Used car guide

2009 SEAT Ibiza: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Petrol 54% pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%) Stands out: track rod ends 3.1×, exhaust system 2.1×, link ball joint covers 3× 22,931 MOTsSee the petrol guide › Diesel 52% pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%) Stands out: track rod ends 3.1×, drive shaft (cv) joints 2.5×, suspension arm bushes and joints 1.7× 3,480 MOTsSee the diesel guide ›

Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.

Known faults on every 2009 SEAT Ibiza

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Unreliable air conditioning

    All engines

    The air conditioning can give trouble and repairs can be costly.

    At the viewing: Run the air con on full. It should blow cold within a minute, with no hissing.

    Source: Auto Express: used SEAT Ibiza Mk4

  • Electric window motors that short out

    All engines

    The window motors can fail, so a window may stop, refuse to move or even move by itself.

    At the viewing: Open and close every window fully on the test drive.

    Source: Auto Express: used SEAT Ibiza Mk4

  • Rear washer pipe that leaks into the boot

    All engines

    The rear washer's feed pipe can come loose and fill the boot with water.

    At the viewing: Lift the boot floor and feel the carpet for damp, then try the rear washer.

    Source: Auto Express: used SEAT Ibiza Mk4

Looking at a SEAT Ibiza?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the SEAT Ibiza compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023557Tyres 17%
20225,518Tyres 22%
202116,948Tyres 24%
202024,553Tyres 27%
201938,757Tyres 28%
201838,349Tyres 31%
201747,088Tyres 33%
201654,450Tyres 35%
201553,602Tyres 35%
201457,914Suspension 37%
201348,762Suspension 40%
201240,369Suspension 40%
201141,238Suspension 47%
201031,437Suspension 49%
200816,204Suspension 49%
200711,583Suspension 48%
20068,209Suspension 45%
20054,484Suspension 50%
20043,612Suspension 45%
20032,754Suspension 45%
2002947Suspension 44%
2001437Suspension 41%
2000210Suspension 38%
1999248Lights and electrics 40%
1998187Brakes 36%
1997–Too few tests
1996–Too few tests
1995–Too few tests
1994–Too few tests
1993–Too few tests
1992–Too few tests
1991–Too few tests
1990–Too few tests
1989–Too few tests