2014 SEAT Ibiza 1.4L Petrol · R321 ABL

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 10 July 2026, but the preceding test history indicates a deteriorating maintenance trend. The failure on 9 July 2026 was significant, involving a dangerous defect regarding offside rear brake pad thickness and a major failure of a nearside front lower suspension arm bush. Notably, this suspension bush was flagged as an advisory in July 2024, suggesting that a known wear item was left unaddressed for two years until it reached a critical failure point. This pattern suggests a reactive approach to vehicle upkeep rather than a preventative one. With a recorded mileage of 141,356 miles over approximately twelve years, the car has averaged roughly 11,780 miles per annum. This is considered typical usage for a vehicle of this age and class. However, such mileage inevitably places considerable stress on the drivetrain, engine mounts, and all chassis consumables. At this stage of its life cycle, the buyer should be mindful of wear on the clutch assembly and the service history of the timing belt and water pump, as these components are subject to strict interval replacements regardless of annual mileage. During a physical inspection and test drive, particular attention must be paid to the steering system due to the current advisory regarding play in the nearside steering rack inner joint. This is a critical component; listen for clunks or knocks when turning the wheel at low speeds and feel for any vagueness or instability in the steering response. While the lower suspension arm was recently rectified to pass the MOT, ensure the vehicle tracks straight and does not pull under braking, as uneven wear in these components can affect wheel alignment and tyre longevity. The recent dangerous failure for brake pad wear indicates a lack of regular brake system monitoring. Inspect the brake discs for deep scoring or a prominent lip at the edge, which would suggest the pads were worn down to the metal. Additionally, the current advisory for a nail in the nearside rear tyre should be resolved immediately to prevent a slow puncture or sudden failure. Finally, given the high mileage, check for fluid leaks around the engine bay and inspect the exhaust system for significant corrosion or leaks that could lead to future MOT failures.