2016 Suzuki Baleno 1.0L Petrol · HJ66 PXP

A consistent record of clean MOT passes over five consecutive annual tests establishes a clear pattern for this Baleno, with no advisories or failures recorded across the most recent examinations in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. The 2025 test on 16 September concluded with a pass and no defects noted, continuing a stable trend of roadworthiness compliance since the vehicle first appears in the testing record. The absence of recurring flags for corrosion, brake wear, suspension deterioration, or lighting defects suggests the car has not yet developed the chronic issues typically expected of a ten-year-old vehicle. While the MOT history covers only the recent five-year window rather than the full lifespan of the car, the continuity of clean results within this period provides reasonable confidence in its ongoing compliance with statutory safety and emissions standards. Against a vehicle age of roughly ten years, the recorded mileage of 23,545 miles equates to an annual accumulation of around 2,350 miles, which is substantially below the typical usage rate for a car of this vintage. The mileage progression between tests shows incremental increases consistent with modest regular use rather than long-distance motorway driving, indicating the Baleno has likely seen predominantly short journeys and urban operation. Lower annual mileage of this nature can reduce wear on major mechanical assemblies such as the engine internals, clutch, and drivetrain, but it also tends to place greater demand on items that deteriorate through standing time rather than active use. Brake discs and calipers can suffer from surface corrosion, rubber components such as suspension bushes and gaiters may harden or crack without regular flexing, and underbody protection can be compromised by infrequent driving over wet or gritted surfaces. Any extended periods of inactivity between tests are not directly evidenced by gaps in the MOT record itself, but the low overall mileage should prompt closer inspection of age-related deterioration in seals, bushes, and brake components. For a prospective buyer, the lack of flagged items in the recent MOT history means there are no specific advisories to target, but the low-mileage profile warrants particular attention to components prone to age-related degradation rather than wear. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate perished bushes or top mounts, and pay close attention to the steering for any vagueness, shuddering, or pulling that might suggest worn drop links or corroded brake disc surfaces causing pedal judder under braking. Inspect the underbody, sills, and suspension arms visually for any surface rust or bubbling paintwork that could indicate the onset of corrosion, particularly around the subframe mounting points and brake pipe runs, and check that all brake calipers release cleanly without binding. Given the consistent pattern of clean passes, this Baleno presents a credible basis for further inspection, though the modest mileage means a thorough pre-purchase assessment of age-sensitive items remains essential rather than relying on the MOT record alone.