‑volt battery for charge holding ability and corrosion on the terminals, as prolonged storage can lead to sulfation. Finally, verify that the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid have been changed in accordance with calendar intervals – typically every two years for brake fluid and annually for oil and coolant – and look for any signs of leaks, coolant residue or oil stains around the engine bay and under the vehicle. A thorough visual inspection combined with a careful road test will reveal whether the Ibiza remains mechanically sound or requires imminent component replacement.