2011 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · ML61 GSO

Chronic rear suspension and brake wear dominate the mechanical record of this 2011 SEAT Ibiza, with advisories clustering around the same offside rear coil spring across three consecutive tests and culminating in a fractured front coil spring failure at the most recent attempt. The 2026-06-27 test produced both a pass and a fail on the same day, the fail being recorded as a Major defect for a broken offside front coil spring, which is a safety-critical suspension component that must be replaced before the vehicle is driven in service. Prior to this, the 2024-10-04 test followed an identical dual-outcome pattern, passing with advisories but failing on a Major worn rear brake disc. Across the four test cycles shown, the offside rear coil spring has been flagged for corrosion twice, both rear brake discs have appeared as worn or pitted on three occasions, and the offside rear caliper was recorded as binding in 2023. The overall trend is one of repeated suspension and braking component wear rather than a stable or improving roadworthiness picture, and the severity escalated to Major defects on both recorded failures. The recorded mileage of 100,738 miles over approximately fifteen years equates to an average of around 6,700 miles annually, which sits in the middle of what is typical for a car of this age. There are no extended gaps in the testing record that would suggest long periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests implies fairly steady use. Mechanically, a vehicle of this age and mileage has accumulated considerable wear on consumable and chassis components, which is consistent with the recorded pattern of brake disc wear, shock absorber oil misting, and suspension bush play appearing across multiple tests. The mileage itself does not flag any anomalies such as sustained low use or rapid accumulation that would raise separate concerns. Given the recurrence of offside rear coil spring corrosion advisories and the eventual fracture of an offside front coil spring, the rear axle springs and front springs should be inspected for cracks, surface corrosion, and any signs of vehicle sag at the corners. On a test drive, listen for sharp metallic clunks or knocking over bumps, particularly from the front offside, and feel for any uneven ride height or bouncing after compression. The suspension arm pin and bush advisories recorded on both sides suggest the front lower arm bushes are nearing the end of their service life, so push down firmly on each front corner and release, watching for delayed damping or excessive oscillation, and listen for clonking on uneven surfaces. The rear brake disc has been flagged as worn or pitted on every test since 2022 and failed on wear in 2024, meaning a replacement is likely overdue; during the test drive, check for brake pedal judder under firm application, any pulling to one side under braking, and listen for scraping or grinding noises from the rear. The 2023 binding offside rear brake caliper advisory and the nearside front shock absorber oil misting noted in both 2022 and 2023 indicate components that have been gradually deteriorating. On inspection, check for uneven rear tyre wear which can indicate the caliper is sticking and dragging, and look for wet oil residue on the front shock body or any staining on the surrounding spring seat. The tyre cut and sidewall split advisories from 2022 and 2023 suggest the wheels may have been kerbed or impacted, so examine all four tyres carefully for bulges, cracks, and uneven tread wear, particularly on the inner shoulders. The loose back box heat shield advisory and the failed windscreen washer in 2023 are minor items, but they should be confirmed as rectified. Finally, a thorough inspection underneath the vehicle for any developing corrosion on the rear axle, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe runs would be prudent given the coil spring corrosion pattern observed.