2018 Suzuki Baleno 1.2L Petrol · EO18 AFA

The most recent DVSA examination on 18 August 2026 resulted in a pass, although three advisories were recorded relating to slight corrosion to the ferrules on both rear brake hoses and a slightly distorted nearside front road wheel. It is worth noting that only eight days prior to this pass, the vehicle had failed on both front wiper blades not clearing the windscreen effectively, with the same three advisories also present at that failed test. The fact that the car was returned and re-tested within the same week suggests a relatively quick remedial wiper replacement, but the rapid succession of two tests in quick order is a minor point of interest. Reviewing the broader history, the 2024 and 2025 tests were notably clean with no advisories or failures, yet the 2022 and 2023 tests both contained advisories relating to the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover and front tyre condition, indicating that the front suspension area has been a recurring point of attention. The overall pattern suggests a vehicle that has generally been maintained to a passing standard, with intermittent advisory items clustering around the front nearside suspension and braking components, rather than a steadily worsening condition. In terms of mileage, the recorded reading of 61,877 miles over approximately eight years equates to an annual average of around 7,735 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, though it sits at the lower end of average usage. This level of mileage is not so low as to raise immediate concerns about long-term standing, such as severe brake disc corrosion or seized calipers, but it is also not high enough to indicate excessive wear on major drivetrain components. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the MOT history that would suggest the vehicle has been off the road for prolonged periods, and the consistent annual testing pattern points to regular, if modest, use. For a Suzuki Baleno of this vintage, the current mileage is comfortably within the expected operational range for a supermini that has likely seen a mix of urban and light commuter use. Given the advisory items relating to the nearside front road wheel being slightly distorted, this should be physically inspected for any visible lateral or radial run-out, and a test drive should include driving over uneven surfaces or through potholes to listen for any clonking or vibration through the steering wheel that might indicate the distortion is worsening or that the wheel has been impacted. Brake hose ferrule corrosion, as noted on both rear hoses, is a common advisory on older vehicles and should be monitored; while not an immediate failure, corroded ferrules can eventually compromise hose integrity and lead to fluid leaks under braking pressure. A thorough check underneath should look for any seepage around the rear brake connections, and the brakes should be tested firmly to ensure firm pedal feel without any sponginess. The historical advisories and a past major defect on the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover warrant a particular focus on the front suspension; during a test drive, listen for clunks or knocking from the front end over speed bumps, on full lock, and during slow-speed direction changes, and have the ball joints physically checked for play. Additional practical inspection points for a vehicle of this age and modest mileage include close examination of all four tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, as the history shows recurring advisories for tyre damage and perishing on the nearside front, and rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth. The brake discs, given past advisories for pitting and scoring on both front discs in 2022, should be inspected for lipping, surface corrosion, and smooth operation, and the caliper slide pins should be checked for free movement to prevent binding. The 12V battery should be tested for state of charge and cranking performance, particularly as the vehicle approaches eight years of age. Time-based servicing items such as engine coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil should be verified as having been changed in accordance with calendar intervals rather than purely by mileage, as low annual usage means these fluids can degrade through age even if the odometer reading remains modest. Finally, confirming a complete service history with documented stamps and invoices would provide further reassurance that the vehicle has been properly maintained throughout its life.