2012 Suzuki Swift 1.2L Petrol · GF62 FBC

The most recent DVSA examination on 20 September 2025 produced a pass certificate, although the vehicle was presented earlier the same day under a failed notice where the nearside and offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers had deteriorated to the point of no longer preventing ingress of dirt. These components were rectified between the two entries, allowing the vehicle to pass, but their condition should not be overlooked. The pre-failed test advisories also noted a handbrake with little reserve travel, a minor windscreen chip, an inoperative nearside rear registration plate lamp, and slight corrosion to the brake hose ferrules. A more concerning advisory recorded corrosion to the nearside rear inner suspension mounting area on the sill, which is structurally relevant and warrants close physical inspection. Looking back through the records, recurring advisories have included inner and outer rear tyre wear close to the legal limit (recorded in 2020, 2023 and 2024), fluctuating offside front service brake performance, slight play in both front inner steering linkage ball joints on the tie rods, and minor stops lamp and registration plate lamp failures. The cumulative trend suggests a vehicle that is being maintained to a passable standard but with persistent wear items and structural corrosion that are gradually worsening rather than improving. With a recorded mileage of 126,258 miles over approximately fourteen years, this Suzuki Swift has covered on average around 9,018 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with regular commuter or family use rather than extended periods of standing. The MOT history shows tests conducted at reasonably annual intervals without significant gaps, which implies consistent use. This level of mileage is high enough that wear-related items such as suspension bushes, exhaust mounting rubbers, engine mounts, clutch release bearings and clutch master and slave cylinders may be approaching the end of their natural service life. The annual mileage figure also suggests the vehicle has not been left standing for prolonged periods, which reduces the likelihood of severe brake disc and caliper corrosion, although the noted handbrake reserve travel advisory hints at possible cable stretch or rear brake mechanism binding. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be directed to the inner sill on the nearside rear where corrosion was recorded, as this is a structural area and corrosion can progress rapidly once established, particularly on a vehicle of this age exposed to British weather conditions. The underside generally should be examined for any further corrosion to subframe mounting points, suspension arms, and brake and fuel line ferrules, since slight corrosion on brake hose ferrules was also noted at the most recent test. The front suspension should be inspected for any renewed play in the anti-roll bar linkages and ball joints that were recently replaced, as well as for wear in the steering tie rod inner ball joints which previously exhibited free play. Listen and feel during a test drive for any clonks or knocks over uneven road surfaces, vagueness in the steering, or any tendency for the steering to wander, all of which would indicate deterioration of these components. Uneven or inner-edge tyre wear across both axles, as repeatedly recorded, can indicate tracking misalignment or worn suspension bushes, so a four-wheel alignment check should be considered alongside the replacement of tyres. Additional checks should include a thorough inspection of all tyres for age-related sidewall cracking or perishing regardless of tread depth, as tyres fitted to a vehicle of this age may have degraded through calendar age even if they retain legal tread. The brake system should be examined for binding calipers and for any brake shudder or vibration under heavy application, which would suggest warped or excessively worn front discs given the vehicle's high mileage and the fluctuating service brake advisory. The 12-volt battery, cooling system, brake fluid and engine oil should be assessed for condition and age, with brake fluid typically requiring replacement on a calendar basis every two years due to its hygroscopic nature irrespective of mileage. The clutch should be tested for any slip under load, any judgement on take-up, and any signs of fluid leakage from the slave cylinder which is a known wear item. Finally, the service history book should be verified for regular stamp entries and any gaps between recorded services should be queried with the vendor, while the minor windscreen chip should be monitored for any progression that might bring it within the driver's swept area.