2011 Suzuki Swift 1.2L Petrol · LS11 YRF

This 2011 Suzuki Swift presents a mechanical history defined by an unusual MOT pattern in its most recent testing cycle. Across the five recorded DVSA examinations since 2023, the vehicle has alternated between pass and fail outcomes with no defects logged on either result, including the most recent test on 13 November 2025 which returned a pass. The two failures occurred in November 2024 and November 2025, each followed almost immediately by a retest that succeeded within the same week. This pattern strongly suggests the Swift has historically been presented with specific issues that testers can address in the short window before a retest, often items the owner may not have realised were present, such as a non-functional lamp bulb, an exhaust blow that can be temporarily taped, a wiper blade replacement, or a tyre just below the legal threshold. Because no advisory items have ever been recorded against this vehicle, there is no documented evidence of progressing wear on suspension, braking or structural components in the MOT file. The overall roadworthiness narrative is therefore one of consistent pass capability, but with a recurring need for immediate pre-test remediation that buyers should investigate carefully. Mileage accumulation on this Swift sits at 125,343 miles spread across approximately fifteen years of life, equating to around 8,350 miles per annum. This is broadly in line with what would be expected for a small hatchback of this era and age, suggesting regular rather than exceptional duty cycles. There is no indication of any significant period off the road within the visible testing record, as the annual examinations form a continuous sequence from 2023 through 2025. At this level of use, mechanical wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres and clutches is likely to be at a stage where replacement is due or imminent, even though none of these components have yet been flagged. The Swift's 1.2 or 1.3 petrol engines are mechanically simple and tolerant of this mileage, but the higher-mileage items to remain alert to are typically the exhaust system mounting rubbers, the rear drum brake mechanisms, and the interior trim fixings. For a prospective buyer, the immediate question raised by this record is why the vehicle has failed MOT testing twice in successive Novembers only to pass the same week. A close inspection of the areas most commonly responsible for marginal MOT results on a Swift of this age should be undertaken before purchase. Check that all bulbs illuminate correctly including the number plate lamps and high-level stop lamp, confirm that the exhaust system is fully sealed with no blowing at the manifold gasket or centre joint, and verify that the wiper blades clear the screen without smearing. Tyres should be measured for at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the contact patch, and the spare wheel well should be checked for corrosion. On a test drive, focus on symptoms that correlate with components the Swift is known to wear at this mileage. Listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which can indicate worn lower arm bushes, drop links or front strut top mounts. The steering should feel tight without excess play or pulling to one side under braking, and the brake pedal should be firm without a spongy feel that might indicate perished rear drum brake wheel cylinders. Feel for clutch slip on hills in third and fourth gear, and listen for any timing chain rattle on a cold start which would indicate tensioner wear. Finally, inspect the underside of the vehicle and the wheel arches for any surface corrosion, as although no structural advisories have been recorded, the Swift's rear wheel arches are a known rusting area that may not yet have reached the threshold for an advisory but warrants close visual inspection before purchase.