2014 SEAT Ibiza 1.4L Petrol · PE64 DZL

The most recent DVSA examination on 14 January 2026 recorded a PASS, although it carried an advisory note for play in the steering rack inner joint, the same item flagged on the immediately preceding failed test two days earlier. That failure on 12 January 2026 listed several significant items, including a non-functional windscreen washer recorded as a major defect, an excessively worn offside front suspension arm pin or bush, a nearside front suspension arm pin or bush with wear not yet resulting in excessive movement, and a severely deteriorated dust cover on the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint. The steering rack inner joint advisory appeared across both the failed and passed entries, suggesting this is a persistent wear point rather than a one-off observation. Looking at the broader history, the 2024 test passed with no advisories at all, while both 2025 entries showed a developing pattern of arm bush wear on the offside front, and the 2026 entry shows that pattern continuing and broadening to include the nearside as well as steering rack wear. Overall the trend is one of progressive deterioration in the front suspension and steering area rather than stable condition, which warrants close attention from any prospective buyer. The recorded mileage of 74,216 miles across twelve years equates to an average annual mileage of roughly 6,185, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and segment and indicates reasonably regular use rather than long periods of standing. There is no unusually large mileage gap between tests and no evidence of rapid accumulation that might suggest heavy commercial or motorway use; the annual progression is broadly even. This kind of usage pattern is generally favourable because it implies that consumables such as brake discs, pads, tyres, and fluids have been exercised and refreshed at sensible intervals rather than allowing standing-related deterioration such as brake caliper seizure, tyre flat-spotting, or moisture ingress in the braking system. However, the mileage is sufficient that the vehicle is now entering a phase where original-equipment suspension, steering, and rubber components commonly begin to require replacement, which is consistent with the advisories recorded. The recurring advisories relating to suspension arm pins or bushes and the inner steering rack joint are the most important items for a buyer to investigate. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps, rough road surfaces, and when turning the steering wheel at low speed, as worn arm bushes and ball joint dust covers typically generate such noises once play develops further. Any vagueness, sloppiness, or clunking through the steering wheel, particularly when initiating a turn or going over bumps, would suggest that the inner rack joint play is advancing and that a rack replacement or rebuild may be approaching. Uneven or feathered tyre wear on the front pair, particularly on the inner or outer shoulders, is another strong indicator that the suspension geometry is compromised; a competent garage should be able to confirm play by physically lifting and levering the arms. The deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage dust cover is also worth noting, as once the cover splits the joint beneath will deteriorate rapidly, typically producing a metallic rattle over broken surfaces and requiring replacement of the complete drop link. Beyond the recorded defects, a car of this age and mileage warrants a number of standard age-related checks regardless of MOT outcome. Tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking or perishing, which is calendar-related rather than mileage-related, and even tyres with adequate tread depth can fail or become hazardous if the rubber has hardened with age. Brake discs should be examined for lipping and for any signs of binding calipers, which is a common issue on lightly or infrequently driven vehicles and which can manifest as hot wheels or pulling to one side after driving. The 12V battery is well into its expected service life and should be load-tested, while brake fluid should be replaced on a time basis irrespective of mileage, as it is hygroscopic and degrades over time. Verify that the service book contains evidence of regular cambelt or timing chain servicing according to SEAT schedule, and confirm the condition of the coolant, gearbox or manual transmission oil, and any power steering fluid. Finally, a thorough under-bonnet and under-vehicle inspection for fluid leaks, exhaust corrosion, and structural integrity around the rear axle and subframe mounting points is strongly advised given the vehicle's age.