2016 SEAT Ibiza 1.2L Petrol · YM65 MSO

The most recent MOT on 21 January 2026 at 94,840 miles passed without any defects, marking a clean record just six months prior to the current date. However, the preceding history reveals a concerning pattern of recurring issues that suggest inconsistent maintenance. The February 2025 tests—both a pass and a fail at 86,781 miles—highlighted a fractured offside front coil spring, heavily worn tyres, and thinning brake pads, alongside oil misting on the shock absorber. These were not one-off failures but persistent problems, with the coil spring fracture alone representing a serious structural risk that should have been addressed immediately. The January 2024 tests similarly flagged rear tyre wear and a non-functional washer system, indicating that consumables and minor systems were neglected. While the latest pass is encouraging, the underlying trend of unresolved mechanical faults—particularly suspension and braking components—demands closer scrutiny before purchase. The vehicle’s mileage accumulation of roughly 9,484 miles per year aligns with typical usage for its age, though the clustering of MOT tests suggests periods of heavier use or deferred maintenance. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests (approximately 9,000 miles over 11 months) is relatively short, but the repeated failures within a tight window—particularly the dual tests in February 2025—imply that the car was driven despite known defects. This raises questions about whether the previous owner prioritised immediate compliance over long-term reliability. The absence of earlier records beyond 2024 limits full context, but the pattern of tyre wear and suspension issues suggests that routine checks were overlooked rather than the vehicle being driven excessively. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect in person are the front suspension components, especially the offside coil spring and shock absorber. The fractured spring in 2025 indicates potential fatigue or pre-existing damage, and any remaining corrosion, binding, or uneven wear on the mounting points should be treated as red flags. The thinning brake pads across multiple tests—particularly on both sides—suggest aggressive driving or delayed replacements, so checking pad thickness, disc condition, and any signs of glazing or uneven wear is essential. Tyres, too, demand immediate attention: the repeated failures for edge wear and near-legal tread depths point to alignment issues or underinflation, which could accelerate suspension and steering wear. Finally, verify that the washer system has been repaired and test all fluid levels, as minor systems often signal broader neglect. The clean MOT in early 2026 is not enough to dismiss the vehicle outright, but it also doesn’t absolve the need for a thorough pre-purchase inspection. The history shows that while the car can pass a test when pushed, it has a track record of deferred repairs—particularly in suspension and braking—that could lead to costly failures or safety risks down the line. A buyer should treat this as a high-mileage used car requiring immediate attention, not a low-maintenance runabout.