2004 Suzuki Alto 1.1L Petrol · HW04 FFG

The vehicle is currently technically roadworthy but exhibits a concerning trend of deferred maintenance on critical components. While it passed its most recent test in June 2025 at 102,470 miles, this followed a failure just nine days prior for multiple significant defects. The tester identified recurring issues with the steering rack inner joints and deteriorated brake hoses that had persisted since at least September 2023. This pattern suggests that the previous owner only addresses faults when they cause an MOT failure rather than performing preventative maintenance on aging components. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 102,470 miles is remarkably low, averaging only approximately 4,600 miles per year. There is a notable gap in records between September 2023 and June 2025, during which the car covered roughly 6,000 miles. Such low annual usage often correlates with age-related degradation of rubber-based components rather than mechanical wear. The deterioration of brake hoses and the corroded coil spring are classic indicators of a vehicle that suffers from time and environmental exposure despite the low distance driven. A physical inspection must prioritize the steering and suspension assembly, as the steering rack inner joints have been flagged for play across multiple consecutive tests. The buyer should also examine the condition of the nearside rear road wheel, which was noted as distorted in 2025. Given the history of imbalanced rear brakes in June 2025, a thorough brake test is necessary to ensure no calipers are binding or seizing. Considering the age of the Suzuki, a detailed check for structural integrity and deep corrosion is essential to ensure that the rust on the coil springs has not progressed into the structural mounting points.