2013 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · OY13 RNA

The vehicle achieved a PASS at its most recent MOT on 4 June 2026, although this followed a FAIL just one week earlier on 28 May 2026 that was primarily attributable to an incorrectly aimed nearside front headlamp and a split nearside front drive shaft CV boot that could no longer prevent ingress of dirt. While the rapid retest pass suggests these defects were rectified, the appearance of two Major failures within the same testing window warrants some scrutiny, particularly as CV boot splits and headlamp alignment issues can recur if underlying causes such as worn suspension droplinks, perished engine mounts, or fatigued anti-roll bar bushes have not been addressed. The broader MOT history indicates a generally stable maintenance trend, with PASS outcomes recorded in 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025, but the recurring advisory for nearside rear tyre edge wear across three consecutive tests suggests a persistent geometry issue, most likely requiring attention to rear wheel alignment or inspection of the rear axle bushes, trailing arms, and coil springs for fatigue or displacement. Recorded mileage of 78,945 miles across thirteen years equates to an average of roughly 6,073 miles annually, which sits comfortably within expected parameters for a supermini of this age and suggests the car has seen regular but moderate use rather than extended periods of standing or unusually high motorway accumulation. There are no significant gaps in the annual MOT testing pattern, indicating consistent operation, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady. This kind of usage profile tends to be favourable for mechanical longevity, as components such as the clutch, brakes, suspension, and drivetrain benefit from regular cycling, though consumable wear is still proportionate to the miles covered. Despite the largely clean advisory record, the history does flag several recurring points of attention for a prospective buyer. The nearside rear tyre consistently worn close to the legal limit and on its edge across multiple tests should prompt a thorough inspection of the rear suspension geometry, including trailing arm bushes, beam axle bearings, and shock absorber condition, as uneven wear of this nature is frequently symptomatic of component fatigue rather than simple under-inflation. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear end over uneven surfaces, and verify that the vehicle tracks straight without pulling. The 2023 advisory regarding rear brake pads wearing thin should also be followed up by checking current pad material thickness and disc condition, as a 78,945-mile Ibiza will almost certainly have required at least one disc and pad replacement by now, and any lipping or corrosion on the disc edges would confirm the need for imminent renewal. Given the vehicle is now thirteen years old, a prospective buyer should also undertake several age-related inspections regardless of the MOT outcome. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing or cracking from age, as rubber degrades with calendar time even if tread depth remains adequate, and the nearside rear nail advisory from the latest test confirms at least one tyre has been repaired and may warrant replacement. With thirteen years of service, the 12V battery is almost certainly due for renewal and should be load tested, while brake fluid, coolant, and if applicable, timing belt replacement history should be verified through the service book, as SEAT Ibiza petrol units of this era typically require a cambelt change at five-year or sixty to ninety thousand mile intervals depending on engine variant. Inspect the underside and wheel arches for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, and check for any signs of fluid leaks from the engine or transmission. Finally, ensure the CV boot failure noted at the recent test has been properly repaired with a new gaiter and fresh grease, rather than a temporary sealant fix, and verify that the headlamp alignment has been correctly set using proper aiming equipment.