2005 SEAT Ibiza: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 SEAT Ibiza?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 SEAT Ibiza than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  15.6% All 2005 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 3.3% of all 2005 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.

• Suspension arm2.5× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  8.5% All 2005 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Track rod ends1.9× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  11% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.7% of all 2005 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.

• Link ball joint covers2.3× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  6.6% All 2005 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.6% of all 2005 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.

• Washers1.7× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  6.8% All 2005 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 3.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2005 SEAT Ibiza MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 SEAT Ibiza MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  38% 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
  35% 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
  19% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  17% 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 2005 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 2.2× as often on the 2005 SEAT Ibiza as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2005 SEAT Ibiza as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2005 SEAT Ibiza as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?