2010 Suzuki Splash 1.2L Diesel · LS60 HTO

A recurring oil leak together with a gradual build‑up of suspension wear defines the mechanical story of this 2010 Suzuki Splash; the 2025 MOT was passed but still recorded an oil‑leak advisory, tyre condition notes and a rear wheel‑bearing noise, showing that while the car remains road‑legal, underlying wear has been persistent across the last five years. At 123,483 mi the average annual accumulation is roughly 7,700 mi, which sits within a normal range for a sixteen‑year‑old hatchback. The MOT record shows no large gaps in testing, with yearly examinations from 2020 onward, indicating that mileage has been logged consistently. This moderate usage suggests that consumables such as brakes, tyres and suspension components will be approaching the latter stages of their service life, particularly where the advisories highlight wear close to legal limits. The suspension arm ball‑joint dust covers have been flagged as severely deteriorated on both sides since 2022, and slight play in the front lower arms has been recorded each year. On a test drive the driver should feel for any looseness or clunk when steering over bumps and listen for rumbling from the front wheel wells, which would indicate progressing ball‑joint wear. The near‑side rear wheel bearing was noted as slightly noisy in 2025; a growling or humming that changes with vehicle speed is a symptom to verify. Tyre wear is another focal point: the near‑side rear tyre was close to the legal limit in 2025, the off‑side rear tyre showed cracking, and both front inner tyres were near the limit in 2024. Visual inspection should confirm even tread depth, absence of sidewall cracks and sufficient remaining tread to avoid imminent replacement. The oil‑leak advisory has appeared on every MOT since 2021, and the engine oil pan was recorded as corroded in 2021. Prospective buyers should inspect the under‑tray for fresh oil stains and assess the condition of the pan for rust that could worsen. The 2021 exhaust emissions failure suggests the catalytic system may have been out of tolerance; a visual check for black smoke at idle and a brief emissions test are advisable. The bumper damage noted in the same year should be examined for structural integrity, and the off‑side rear registration lamp, which has been inoperative on several occasions, must be verified as functional before re‑registration. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection focusing on these areas will clarify whether the remaining service life aligns with the buyer’s expectations.