2006 SEAT Ibiza diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 SEAT Ibiza diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 SEAT Ibiza diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.7× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  19.6% All 2006 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 3.3% of all 2006 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 arm2.1× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  6.2% All 2006 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.3% of all 2006 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.

• Handbrake performance2.5× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  3.2% All 2006 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

• Diesel smoke emissions2.6× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  2.3% All 2006 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.8% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2006 SEAT Ibiza diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 SEAT Ibiza diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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
  41% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  39% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  20% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% 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 2006 SEAT Ibiza diesel

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 2.7× as often on the 2006 SEAT Ibiza diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2006 SEAT Ibiza diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the handbrake performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2006 SEAT Ibiza diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?