2015 Suzuki Swift 1.2L Petrol · OV65 AEC

A pattern of front-end wear and tyre issues dominates the MOT record of this 2015 Suzuki Swift, with the most recent test on 23 September 2025 passing only after a prior failure three days earlier. That earlier test on 20 September 2025 identified two major defects: a nearside front tyre that had been illegally regrooved, and a nearside rear shock absorber with an excessively worn bush. The same test also flagged advisories that would carry forward to the subsequent pass, namely a non-excessive oil leak, slight damage and perishing to the offside front tyre, pitted front brake discs, and perished nearside rear tyre. Three consecutive passes between 2022 and 2024 were entirely free of advisories, suggesting the recent cluster of front-end and tyre defects represents a localised deterioration rather than a long-standing issue, though the return of brake disc wear advisories after a clean run does warrant close scrutiny of the braking system. With 53,191 miles accumulated over 11 years, this Swift has averaged around 4,836 miles annually, which is notably below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age. Such restrained use tends to slow wear on major drivetrain items but can introduce issues with components that degrade through age rather than mileage, including rubber bushes, brake discs suffering surface corrosion from infrequent use, and seals that may weep after long stationary periods. There are no significant gaps between tests, with annual MOT entries from 2019 onwards, confirming the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than laid up. The earlier advisory on the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint in 2021, combined with the recent shock absorber bush failure, points to suspension components reaching the end of their serviceable life on a car that has covered relatively few miles but is now over a decade old. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the suspension and steering linkages during inspection. The recent nearside rear shock absorber bush failure indicates the rubber mountings on the rear dampers have hardened and deteriorated, and similar age-related wear should be expected on the offside rear. Knock or clunk over uneven surfaces, particularly from the rear, would confirm further bush degradation. The 2021 anti-roll bar ball joint play suggests these linkages warrant a physical check for any free movement or rattling on test. Listen for knocking from the front when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which could indicate worn drop links or wishbone bushes. The braking system requires careful evaluation given the recurring front disc pitting recorded in both 2025 tests. Although not seriously weakened at the time of test, pitted discs can produce judder under braking and may soon require machining or replacement, particularly if pad wear has been uneven. Inspect the discs visually for a pronounced lip on the outer edge and feel for vibration through the brake pedal during a firm stop from around 40 mph. The persistent oil leak advisory, while not excessive, should be monitored by checking the underside for fresh oil residue and inspecting the engine bay for weeping around the cam cover or sump gasket. Finally, the tyre issues across multiple tests, including perishing, regrooving, and edge wear, warrant a thorough inspection of all four tyres for cracking in the sidewalls and uneven tread patterns, as these can indicate either alignment problems or simply the age-hardening of rubber on a low-mileage car.