Seat Ibiza (1991)
1991 Seat Ibiza
CarHunch analysed 427 real MOT records for the 1991 Seat Ibiza. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1991 SEAT IBIZA struggles in the MOT, with a 64.3% first-time pass rate sitting well below the UK average of 80%—this is a car that commonly fails its test and will likely need repair work before certification. While the dangerous defect rate of 16.6% isn't alarming, it's still a concern worth factoring into your decision.
At nearly 73,000 miles on average, these cars have racked up reasonable mileage for their age, but they're falling apart mechanically: owners face an average of 1.34 failures and 2.7 advisories per test, pointing to widespread wear on brakes, suspension, and emissions systems. If you're considering one, budget for repairs before MOT and inspect the exhaust and brake components thoroughly—this is a car that demands pre-purchase inspection.
What to check before buying a 1991 Seat Ibiza
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Seat Ibiza
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (87%) | 371 | 64% | 1.39 |
| Diesel (13%) | 56 | 66% | 1.07 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1991 Seat Ibiza vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1991 Seat Ibiza vehicles fall between 48,343 and 86,210 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1991 Seat Ibiza
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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46.3%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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15.2%
Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
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13.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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13.4%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
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13.3%
Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
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13.2%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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12.9%
Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
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12.7%
Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1991. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Seat Ibiza?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.