2007 SEAT Ibiza petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 SEAT Ibiza petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 SEAT Ibiza petrol than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  16.5% All 2007 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.5% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Track rod ends1.9× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  10.3% All 2007 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2.5% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Sidelights1.6× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  12% All 2007 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 6.4% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.6× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  11.2% All 2007 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 3.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Brake lights1.8× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  10% All 2007 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 4.6% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2007 SEAT Ibiza petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 SEAT Ibiza petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  40% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  34% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Exhaust and emissions
  21% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 SEAT Ibiza petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2007 SEAT Ibiza petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2007 SEAT Ibiza petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2007 SEAT Ibiza petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?