2008 Suzuki Swift 1.6L Petrol · LD08 FLX

The most recent MOT test on 4 March 2025 confirms this Suzuki Swift passed with 130,018 miles, though it carried multiple advisories and defects that suggest a vehicle requiring close scrutiny. The trend over the past two years is concerning: a failure in February 2024 due to a fractured near-side front coil spring and distorted rear wheel, followed by a near-identical pass just four days later, implies either rushed repairs or a pattern of deferred maintenance. The latest test repeats issues with rear shock absorbers (oil leakage and reduced damping), perishing tyres, and worn suspension bushes, indicating these components have not been consistently addressed. While no major structural failures have occurred, the recurrence of suspension and tyre defects—particularly on the rear—demonstrates a vehicle that has not undergone systematic upkeep. Mileage progression reveals a steady but typical accumulation for its age, averaging around 7,200 miles annually, which aligns with a well-used but not excessively abused vehicle. The largest gap between tests spans 18 months (August 2022 to February 2024), during which 18,000 miles were logged without intervention, raising questions about whether critical items were overlooked. The February 2024 failure at 125,395 miles, followed by a pass at 125,484 miles just four days later, suggests either a rushed MOT or repairs that may not have fully resolved underlying issues. The lack of tests between August 2021 and August 2022 (a 15-month gap) further implies inconsistent servicing. A prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension, particularly the rear coil springs and shock absorbers, given the repeated advisories for oil leakage and reduced damping. The near-side front Macpherson strut pin or bush wear, noted in the March 2025 test, warrants verification of excessive movement or clunking noises during cornering. Tyres show a pattern of perishing and damage, with nails found in the rear tyres in 2025—this suggests either poor tyre rotation or neglect in monitoring tread depth. The distorted near-side rear wheel from 2024 requires checking for alignment issues or uneven wear. Structural corrosion on the offside rear coil spring and potential rust in wheel arches should also be examined, as these could compromise safety if left unaddressed.