2010 Suzuki Swift 1.3L Petrol · LD10 CKA

The most recent MOT test on 16 March 2026 resulted in a pass, albeit accompanied by four advisories and a same-day failure recorded immediately prior, the cause of which was a non-functioning nearside stop lamp, a presentation-related rectification that was presumably corrected and re-submitted the same date. Despite this, the overall maintenance trend appears stable but notably deteriorating rather than improving. Across the last five tests, there is a clear and consistent recurrence of an oil leak from the gearbox, first noted in 2022 and present at every subsequent examination. Furthermore, both nearside and offside front Macpherson strut pins and bushes have been flagged as worn at the most recent test, and the nearside front tyre was recorded as worn to within 3mm of the legal limit. A supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault and an offside stop lamp failure in April 2024, alongside registration plate delamination and a windscreen obstruction defect in 2023, indicate a pattern of recurring electrical and presentation issues that warrant careful scrutiny. With a recorded mileage of 64,271 miles over a 16-year period, this Swift averages approximately 4,017 miles per year, which is significantly below the typical annual mileage for a vehicle of its age and class. Such low usage generally suggests lighter wear on major drivetrain components but also raises concerns regarding prolonged standing periods, which can lead to corrosion of brake discs, seizure of caliper sliders, deterioration of rubber components, and degradation of fluids due to calendar ageing rather than mileage accumulation. The MOT history corroborates this pattern indirectly, with advisories relating to rear brake binding in 2023, cracking and perishing of rear tyres from 2022 onwards, and suspension component wear, all consistent with a vehicle that has seen long periods of inactivity interspersed with short, low-speed journeys. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record, suggesting the vehicle has been consistently used, albeit sparingly. The persistent gearbox oil leak is the most pressing mechanical concern revealed by the history. This should be inspected carefully, ideally with the vehicle raised on a ramp, to identify the source, which on a Swift is commonly the input or output shaft seal or the gearbox housing mating faces. Left unchecked, a gearbox oil leak can lead to progressive loss of lubricant, resulting in noisy gearchanges, difficulty selecting gears, and ultimately premature wear of internal bearings and synchros. During a test drive, listen for any whining or grinding from the transmission area, particularly on the overrun, and check for any evidence of oil accumulation on the underside of the bellhousing or dripping onto the exhaust. The fluid level should be verified and the leak progression monitored, as a rebuild or replacement of the affected seal is a foreseeable expense. The Macpherson strut top mount pins and bushes noted at both front corners are a wear item that, whilst currently within MOT tolerances, will progressively deteriorate and lead to imprecise steering, knocking or clunking noises over uneven surfaces, and uneven front tyre wear. On a test drive, pay close attention to any clonking from the front suspension, particularly when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and inspect the front tyres for inner or outer edge wear. The nearside front tyre, recorded at 3mm, is approaching the end of its usable life and should be replaced. Given the recurring advisories for rear tyre cracking and perishing since 2022, all four tyres should be examined closely for sidewall and tread cracking, as rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth. The offside rear service brake binding noted in 2023 should also be investigated by checking for a hot wheel after driving, uneven brake disc wear or corrosion, and ensuring the handbrake releases fully. Additionally, given the low annual mileage and the vehicle's age, the 12V battery is likely approaching the end of its service life, brake fluid will require replacement on age grounds irrespective of mileage, and the coolant system should be inspected for degradation and corrosion, particularly around the radiator and expansion tank. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a competent independent garage, ideally with the vehicle raised, is strongly advised.