2014 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · SC64 UPL

The most recent MOT on 10 November 2025 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the preceding three years the record shows a significant improvement: a major failure of the off‑side front coil spring in November 2023 was rectified and thereafter the only items flagged have been advisory‑level rear brake disc wear and minor service‑brake irregularities. The absence of new failures in the 2024 and 2025 tests suggests that the principal structural issue has been addressed, but the persistence of rear‑brake advisories means the braking system still warrants close scrutiny. At 54,206 mi the Ibiza averages just over 4,500 mi per annum, well below the typical usage for a 12‑year‑old small car. Such low mileage often reflects periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage in terms of component ageing. The modest annual run‑off reduces the cumulative wear on engine, transmission and suspension, yet it also raises the likelihood of age‑related degradation of rubber seals, hoses, tyre sidewalls and battery plates. There are no obvious spikes in mileage that would suggest a period of intensive use, so the wear pattern should be relatively uniform, but the vehicle’s age means that many consumables are approaching the end of their service life irrespective of miles logged. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the rear braking assembly. The repeated advisory that the near‑side rear disc is worn, pitted or scored, together with notes of fluctuating and binding service‑brake action, points to thinning discs and possibly uneven pad wear or caliper sticking. On a road test listen for a high‑pitched squeal or feel a pulsation through the pedal when the rear brakes are applied, especially under light braking. Verify the disc thickness with a micrometer or have a mechanic check it; if the minimum thickness is close to the legal limit, replacement of both rear discs and a thorough cleaning or refurbishment of the rear calipers will be prudent. The off‑side front coil spring, although repaired after the 2023 fracture, should be inspected for signs of fatigue, rust or compromised mounts, and the front suspension bushes and dampers should be checked for play or leaking fluid. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, also examine items that deteriorate with time. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven tread wear that may have arisen from long periods of storage; the 2019 advisory about front tyres being close to the legal limit suggests the tread may already be marginal. Check the 12‑volt battery voltage and consider a load test, as batteries left idle for years lose capacity. Look for corrosion on the battery terminals, under the bonnet and around the wheel arches, and ensure that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are topped up and that the fluids are not discoloured or contaminated. Finally, confirm that the service book contains stamps for regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable) and any major component replacements, as a well‑documented maintenance history will give further confidence in the car’s long‑term reliability.