2016 Suzuki Baleno 1.0L Petrol · OV16 KWB

A ten-year-old Baleno carrying a recorded 89,466 miles presents a roadworthiness profile dominated by a recurring front suspension ball joint dust cover issue that has now been formally failed as a major defect. The 2023 test recorded a minor defect for a severely deteriorated offside front lower arm ball joint dust cover, and the 2024 retest escalated both sides to major failures because the perished covers no longer prevented ingress of dirt, meaning contamination of the ball joint itself had become a serious risk. Subsequent tests in 2025 and 2026 passed without defects recorded, which is positive, but it is important to recognise that the two major advisories on the ball joint dust covers were not accompanied by recorded replacements on the MOT history, so the buyer cannot confirm from the DVSA record alone whether the joints were actually renewed or merely cleaned and re-greased before the 2025 test. The most recent pass on 8 May 2026 was accompanied by advisories for both rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit on the edges at 2mm and 2.5mm, indicating that an immediate replacement of the rear pair should be budgeted for. There have been no recorded brake, exhaust, corrosion, or structural advisories across any of the four tests on file, which suggests the underbody and braking systems have not yet attracted examiner attention. The mileage accumulation is roughly typical for the vehicle's age at around 8,947 miles per year, and there are no extended gaps between annual tests that would suggest a long period off the road. Testing has been carried out consistently each May from 2023 onwards, with only one retest required following the 2024 ball joint failure. This pattern points to a car in regular use rather than one that has been laid up, which is mechanically relevant because the front suspension components that failed have been working continuously under typical urban and light load conditions. The mileage level is high enough that wear-related consumables such as tyres, brake pads, and discs will be approaching or past their second or third set of replacements, and the four front and rear tyre wear advisories recorded in 2024 and 2026 confirm that the vehicle is consuming rubber at a steady rate, particularly on the edges which can indicate tracking or geometry concerns. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection area is the front suspension, specifically both lower arm ball joints and their dust covers. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clunking from the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or rough tarmac, as a contaminated ball joint typically announces itself as a dull thud under load transition rather than a rattle. With the vehicle raised or on a ramp, the ball joint boots should be intact and flexible rather than cracked or split, and a dry steering check from lock to lock should produce no notchiness or clicking. Pay close attention to tyre wear patterns, because the recurring edge wear on all four corners in 2024 and again on the rears in 2026 may indicate alignment drift, worn rear beam bushes, or simply that the tracking has not been checked recently, so a four-wheel alignment measurement is worth requesting before purchase. Inspect the rear tyres physically for inner and outer edge wear, as the advisories specified wear on the outer edge at 2mm, which is the legal minimum and means immediate attention is required. Brake feel should also be evaluated on the test drive, as no brake-related advisories have appeared but the mileage is substantial enough for discs and pads to be nearing replacement. The pedal should feel firm without excessive travel, and there should be no vibration or judder under steady braking which would indicate warped front discs. Listen for any binding or grinding from the rear drums or calipers when pulling away, and confirm the handbrake holds the vehicle on an incline without excessive travel. Finally, examine the underbody for any surface corrosion or fluid staining that would not necessarily have triggered an MOT advisory at this age but could indicate developing issues with brake lines, the exhaust, or subframe mounting points, all of which are areas to monitor as the vehicle continues to accumulate mileage.