2010 Suzuki Swift 1.3L Petrol · CV10 BDE

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a reactive rather than proactive approach to maintenance. While the car passed its most recent test in June 2025 at 138,672 miles, it had failed just two days prior due to an engine MIL light malfunction, a major exhaust box leak, and persistent brake pipe corrosion. The trend shows a recurring pattern of significant mechanical and structural failures where components are only addressed once they reach a point of legal failure during the annual inspection. At 138,672 miles over 16 years, the Suzuki Swift shows a consistent average of approximately 8,600 miles per year, which is typical for a local-use vehicle. However, the data reveals significant periods of neglect between testing intervals. Between August 2021 (99,000 miles) and August 2022 (113,508 miles), the car covered over 14,000 miles without an inspection, during which time a fractured rear coil spring and excessive parking brake movement were discovered upon the subsequent test. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system and suspension de-correlated components. Brake pipe corrosion has been flagged in almost every test since 2019, indicating an ongoing issue with rust that appears to be masked with grease rather than treated for structural decay. The front suspension also shows a history of failure involving ball joints, worn arm bushes, and leaking shock absorbers. The distorted offside front road wheel noted in 2023 and 2024 suggests a history of significant impacts that may have affected alignment or steering geometry. The recent failure in June 2025 for an exhaust leak and MIL malfunction indicates that the engine management and emissions systems may require immediate attention or repair. Given the history of driving with exposed tyre cords and low brake pads, the previous owner has frequently bypassed basic consumable checks. A professional mechanical inspection is essential to verify the current integrity of the chassis and to ensure that the reported brake pipe corrosion has not reached a terminal stage.