2008 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · WF08 AOB

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a persistent issue with the steering system. While it passed its latest test in March 2026 at 93,256 miles, the tester again flagged play in the steering rack inner joints. This fault follows a recurring pattern seen in the 2024 and 2025 records, indicating that the component has not been replaced despite multiple advisories. The overall trend for this specific mechanical fault is stable to worsening rather than resolving. At eighteen years old, the recorded mileage of 93,256 miles represents a low annual average of approximately 5,181 miles. This low usage suggests the car has not been subjected to heavy motorway mileage but often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components and seals due to inactivity. Between April 2023 and March 2024, the vehicle covered only 1,717 miles, confirming a pattern of infrequent use. However, the low mileage does not prevent the mechanical failure of steering components which appear to be failing due to age-related wear. A buyer must personally inspect the steering mechanism to determine if the play in the inner joints has caused secondary wear on the steering rack itself or tie rod ends. The failure in March 2025 regarding the offside rear door mechanism suggests that minor hardware failures may be overlooked, though this appeared to be rectified before the subsequent test. Given the age of the Ibiza, a physical inspection should also focus on structural corrosion on the rear sills and wheel arches, as well as the condition of the brake lines and perished suspension bushes, which are common on low-mileage vehicles that sit stationary for long periods.