2017 SEAT Ibiza 1.0L Petrol · NG66 HHO

The most recent MOT test on 26 August 2026 resulted in a Pass, although it was preceded only twelve days earlier by a Fail on the same date of the previous week, indicating a narrow margin of compliance that a prospective buyer should not overlook. The earlier failure cited major defects in respect of parking brake efficiency below requirements and a rear brake imbalance across axle two, both of which were evidently rectified in time for the retest. However, the same advisories noted on the failed examination remain active on the pass certificate, namely rear subframe corrosion, a deteriorating rear exhaust box, an insecure nearside rear shocker cover, and excessive handbrake travel. Looking back across the 2024 to 2026 period, the trend is clearly one of progressive deterioration rather than stability, with recurring advisories on exhaust corrosion, suspension component wear, and tyre condition appearing across consecutive tests, and two outright failures occurring within the last twelve months alone. This pattern suggests a vehicle whose maintenance has been reactive rather than preventative, and one in which underlying wear issues are accumulating faster than they are being addressed. With 116,826 miles recorded against a nine year old SEAT Ibiza, the annualised figure of roughly 12,981 miles points to notably high usage for a vehicle of this class and age, considerably above the typical 7,000 to 9,000 miles per year expected for a privately owned supermini. This sustained high mileage carries direct mechanical implications, particularly in respect of wear on friction materials such as brake pads, discs, and clutch components, accelerated ageing of rubber and polyurethane items including bushes, mountings, and flexible boots, and a greater likelihood of fatigue-related failures in the suspension and drivetrain. The absence of any significant gaps in the recorded mileage history reinforces the impression of a hard-worked vehicle, and the recurring advisories relating to suspension arm pin or bush wear, exhaust deterioration, and rear brake performance are wholly consistent with the demands placed upon a high mileage example. Several specific advisories warrant close physical inspection prior to purchase. The reported rear subframe corrosion, while assessed as not seriously weakened, should be examined with the vehicle raised on a ramp to determine the extent and depth of the corrosion, particularly around mounting points and any integrated mounting brackets, as subframe deterioration can progress rapidly once initiated on a high mileage vehicle exposed to winter road conditions. The insecure nearside rear shocker cover and the recurring advisories on front suspension arm pin or bush wear from the 2025 examinations together suggest broader deterioration of the damping and suspension linkage assembly; on a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to any vagueness or tramlining through corners which would indicate worn bushes. The rear brake imbalance flagged as a major defect in August 2026 is a serious concern that should be verified has been properly rectified with new friction material and, ideally, new or skimmed discs, as imbalance often traces to a seized or partially binding caliper or a compromised hydraulic component, and a test drive should confirm firm, progressive braking without pulling to one side or any shudder through the pedal. The recurring handbrake travel advisory further supports a full inspection of the rear caliper mechanism, cable adjustment, and handbrake shoe condition, as excessive travel is frequently symptomatic of stretched cables or worn internal caliper mechanisms rather than a simple adjustment issue. Beyond the recorded defects, the deteriorating rear exhaust box noted across the last three MOT examinations is highly likely to require imminent replacement and should be physically inspected for active blowing, visible perforations, and mounting integrity, as exhaust gases leaking into the rear wheel arch area can also accelerate corrosion of nearby suspension and brake parts. Given the calendar age of the vehicle, regardless of the mileage, attention should also be paid to age-related degradation including perishing or cracking of tyre sidewalls even where tread depth remains adequate, twelve volt battery health and state of charge, brake fluid condition which degrades hygroscopically over time and should be replaced on a calendar basis irrespective of mileage, and the condition of all rubber boots and gaiters protecting steering and driveshaft joints. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a competent independent garage, ideally with the vehicle elevated, would be strongly advisable to confirm the full extent of the corrosion issues, verify the quality of the recent brake rectification work, and assess the general condition of the suspension, exhaust, and braking systems before committing to purchase.