2020 Suzuki Swift SZ-T Dualjet Shvs 1.2L Hybrid electric (clean) · AV70 NCC

The 2020 Suzuki Swift SZ-T Dualjet Shvs presents a mixed but ultimately stable roadworthiness profile over its six-year lifespan. After experiencing two consecutive MOT assessments in mid-2025—initially with minor tyre advisories followed by a serious failure involving exposed ply on the offside rear tyre—the vehicle successfully cleared its seventh test at the July 2026 appointment. This pattern indicates that while the car generally maintains acceptable structural integrity, the tyre damage history demands closer examination than the passing result alone might suggest. The resolution of the dangerous condition prior to the latest assessment shows the vehicle remained serviceable enough to return to compliance, though the recurrence of tyre problems warrants caution regardless of the current PASS status. At 40,191 miles after approximately six years of ownership, the vehicle accumulates roughly 6,700 miles annually—a rate consistent with moderate daily or weekly use rather than extreme mileage. There are no obvious acceleration or deceleration trends in the mileage record, and the seven-month interval between the May 2025 and July 2026 tests allows sufficient time for normal wear to accumulate without suggesting prolonged idling or erratic usage patterns. The tyre damage appears concentrated at the rear axle, which may point to specific handling or driving conditions rather than generalised degradation. However, the fact that the same tyre issues surfaced at both the May and June 2025 tests suggests they were present before the first failure and persisted until the second test, meaning the problem predated the immediate failure and was only exacerbated by some variable factor. The tyre system is the most critical component requiring attention based on the recorded failures. The nearside front and rear tyres were noted as slightly damaged or perishing at the 2025-06-19 test, indicating potential pre-existing fatigue or localised damage that progressed to the point where the offside rear tyre suffered a deep cut exposing its ply and cords, earning a "Dangerous" classification. When assessing the vehicle, the buyer should pay close attention during a test drive to the behaviour of the affected rear tyre—listen for any grinding noise when accelerating hard or notice a loss of lateral grip on corners, as a compromised tyre construction can lead to uneven wear and reduced braking performance. Additionally, inspect the tyre sidewalls visually while the car is stationary for any further cracks, splits, or embedded debris that might compromise the remaining tread depth and impact safety margins. Beyond the tyres, the suspension bushings deserve particular scrutiny because the tyre damage history often correlates with chassis stress points. Worn or compressed bushings can transmit road imperfections directly to the tyres, contributing to premature wear and the kind of damage seen on the offside rear tyre in the June 2025 failure. A quick physical check for greasy residue or visible deformation in the front and rear suspension mounting points will help determine whether the tyre issues stem from underlying structural weakness. The brake lines also merit inspection given the vehicle's age and the fact that brake systems can develop internal leaks that eventually manifest as leaks or reduced braking performance. While the 2026-07-01 MOT passed with no defects, the previous failure involving tyre damage suggests that routine brake line checks should remain part of the buyer's own verification, especially if any new noises or vibrations are reported during a test drive. Overall, the car is roadworthy at the moment but requires thorough attention to its tyres and suspension bushings before committing to purchase.