2007 Suzuki Swift 1.5L Petrol · FL57 ABF

The most recent MOT test on 22 February 2026 resulted in a pass, but it was accompanied by three advisories relating to corroded front and rear bumper mountings and a minor defect for an inoperative offside rear registration plate lamp. While the pass outcome is positive, the advisories point to the early stages of cosmetic corrosion on the bumper fixings, and the lighting issue should be rectified for legal compliance. Evaluating the broader trend across the recorded tests, the vehicle's maintenance pattern has been inconsistent. It passed cleanly in 2020 but returned a failure with multiple dangerous defects in early 2024, primarily affecting front suspension components and tyres, before passing again in 2025 and 2026 with ongoing advisories. The pattern suggests that suspension and underbody components have been a recurring area of concern, with the rate of advisories indicating that wear is progressing rather than stabilising. With 156,045 miles recorded on a 2007 Suzuki Swift, the vehicle has averaged roughly 8,213 miles per year over its lifetime, which is broadly typical for a car of this age. The mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than showing any unusual gaps or sudden accumulations, indicating consistent use rather than long periods of standing. That said, on a nineteen year old vehicle with this mileage, wear on mechanical consumables such as suspension bushes, coil springs, brake components, engine mounts, and drivetrain elements is well advanced and will require ongoing attention. The MOT history reinforces this, with advisories and failures consistently identifying suspension components, tyres, and underbody areas as areas requiring monitoring or repair. Looking at the specific defects recorded, the 2024 failure included dangerous suspension arm ball joint wear on both sides of the front axle, an excessively worn Macpherson strut top bush on the nearside, and dangerous tyres with no visible tread pattern. These are serious structural and safety items, and any replacement components fitted at that time should be verified for quality and correct torque settings. The 2023 test flagged a nearside front suspension arm pin or bush wear, front coil spring corrosion on both sides, and rear suspension component corrosion in the prescribed mounting areas. These advisories, combined with a sub-frame ball joint wear failure in 2020 and shock absorber top mount wear, indicate that the front suspension has been under particular stress. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, particularly when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and pay attention to any vagueness or wandering from the steering, uneven front tyre wear such as inner shoulder feathering, or visible fluid leaks from the front struts. The oil leak advisory from 2024 on the nearside front should also be re-inspected, as oil contamination can accelerate rubber bush deterioration. Beyond the recorded MOT items, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection given the vehicle's age and mileage. Check the tyres carefully not only for tread depth but also for sidewall cracking or perishing, which is common on ageing rubber regardless of mileage, and inspect the wheels for any kerbing damage that may have worsened tracking. Examine the brake discs for signs of corrosion or lipping, and verify that the calipers are not binding, particularly if the vehicle has been stood for extended periods. Lift the bonnet and check fluid levels and condition, noting that brake fluid and coolant should be changed on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, with intervals of typically two to three years. Inspect the 12 volt battery for holding charge and any corrosion around the terminals, and verify that the service book contains stamps at appropriate intervals. Finally, examine the underbody and sills for corrosion, paying particular attention to the areas around the rear suspension mountings flagged in 2023, as corrosion in these prescribed areas can progress towards failure if left untreated.