2011 Suzuki Splash 1.2L Petrol · LN11 WPL

A pattern of chronic tyre degradation dominates this Suzuki Splash's MOT history, with the nearside rear tyre flagged in every single recorded test from 2021 through 2026, and the offside rear tyre also noted on multiple occasions. The 2025 test escalated this trend into a failure when the offside rear tyre was deemed cut deep enough to reach the ply or cords and badly perished, accompanied by major defects for incorrect colour rear direction indicators and an inoperative rear registration plate lamp. Suspension component wear has also surfaced progressively: in 2023 a nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint showed slight play, and by 2024 this had progressed to a major failure with the same component recorded as excessively worn. The most recent test on 6 May 2026 returned a pass, but the advisory list again features cracking and perishing across three tyres, indicating that the underlying deterioration pattern has not been resolved. Braking components showed concerning wear in 2024, with both front brake discs noted as worn, pitted or scored and both front brake pads flagged as wearing thin. The overall trend suggests a vehicle with persistent rubber and suspension degradation rather than a stable mechanical state. At 84,717 miles over roughly fifteen years, this Splash averages around 5,648 miles annually, which is low for its age and indicates either light usage or extended periods of standing. The MOT testing record is notably consistent, with annual tests recorded in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up. Two failures have occurred within that span (2024 and 2025), both rectified at the same test visit, meaning the vehicle has held a valid certificate since the retests. The mileage progression between tests is broadly proportionate to the annual average, with no recorded gaps that would imply long-term off-road status or a tampered odometer reading. Low annual mileage can reduce wear on drivetrain internals but can also accelerate corrosion on underbody components, degrade rubber seals through lack of use, and leave brake components susceptible to binding through infrequent operation. The 2022 advisory of a binding nearside rear service brake is consistent with this latter concern, though it was not deemed excessive at that time. Prospective buyers should focus their inspection on the suspension and braking components that have generated recurring advisories. The nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint was flagged for slight play in 2023 and progressed to an MOT failure for excessive wear in 2024; although no advisory has been issued on this component since, the test drive should include firm cornering and deliberate inputs over uneven surfaces to listen for knocking, clonking, or vague steering feedback from the front end. Both front brake discs were noted as pitted and scored in 2024, with pads also wearing thin; a test drive should therefore assess for brake judder under firm pedal application, any pulling to one side under braking, and a grinding or scraping sensation. The rear brake that was binding in 2022 warrants checking for a hot wheel centre after driving, uneven pad wear, and any reluctance to release. The offside rear wheel bearing was also flagged as slightly noisy in 2025 and should be evaluated for a hum or drone that varies with speed and changes when cornering, indicating which side is affected. The persistent tyre condition across five consecutive years demands particular attention, as the same nearside rear tyre has been repeatedly flagged for cracking, perishing, cuts, and edge wear. This may indicate a recurring alignment issue, kerbing damage, or simply the natural degradation of aged rubber compounds on a low-mileage vehicle. All four tyres should be physically inspected for sidewall cracking, tread depth with a gauge (the legal minimum being 1.6mm across the central three-quarters), and any bulges or exposed cord. Given the failure for incorrect colour rear direction indicators and an inoperative number plate lamp in 2025, all exterior lighting should be verified functional during a walk-around and with the ignition on. Finally, with the vehicle's age and the underbody components unmentioned in advisories, a physical examination on a ramp for corrosion to brake pipes, subframe mounting points, and suspension linkages is advisable, as low annual mileage can allow rust to develop unseen beneath the car.