2016 SEAT Ibiza 1.0L Petrol · YG66 NVC

The 2016 SEAT Ibiza has maintained a passing MOT status through its most recent test on 16 January 2026, though the record reveals a concerning pattern of recurring tyre-related advisories. While no defects were recorded in the January 2026 test, the consistent near-legal-limit tread readings across multiple MOTs—particularly the repeated offside front and rear tyre issues in 2025 and 2024—suggest a lack of proactive maintenance. The January 2022 test stands out as the only clean pass, indicating that either the vehicle was serviced more diligently before 2023 or the tyres were replaced. The absence of any structural or mechanical advisories in the latest test is a positive sign, but the tyre history implies that basic upkeep may have been neglected. The recorded mileage of 76,647 miles at the time of the latest MOT aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, averaging around 7,665 miles annually. There are no significant gaps in mileage accumulation, though the jump from 46,899 miles in January 2022 to 55,349 miles by January 2023 suggests a period of increased usage. The consistency in mileage increments—roughly 6,000 miles per year—indicates steady driving rather than prolonged neglect or excessive wear. However, the repeated tyre advisories across four consecutive MOTs (2023–2025) suggest that either the tyres were not replaced at the correct intervals or the vehicle was driven on underinflated or mismatched tyres, accelerating uneven wear. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the tyres, particularly the offside front and rear positions, which have consistently approached legal limits. Look for uneven tread patterns, embedded debris, or signs of edge wear that could indicate alignment issues or previous underinflation. Given the lack of structural advisories in recent tests, the suspension components—including coil springs, bushes, and dampers—should be checked for excessive play, corrosion, or fluid leaks, as these are common failure points in a vehicle of this age. The braking system, while not explicitly flagged in the latest MOT, warrants scrutiny; the 2025 test’s advisories could have masked underlying issues such as warped discs or binding calipers, so a dynamic brake test is advisable. Finally, inspect the underbody and wheel arches for corrosion, especially around the rear subframe and wheel bearings, as these areas are prone to rust-related failures in SEAT Ibizas of this vintage.