SEAT IBIZA (2009)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 18,053 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
18,053
Avg Mileage
101,535 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 2009 SEAT IBIZA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.
At 15 years old, 72% of SEAT IBIZAs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 18,053 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 101,535 miles.
How does the 2009 SEAT IBIZA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2009 SEAT IBIZA has 101,535 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a SEAT IBIZA?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2009 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 2009 SEAT IBIZA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
SEAT IBIZA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 96% | 418 | 22,275 mi |
| 2021 | 92% | 17,771 | 24,880 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 16,249 | 31,941 mi |
| 2019 | 91% | 20,675 | 38,094 mi |
| 2018 | 84% | 24,463 | 46,666 mi |
| 2017 | 81% | 29,662 | 52,963 mi |
| 2016 | 79% | 34,134 | 61,114 mi |
| 2015 | 79% | 33,352 | 67,791 mi |
| 2014 | 77% | 37,085 | 75,703 mi |
| 2013 | 76% | 31,617 | 84,409 mi |
| 2012 | 76% | 26,414 | 89,359 mi |
| 2011 | 74% | 27,444 | 95,507 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 21,211 | 100,060 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 18,053 | 101,535 mi |
| 2008 | 70% | 11,260 | 105,184 mi |
| 2007 | 69% | 8,130 | 103,795 mi |
| 2006 | 70% | 5,515 | 104,697 mi |
| 2005 | 69% | 2,839 | 101,688 mi |
| 2004 | 70% | 2,329 | 97,439 mi |
| 2003 | 68% | 1,827 | 100,261 mi |
| 2002 | 70% | 577 | 95,782 mi |
| 2001 | 70% | 284 | 91,763 mi |
| 2000 | 68% | 124 | 83,593 mi |
| 1999 | 72% | 321 | 90,110 mi |
| 1998 | 72% | 197 | 88,430 mi |
| 1997 | 72% | 127 | 77,860 mi |
| 1996 | 83% | 59 | 67,023 mi |
Checking a specific SEAT IBIZA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2009 SEAT IBIZA
The 2009 SEAT IBIZA is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 18,053 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 101,535 miles at 15 years old, SEAT IBIZA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 SEAT IBIZA Fuel Costs
The 1598cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2009 SEAT IBIZA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SEAT IBIZA Reliability Trend
Newer SEAT IBIZAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 SEAT IBIZA
At 15 years old, the SEAT IBIZA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 18,053 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2009 SEAT IBIZA
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2011) 75% pass rate (+3%) from 115,331 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2011) 75% pass rate (+3%) from 111,868 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2008) 72% pass rate (same) from 109,443 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2011) 75% pass rate (+3%) from 79,721 tests