2014 Suzuki Alto 1.0L Petrol · PL14 NPV

The 2014 Suzuki Alto presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT on 23 July 2025 at 87,769 miles passed cleanly with zero defects, which is a positive sign. However, this follows a failed test just one day prior in July 2024 at 84,856 miles, where the tester flagged corrosion on both front and rear coil springs, a rough rear wheel bearing, an ABS warning lamp, excessive exhaust emissions, and a seized nearside front door handle. The subsequent pass on 19 July 2024 suggests those items were addressed, but the pattern of corrosion-related failures on suspension components at relatively modest mileage raises questions about long-term underbody care and exposure to road salt. The mileage accumulation is broadly consistent with typical use for a twelve-year-old city car. Between July 2022 at 66,725 miles and July 2024 at 84,856 miles, the car covered roughly 18,131 miles in two years, averaging around 9,065 miles annually. That is slightly above the overall lifetime average of approximately 7,314 miles per year, suggesting the most recent keeper used the car more frequently. The jump from 84,856 miles in July 2024 to 87,769 miles by July 2025 represents 2,913 miles in twelve months, a drop that may indicate lighter use or a change in ownership pattern. No significant gaps appear in the annual testing record, so the history reads as continuous and complete. A buyer should pay close attention to the suspension and braking systems during any in-person inspection. The July 2024 failure for corroded coil springs on all four corners is a structural concern, not merely cosmetic. Even though the following test passed, fresh coatings can mask ongoing corrosion, and replacement springs on a car of this age and value may be aftermarket rather than OEM specification. Check the lower suspension arms, subframe mounting points, and anti-roll bar links for pitting or flaking. The rough rear wheel bearing flagged in 2024 warrants a physical wheel play check, as a replacement bearing that has done only 2,913 miles should still rotate freely without roughness or noise. The ABS warning lamp fault also demands attention. A stored fault code should be read to determine whether the issue was a sensor, tone ring, or wiring fault, and whether the system is currently functioning. The exhaust emissions failure points to a possible catalytic converter degradation or lambda sensor fault, so a live emissions test under load would be prudent. Finally, verify the nearside front door operates correctly from both inside and outside, as the mechanism may have been repaired rather than replaced.