2021 Suzuki Swift SZ-L Dualjet Mhev 1.2L Hybrid electric · LL71 YDA

The most recent MOT, carried out on 9 January 2026, returned a clean pass with no recorded defects, following an identical pass on the previous year’s test on 14 January 2025. The absence of any advisories or failures across two consecutive annual inspections suggests a stable maintenance regime and that the vehicle has been kept in a condition that meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. With no deterioration evident in the MOT records, the trend can be regarded as consistently satisfactory rather than worsening. At five years old the Swift has logged only 26,784 miles, which works out to just over 5,300 miles per annum – considerably below the UK average for a small hatchback. Such low utilisation generally means reduced wear on wear‑items such as tyre tread, brake pads and discs, suspension bushings, and engine components. However, the modest mileage also raises the possibility that the car may have spent extended periods stationary, which can lead to issues unrelated to distance, such as battery sulphation, tyre sidewall perishing, and corrosion of brake components from lack of use. There are no signs of any sudden spikes in mileage that would indicate heavy short‑term usage, so the wear pattern is likely to be gentle and evenly distributed. For a prospective buyer the first visual check should concentrate on the condition of the tyres, not merely the tread depth but also the sidewalls for any cracking, dry rot, or bulging that can develop with age even on low‑mileage tyres. Inspect the wheel rims for rust or corrosion, particularly around the valve stems, and verify that the tyre pressures hold steady when the car has been stationary for a few days. The 12‑volt battery, now six years old, should be tested for cranking amperage and checked for any signs of electrolyte leakage or terminal corrosion; a load test at a reputable garage will confirm whether it still has sufficient reserve capacity or needs replacement before winter. Examine the under‑carriage and suspension mounting points for any signs of rust, especially around the rear sub‑frame and front wheel arches, and press the front and rear corners to feel for excessive play that could indicate worn bushings or deteriorated coil springs. Given the low mileage, the next service should focus on time‑based items: replace the engine oil and filter if the last change was over twelve months ago, and consider a fresh coolant flush if the vehicle has not undergone a coolant service in the past two years, as coolant can become acidic and corrode the radiator and water pump. The brake discs, although likely to have retained most of their thickness, should be inspected for surface rust and uneven wear; any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes on a test drive would point to disc glazing or uneven pad material. Finally, verify that the service booklet contains stamps for regular oil changes, air‑filter replacements, and any scheduled inspections of the dual‑jet MHEV system, as adherence to the manufacturer’s service intervals will be the best indicator that the vehicle’s hybrid components remain in good working order.