2004 SEAT Ibiza: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 SEAT Ibiza?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 SEAT Ibiza than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.1× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  14.6% All 2004 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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.

• Link ball joint covers2× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  5.6% All 2004 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Brakes pulling to one side2.3× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  4.1% All 2004 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2004 SEAT Ibiza MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 SEAT Ibiza MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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
  36% 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
  30% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  16% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 SEAT Ibiza

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 SEAT Ibiza as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2004 SEAT Ibiza as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brakes pulling to one side? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2004 SEAT Ibiza as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?