2017 Suzuki Swift 1.0L Petrol · CD60 CAB

Persistent tyre degradation is the defining mechanical characteristic of this Suzuki Swift, which secured a pass on 24 August 2026 despite ongoing concerns regarding rubber condition. A review of the MOT history reveals a consistent, multi-year pattern of advisories relating to perishing and cracking across the tread faces and sidewalls of both front and rear tyres. While the vehicle has successfully navigated every annual inspection since 2020, the recurring nature of these tyre-related defects suggests that the rubber components are failing to maintain structural integrity over time, necessitating a close inspection of the current tyre age and compound quality despite the recent pass. Accumulating 42,525 miles over a nine-year lifespan results in an average annual usage of approximately 4,725 miles, a figure significantly lower than the national average. This low-mileage profile indicates that the vehicle has spent substantial periods stationary or engaged in short-distance urban journeys. While reduced road use can limit the wear on high-mileage components like drivetrain bearings and suspension joints, it often places different stresses on a vehicle, particularly regarding the natural ageing of rubber compounds, seals, and bushes which can harden or crack when not subjected to regular, heat-cycling operation. During your test drive, focus your attention on the steering and handling characteristics to identify any underlying issues that may have contributed to the repeated tyre wear patterns noted in previous years. Uneven tyre wear on the edges, as flagged in 2025, can be a symptom of incorrect wheel alignment or worn suspension geometry components such as track rod ends, wishbone bushes, or ball joints. Listen carefully for any metallic knocking or clunking sounds when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, as these are common indicators that suspension linkages are nearing the end of their service life and may require replacement to ensure safe tracking and predictable handling. Furthermore, because the vehicle has a history of tyre perishing, conduct a thorough physical inspection of all four tyres for signs of sidewall cracking or deep tread fissures that might not have been fully captured during the MOT process. Given the low annual mileage, it is also prudent to check the braking system for signs of binding or disc corrosion, which can occur if the vehicle remains parked for extended durations. During the test drive, ensure the brake pedal feel is firm and consistent, and monitor for any judder or steering wheel vibration under braking, which would suggest that the discs have become pitted or warped due to long periods of inactivity.