2009 Suzuki Splash 1.0L Petrol · AF04 MAW

The most recent DVSA examination on 26 February 2026 recorded a PASS, but this should be read in context. The vehicle failed on 25 February 2026 with major defects affecting the front wiper effectiveness, the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, and the offside front suspension arm ball joint. All three items were presumably rectified within twenty-four hours to secure the subsequent pass, and a hydraulic leak from the power steering system, noted as not excessive, and slight corrosion to both rear brake hose ferrules at the axle end remained as advisories. Looking further back, the MOT trajectory is clearly worsening. February 2025 included a failure for seriously corroded rear suspension mounting areas on both inner and outer sills, plus a leaking offside front shock absorber, and February 2024 produced a failure for a fractured offside front coil spring. The same brake pipe corrosion advisories have appeared at every annual test since at least 2023, indicating a persistent and unresolved deterioration of the underbody brake pipework. This pattern of structural, suspension, and brake line concerns is consistent with a chassis that is reaching an age where corrosion and bushed-component fatigue become dominant failure modes, and a prospective buyer should treat the 2026 pass as conditional rather than reassuring. Annual mileage is recorded at approximately 5,873 miles per year, which is notably low for a 17-year-old vehicle. While low mileage reduces wear on high-stress components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox internals, it typically accelerates corrosion due to short journeys, infrequent use, and prolonged periods of standing. The MOT history reveals a vehicle that has completed broadly consistent low annual mileages rather than experiencing long storage gaps or sudden mileage accumulation, but the recurring brake pipe and rear brake hose corrosion advisories, together with the 2025 sill corrosion failures, suggest that the low-use duty cycle has contributed to surface oxidation of ferrous components. Long-term standing also tends to promote brake disc corrosion, sticking or binding calipers, and deterioration of rubber components, even when the odometer reading remains modest. A buyer should carry out a thorough physical inspection beyond the MOT paperwork, focusing particularly on the areas that have repeatedly attracted advisories and failures. The brake pipework, described as corroded and covered in grease or other material on the nearside front, offside front, and rear front-to-rear lines at each test since 2023, warrants a close underfloor examination for pitting, rust bloom, and any active seepage at joints and unions; replacement braided or copper-nickel pipework is the appropriate repair if corrosion is advanced. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven roads, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar linkages or suspension arm ball joints consistent with the recurring advisories, and check for uneven or feathered front tyre wear as a tell-tale of compromised geometry. Apply the brakes firmly from speed and feel for shudder, vibration, or pulling, which would point to warped front discs or a binding caliper, and inspect the discs visually for lipping and rust judder. Verify that the offside front strut is dry and that no fluid is present on the body of the shock absorber, given the 2025 fluid leak failure, and inspect all four rear suspension mounting areas on the inner and outer sills for bubbling, perforation, or underseal bridging of corrosion. In addition to the chassis-focused checks, age- and use‑related items demand scrutiny even where the MOT has been silent. With 17 years of service and low annual mileage, tyre sidewalls should be examined for perishing and cracking regardless of tread depth, as rubber degrades with age, and the 12V battery health should be tested as a failing cell will cause no-start conditions and electronic glitches. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid should be considered due for renewal on a calendar basis, particularly brake fluid which is hygroscopic and should typically be replaced every two years regardless of mileage. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked given the recurring hydraulic leak advisory, with the reservoir and hoses inspected for seepage and the fluid assessed for darkening or burnt smell. Verify that the service book is fully stamped and cross-reference cambelt or timing chain replacement history for the 1.0 or 1.2 petrol engine fitted to the Splash, as neglect of this item can result in catastrophic engine failure. Finally, ensure all dashboard warning lamps extinguish correctly on ignition and that the wipers clear the screen effectively across the full swept area, addressing the failure item from February 2026.