2009 Suzuki Alto 1.0L Petrol · DA09 DWV

The vehicle presents a deteriorating maintenance profile, with the most recent MOT on 24 April 2026 at 108,721 miles showing a significant increase in suspension and chassis-related advisories. While the car passed the 2024 and 2025 tests without defects, the latest inspection flagged corrosion on both front and rear coil springs, alongside oil misting on the offside front shock absorber and casing damage to the nearside rear unit. This shift from a clean record to multiple structural and damping issues suggests that age-related wear is beginning to accelerate. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 6,400 miles per year. Between April 2025 and April 2026, the vehicle covered 14,046 miles, which is a notable increase compared to the roughly 600-mile gap recorded between the April 2023 and April 2024 tests. This period of higher usage likely contributed to the sudden appearance of the suspension defects noted in the most recent test. A prospective buyer should focus heavily on the underside of the vehicle to assess the extent of the reported corrosion. The recurring issues with brake pipes in 2021 and 2022, combined with the recent coil spring corrosion, indicate that the vehicle is susceptible to environmental degradation. The history also shows a pattern of neglected consumables, such as the 2023 failure for worn brake discs and pads, and various tyre issues throughout 2019 and 2021. Physical inspection of the suspension system is essential. The tester identified multiple faults involving shock absorber casings and oil leaks, which may affect ride quality and handling. Given the history of deteriorated suspension arm bushes and anti-roll bar linkages, a thorough check of all rubber components and ball joints is required to ensure no further structural or mechanical degradation has occurred since the last inspection.