2006 Suzuki Swift 1.3L Petrol · KC06 FBU

The 2024‑02‑21 MOT at 78,488 miles resulted in a failure, so the Suzuki Swift is presently not roadworthy. The tester flagged a battery that was insecure, a non‑functional rear registration lamp, slight play in the off‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint, a corroded near‑side rear brake pipe, and a fractured off‑side rear coil spring, all of which constitute serious mechanical and structural faults. The preceding pass on 28‑02‑2023 at 75,722 miles recorded no defects, indicating a clear worsening trend with new structural and brake issues emerging in the most recent test. At 20 years old, the recorded mileage of 78,488 equates to roughly 3,924 miles per year, a figure lower than typical for a vehicle of this age and suggesting periods of inactivity. Mileage has risen from 67,125 miles in the 2016 test to 78,488 miles in 2024, an increase of 11,363 miles over eight years, indicating steady use rather than abrupt high‑speed wear. The 2,766‑mile interval between the 2023 pass and the 2024 failure points to recent activity and a lack of long idle periods. A buyer should therefore examine the suspension system closely, paying particular attention to the front anti‑roll bar ball joint play, the condition of the front and rear suspension arm rubber bushes, and the integrity of the rear coil spring, which was recorded as fractured in the 2024 test. The near‑side rear brake pipe corrosion and the off‑side rear coil spring fracture signal potential brake line failure and chassis fatigue; inspection of brake discs, pads, calipers and the condition of all brake pipes is essential. Finally, the recurring corrosion of brake pipes and the presence of oil misting on the rear shock absorber point to possible water ingress and structural rust; a thorough check of chassis rails, mounting brackets and the underside of the vehicle for rust, especially around the rear suspension and brake line routes, is required.