2013 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · TM07 CJM

The most recent MOT on 30 January 2026 was passed, but it carried three advisories – a fluctuating front service brake, a minor oil leak and play in the off‑side front steering‑rack inner joint. Over the last six years the pattern has moved from several outright failures (notably in 2022 and 2021) to a series of passes with only non‑excessive advisories, indicating that the owner has been addressing the most serious faults but that a number of wear items remain marginal and are not yet at a failure threshold. The overall maintenance trajectory can therefore be described as improving, yet still requiring attention to recurring weak points before they become safety‑critical. At 168,920 mi the Ibiza averages roughly 13,000 mi per year, which is well above the typical 8,000–10,000 mi for a vehicle of its age. This level of utilisation accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads, discs and suspension components, and it also increases the likelihood of internal engine and transmission fatigue. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the record, suggesting the car has been driven consistently rather than sitting idle for long periods, which means age‑related perishing (rubber cracking, battery sulfation) is less of a concern than mileage‑driven degradation. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the braking system. The repeated advisories for fluctuating front service brakes and the major rear‑brake binding recorded in 2024 point to possible uneven pad wear, glazed or worn discs and potentially a sticking rear caliper. On a test drive feel for any pulsation through the pedal, a soft or spongy pedal feel, or a pulling sensation to one side, and listen for squeal or grinding that would indicate disc surface damage. Inspect the discs for scoring, pitting or excessive wear, and verify that the pads have sufficient thickness. The oil leak noted on several occasions, though described as not excessive, should be traced – common sources on this model include the valve‑cover gasket and oil‑pan gasket – and the oil level and condition should be checked for contamination. Any persistent leak can lead to reduced oil pressure and eventual engine wear. Beyond the brakes, the steering‑rack play, worn front steering arm and the off‑side front tyre cut all suggest the front suspension and steering geometry may be out of alignment, which can cause uneven tyre wear and a vague “knocking” sensation when cornering. Examine the front tyres for sidewall cracking, tread depth and the presence of the cut, and verify that the tyre wear is even across the left‑right axis. The rear shock absorbers have shown oil mist and reduced damping in earlier tests, so a bounce test should be performed to confirm they are still providing adequate control; any excessive rebound or a “soft” feeling at the rear may indicate the need for replacement. The exhaust system exhibits corrosion and a broken middle clamp, which can allow moisture ingress and rust propagation; a visual inspection for rust holes, rattles and excessive heat shielding wear is advisable. Finally, given the vehicle’s age, check the 12 V battery for cranking performance, inspect the coolant for proper level and colour, and confirm that the timing belt (if fitted) has been changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s interval, as failure of any of these time‑based items can lead to costly breakdowns shortly after purchase.