2014 SEAT Ibiza 1.6L Diesel · NJ64 OOY

The vehicle currently holds a clean MOT status following a pass on 7 March 2026 at 139,194 miles. While the most recent result shows no defects, the maintenance trend has been inconsistent, characterized by several significant failures in recent years. The February 2026 failure at 139,188 miles, involving a fractured offside front coil spring and a nearside rear tyre below the legal limit, indicates that the vehicle was being driven with critical component failures just prior to the successful retest. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a typical 12-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 11,600 miles per year. The record shows steady usage, with the mileage increasing from 66,931 in June 2019 to 139,194 in March 2026. There are no obvious periods of long-term stagnation, though the frequency of MOT failures suggests that maintenance often appears reactive rather than preventative. A prospective buyer should focus heavily on the steering and suspension systems. The steering rack has shown persistent issues, with play in the inner joints flagged in 2021, 2023, and 2024, and slight free play noted as an advisory in 2024 and 2025. This suggests a recurring mechanical wear pattern that may require more than just minor adjustments. The shock absorbers also require close inspection, as the 2024 test recorded a serious fluid leak on the nearside rear, following earlier reports of light oil misting in 2020 and 2021. The braking system and tyre management also warrant scrutiny. The vehicle has a history of parking brake inefficiency and adjustment issues, specifically in 2023 and 2024. Furthermore, the frequent advisories regarding tyres being worn close to the legal limit or having damaged sidewalls suggest a pattern of neglecting basic consumable maintenance. A physical inspection should confirm that the recent repairs to the coil springs, tyres, and lighting have been completed to a high standard and that the steering rack has been adequately addressed.