2016 Suzuki SX4 1.6L Petrol · GY65 XFJ

The most recent MOT test on 17 December 2025 confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy at 79,226 miles, with no defects recorded. However, the history reveals a concerning trend of recurring tyre-related issues, particularly between February 2024 and February 2025, where the tester flagged both near-limit tread depths and a structural sidewall separation on the nearside front tyre. While the most recent test passed cleanly, the pattern suggests inconsistent tyre maintenance—likely neglect rather than routine wear—given the bulge failure at 62,359 miles and the near-legal tread warnings just 10,000 miles later. No other recurring faults appear, but the tyre history alone raises questions about whether other consumables (brakes, suspension bushes) have been similarly overlooked. The mileage progression shows a steady but typical accumulation, averaging around 7,900 miles annually, with no extreme gaps or spikes. The most notable interval is between the February 2024 failure and the April 2024 retest, where the vehicle covered just 276 miles in under a month—a short period that could indicate either a temporary storage period or a rushed repair before retesting. Beyond that, the 12-month intervals between tests (February 2023 to February 2024, February 2024 to February 2025) align with standard MOT frequency, though the 2025 test was delayed by six months, suggesting either a missed deadline or a voluntary extension. There’s no evidence of excessive standing time or aggressive driving, but the tyre failures imply basic upkeep may have been inconsistent. Given the tyre history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of all four tyres for uneven wear, sidewall integrity, and remaining tread depth—especially the nearside front, which previously suffered a separation. The absence of other advisories or failures suggests suspension components (coil springs, bushes) and brake systems (discs, calipers) haven’t been flagged, but wear here could still be advanced given the vehicle’s age. Check for corrosion at wheel arches and sills, as rust can accelerate suspension deterioration, and verify the rear fog lamp circuit, which failed in the 2024 test. The lack of structural advisories is reassuring, but the tyre issues warrant immediate attention—failing twice on tread suggests future failures are possible if maintenance remains lax.