2009 Suzuki Swift 1.6L Petrol · PF09 SYC

A persistent theme across this Swift's MOT history is progressive corrosion and wear within the braking and front suspension systems, which ultimately drove two failures during the recorded period. The most recent test on 2 January 2025 initially failed on an excessively corroded nearside rear brake pipe across the axle, before a same-day retest passed once addressed, accompanied by advisories flagging ferrule corrosion on all four brake hoses and another corroded nearside front brake pipe. Looking back, the offside rear brake pipe failed on the same defect category in December 2023, and the brake pipe corrosion theme recurs across virtually every test from 2022 onwards, alongside worn front and rear brake discs, thinning rear pads, and fluctuating rear brake efficiency. The 2022 entry also introduces front suspension concerns in the form of damaged Macpherson strut mountings and slight external damage to the shock absorber casings on both sides. A minor lamp failure was the only cause for refusal in January 2022. Taken together, the record shows a stabilising but corrosion-prone picture: the major brake pipe failures have been addressed, but the underlying systemic corrosion across the underbody brake lines remains an ongoing risk. The mileage recorded against this 17-year-old vehicle is notably low at 93,182 miles, equating to roughly 5,481 miles per year on average. The annual figures between tests have remained broadly consistent and modest, with no evidence of unusually high accumulation in any single period, and there are no multi-year gaps in the testing history that would suggest prolonged standing off-road. This relatively gentle usage profile is consistent with the brake disc and pad wear patterns observed, but it does not insulate the underbody from the environmental corrosion that has clearly taken hold on the brake pipework, as corrosion of unprotected steel lines tends to progress regardless of mileage, particularly on a car that is already into its second decade. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be the underfloor brake pipework, with particular attention to the rear axle section where both nearside and offside lines have now been flagged or replaced. Any signs of fresh rust bloom, weeping joints, or recently painted sections should be queried, and the flexible brake hoses at all four corners should be checked for cracking of the rubber where it meets the metal ferrule. A thorough test drive should include firm pedal application from speed to confirm a solid, non-spongy feel, with several stops to check whether the rear brakes pull up evenly, given the previously fluctuating service brake performance. Listen at low speed over uneven surfaces for clonks from the front suspension, which could indicate that the previously noted Macpherson strut top mountings or shock absorber casings have deteriorated further, and visually inspect the front tyres for uneven inner or outer wear that would point to compromised geometry or worn suspension linkages. Finally, request evidence of what brake pipework was actually replaced during the January 2025 retest, as the recurring advisories suggest that corrosion in this area is likely to remain an ongoing maintenance liability on a vehicle of this age and exposure history.