2012 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Diesel · LS62 TSX

The most recent MOT on 20 October 2024 was a clean pass, and the intervening test on 4 October 2024 recorded a failure despite no defects being logged – a likely administrative anomaly rather than a mechanical one. Across the six‑year record the vehicle has moved from a series of tyre‑wear and suspension‑arm advisories in 2019 through to more serious items in 2020 (engine MIL fault and a dangerous tyre ply exposure) which appear to have been remedied, as evidenced by the clean passes in 2021, 2022, 2023 and the latest 2024 test. The overall maintenance trend can therefore be described as stabilising after a period of wear‑related advisories, with the current state suggesting no immediate safety‑critical failures, though the recurring suspension‑arm bush wear and coil‑spring corrosion remain points of ongoing attention. At 82,881 miles the Ibiza averages just under 6,000 mi per annum, well below the typical 10‑12 000 mi for a vehicle of its age. Such low utilisation often points to periods of infrequent use or extended storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage in terms of component ageing. The modest annual mileage reduces cumulative wear on engine, transmission and braking hardware, but it also means that rubber and elastomer parts – tyres, suspension bushes, boot seals and hoses – may have deteriorated from age rather than use. Any sudden spikes in mileage that are not reflected in the recorded total could also hide hidden wear, so a thorough log‑book review is advisable. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the front suspension arm bushes on both sides, which have been flagged repeatedly since 2019. On a test drive listen for clunking or knocking when negotiating bumps or applying steering input, and feel for any looseness or excessive play in the front wheel hubs. Visual inspection should reveal any split or cracked rubber, and a mechanic can measure the bush clearance to confirm whether replacement is imminent. The near‑side rear and off‑side rear coil springs were noted as corroded in 2020; corrosion can weaken spring integrity and lead to uneven ride height or a noisy suspension, so a qualified inspection of the spring condition and surrounding mounting points is prudent. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, tyre sidewalls should be examined for cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening even if tread depth appears adequate, as aged tyres can fail catastrophically. Verify that the 12‑volt battery holds charge and that the terminals are free of corrosion, since long periods of inactivity accelerate sulfation. Check that the engine management light now illuminates correctly and that there are no stored fault codes, indicating the 2020 MIL fault was fully rectified. Finally, inspect brake discs for surface rust or glazing, ensure caliper pistons move freely without binding, and confirm that all fluid reservoirs (engine oil, brake, coolant, power‑steering) contain clean, correctly coloured liquids – a visual cue that time‑based servicing has not been neglected despite the low mileage.