2018 SEAT Ibiza 1.0L Petrol · SC67 EOL

The most recent MOT inspection on 27 January 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance history indicates a concerning trend regarding consumable components. While the vehicle has successfully passed its tests, the recurring nature of advisories suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to maintenance. The history shows a pattern of escalating issues, moving from minor brake disc pitting in 2023 to significant failures involving suspension bushes and heavily worn brake discs in early 2024. Although the brake discs appear to have been addressed following the 2024 failure, the most recent records show a persistent and widespread issue with tyre wear across all four corners, indicating that the vehicle is currently being operated on tyres that are nearing the end of their legal and safe service life. With 72,666 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 9,083 miles per year. This is considered typical usage for a small hatchback of this age and suggests the vehicle has been used for regular commuting rather than long periods of standing or excessive high-speed motorway cruising. From a mechanical perspective, this level of mileage is consistent with the wear patterns seen in the MOT history, particularly regarding the degradation of suspension components and braking systems. The mileage does not suggest any unusual or rapid accumulation, but the frequency of tyre and brake advisories implies that the vehicle's running costs for consumables may be higher than average due to the current maintenance cycle. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the tyre condition and the recent history of braking system issues. The most recent advisories specifically highlight that both nearside and offside rear tyres are worn close to the legal limit and show uneven wear on the edges. This unevenness is a critical indicator that the wheel alignment or tracking may be out of specification, or that suspension components such as control arms or bushes may still be contributing to incorrect geometry. During a test drive, you should listen for any clunking or knocking sounds from the front end, which would indicate further deterioration of the suspension bushes previously flagged as a major failure. Additionally, check for any brake pedal pulsation or steering wheel shudder under heavy braking, as the history of fluctuating service brakes and worn discs suggests the braking system has been under stress. Beyond the recorded defects, you should perform a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle's age-related wear. Given the consistent tyre advisories, inspect the sidewalls of all tyres for any signs of perishing, cracking, or bulging, which can occur even if tread depth is sufficient. Check the brake calipers for signs of binding or excessive corrosion, as the previous advisories regarding imbalanced rear brakes suggest the rear system may require careful monitoring. It is also advisable to verify the service history to ensure that fluid changes, particularly brake fluid and engine oil, have been conducted on a calendar basis rather than just by mileage, as the 2023 advisory regarding brake imbalance can sometimes stem from moisture contamination or neglected maintenance.