SEAT Ibiza (2018)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 24,463 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,780
£148/month
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
999cc Petrol
Solid Option
84% pass rate, £1,780/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
84% of MOT tests on SEAT Ibizas from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 24,463 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 46,666 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
46,666
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2018 SEAT Ibiza had 46,666 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2018 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 SEAT Ibiza
The 2018 SEAT Ibiza is a city car. Our records list a 999cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 24,463 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 15% of 2018 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 46,666 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, SEAT Ibiza owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 SEAT Ibiza Fuel Costs
The modest 999cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 SEAT Ibiza?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,780 (£148/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SEAT Ibiza Reliability Trend
Newer SEAT Ibizas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2018 SEAT Ibiza
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 24,463 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2018 SEAT Ibiza stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEAT Ibiza(2018) | 84% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,780 |
| Ford Fiesta(2016) | 81% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600-£180 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2016) | 81% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,003+£223 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2017) | 86% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 5-15 | £1,780same |
| Vauxhall Astra(2016) | 85% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600-£180 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2018 SEAT Ibiza
Is the 2018 SEAT Ibiza reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2018 SEAT Ibizas ended in a pass, from 24,463 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2018 SEAT Ibiza cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,780 a year (£148 a month): £1,175 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 SEAT Ibiza?
84% of 24,463 MOT tests on the 2018 SEAT Ibiza ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 517th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (bottom 15%).
Which year SEAT Ibiza has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 SEAT Ibiza has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2000 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2018 SEAT Ibiza?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 SEAT Ibiza is 46,666 miles, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related SEAT Models
Explore other SEAT cars or similar models in the same category.
SEAT Leon
2018 · 1395cc Petrol
SEAT Arona
2019 · 1000cc Petrol
SEAT Ateca
2019 · 1598cc Diesel
Ford Fiesta
2016 · 998cc Petrol
Vauxhall Corsa
2016 · 1398cc Petrol
Nissan Qashqai
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
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