2012 Suzuki SFV 0.6L Petrol · FG62 ECT

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows the emergence of recurring mechanical-related defects. While the most recent test in May 2026 at 22,530 miles passed, the tester flagged a stiff steering headbearing and minor front brake binding. These issues mirror defects from the failure in July 2024 where the front brake was classified as excessively binding, suggesting that while the severity has decreased, the underlying cause has not been fully rectified. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging an average of approximately 1,600 miles per year. There is a notable gap in usage between April 2023 and June 2024, where only 1,228 miles were covered over 14 months. While this low mileage typically reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine components, it often leads to the degradation of rubber seals and the seizing of stationary parts, which likely aligns with the binding brakes and steering issues noted in the later MOT entries. A buyer must personally inspect the steering geometry for any play or notched resistance in the handlebars, as the headbearing fault has appeared in two consecutive years. The recurring front brake binding requires a thorough check of the caliper pistons and fluid quality to ensure they are not seizing due to long periods of inactivity. Additionally, the rear valve stem damage noted in 2024 should be verified for any leaks or structural fatigue, despite not being mentioned in the most recent tests.