2014 Suzuki Alto 1.0L Petrol · LS14 VMU

The most recent MOT, carried out on 3 September 2025, was passed but flagged advisories on both the nearside and off‑side front suspension arm pins or bushes as being worn, although not yet causing excessive movement. Over the last five years the vehicle has shown a mixed picture: two clean passes, a single dangerous tyre failure in August 2023 that would have required immediate tyre replacement, and two advisory items relating to a front oil leak and suspension wear. The pattern suggests a generally stable maintenance record with isolated issues that have been addressed, rather than a progressive deterioration, but the recurring suspension advisories indicate a component that will likely need attention in the near future. With 60,998 miles recorded on a 2014 model, the car averages just over 5,000 miles per year, which is well below the typical UK usage of 7‑10 000 miles annually. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be benign for wear but may introduce age‑related concerns such as rubber hardening, fluid breakdown and corrosion. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, but the modest accumulation means that many wear items will be governed more by calendar age than by distance travelled. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the front suspension arm bushes and pins highlighted in the latest advisory. A hands‑on inspection should include checking for any play when the wheel is rocked fore and aft, listening for clunk or knock noises over bumps, and examining the condition of the surrounding rubber for cracking or excessive wear. Uneven front tyre wear can be a symptom of deteriorating bushings, so tyre tread patterns should be compared left‑to‑right. The earlier oil leak advisory on the nearside driveshaft seal warrants a visual check for fresh oil stains around the rear of the front wheel hub and under the vehicle, and the oil level and condition should be verified during a brief engine run‑up. If the leak has persisted, the seal may be nearing the end of its service life and should be replaced before it leads to bearing contamination. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, a thorough age‑related inspection is essential. Verify the DOT code on all four tyres; any tyre older than six years, regardless of tread depth, should be considered for replacement due to rubber perishing. Inspect the battery for sulphation, terminal corrosion and confirm it holds a charge above 12.6 V after a short idle. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven thickness, and test the pedal for any pulsation that could indicate warped discs or sticking calipers. Finally, assess the under‑body for corrosion, especially around the wheel arches and chassis rails, and confirm that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the manufacturers’ time intervals, as these fluids degrade with time even on low‑mileage cars.