2017 Suzuki Swift 1.0L Petrol · AF67 EAE

A consistent pattern of tyre-sidewall perishing advisories has emerged across four consecutive MOT tests between 2022 and 2024, defining the recurring advisory footprint of this 2017 Suzuki Swift. The advisory notes from 2022 and 2023 flagged cracking on all four tyres, while the 2023 test additionally recorded nearside front tyre tread worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. By the 2024 test the issue had narrowed to both rear tyres only, and the two most recent tests in August 2025 and August 2026 returned clean pass results with no defects recorded, indicating the underlying component deterioration has stabilised or been addressed since the pattern began. A windscreen wiper blade minor defect was also flagged in 2022, though no repeat wiper issue has appeared since. There have been no test failures across the seven-year DVSA history, with the overall trajectory showing tyre condition advisories as the only persistent flagged item, and the most recent outcome on 14 August 2026 supporting a clean current roadworthiness position. The recorded mileage of 35,603 miles over nine years equates to an annual average of roughly 3,956 miles, which is low for the vehicle's age. The MOT record does not capture any significant gaps in testing or sharp mileage surges, though the low accumulation rate points to extended periods of light running or possible standing between journeys. Mechanically, this usage profile tends to reduce wear on high-mileage consumables such as brake discs, clutch friction material, and engine internal components, but it can accelerate ageing of rubber and plastic items through environmental exposure and underuse, which aligns with the tyre perishing advisories observed. Standing periods can also affect battery state of charge and brake caliper slide pin seizure, so these areas merit physical inspection regardless of the clean test record. For a prospective buyer, the priority physical checks centre on the components that have generated the most consistent advisory history. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking, particularly between the tread blocks and along the shoulder, as the recurring perishing notes suggest the rubber compound may be approaching the end of its service life regardless of tread depth. Confirm tyre manufacture dates via the DOT stamping on the sidewall, as tyres over six years old can deteriorate even with adequate tread. On the nearside front, check for uneven or feathered shoulder wear, which would indicate the camber or tracking issue hinted at by the 2023 edge-wear advisory, and feel for vibration or tramlines through the steering wheel during a test drive. Listen for any suspension clonks or knocking over speed bumps, particularly from the front components, as no suspension items have been recorded in the MOT history and a nine-year-old vehicle with low mileage may have original bushes and drop links beginning to deteriorate from age. During a road test, pay particular attention to brake feel, as low-mileage vehicles are prone to binding calipers from infrequent use; check that the vehicle rolls freely on a level surface without residual drag, and feel for any pulling to one side under light braking which would suggest a seized caliper slide pin. Listen for any bearing hum or rumble that increases with speed, as wheel bearings can suffer from standing periods. Under the bonnet, inspect the coolant and brake fluid for discoloration and check the brake servo operation by pumping the pedal with the engine off. Verify that the steering is precise without knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, and confirm the clutch bite point is firm and consistent rather than slipping or juddering, which would be consistent with light usage rather than wear. Finally, ensure the engine reaches operating temperature promptly on a test drive and observe the exhaust for any unusual smoke or smell, as low-mileage engines can suffer from oil seals drying out and minor leaks developing after extended standing.