2014 Suzuki SX4 1.6L Petrol · SA64 GXM

A chronic pattern of brake pipe corrosion sits at the centre of this SX4's roadworthiness record and should be the primary concern for any prospective buyer. The most recent test on 26 June 2026 was a pass with no advisories, but it sits alongside a same-day failure for a nearside front tyre that had dropped below the legal 1.6mm tread limit and was categorised as dangerous, with an accompanying advisory for an offside front tyre worn close to the same threshold. Looking further into the history, the 29 May 2025 test produced advisories for corrosion on both front brake pipes and tyre wear on both front wheels, while just a week earlier on 22 May 2025 the vehicle failed outright with major defects recorded against both rear brake pipes for excessive corrosion. These items had effectively deteriorated from advisory to major category within a single test cycle, and the 2026 result shows only the tyre side of that pattern has been resolved. An earlier failure on 22 February 2023 for an illuminated supplementary restraint system warning lamp and a 2022 advisory for an offside rear tyre worn on its edge round out the catalogue of defects. With twelve years on the road and 79,950 miles recorded across the available MOT history, the vehicle accumulates roughly 6,660 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and points to consistent rather than sporadic use. The test entries run continuously from February 2022 through to June 2026 with no multi-year gaps, so there are no extended periods off the road that would have allowed standing or otherwise of the type that causes brake fluid degradation, tyre flat-spotting, or battery issues to develop undetected. The mileage progression between tests is steady rather than erratic, and this regular usage pattern helps explain why consumable wear such as tyre tread loss and brake component corrosion has been the dominant theme of the advisories rather than the sort of deterioration associated with long-term storage. The rear brake pipes are the most pressing item to verify physically before purchase, as they were classified as excessively corroded at the May 2025 test and the only confirmation we have that they were attended to is the absence of any re-advisory at the June 2026 pass. A thorough check from underneath should focus on the brake lines running along the underbody and rear axle area, looking for any remaining surface corrosion, flaking, or evidence of recent replacement sections joined in with compression fittings rather than proper flared unions. On the road, the buyer should be alert to any spongy or low pedal feel, particularly after a period of inactivity, as weakened pipe walls can fatigue under hydraulic pressure, and listen for any scraping or dragging sounds from the rear brakes that could indicate a binding caliper following the disc work noted at the February 2024 test. The rear discs themselves were flagged for pitting and scoring at that 2024 test, and a test drive should include several firm stops from around 30 mph to feel for pedal vibration, judder through the pedal, or any pulling to one side which would indicate the discs have continued to deteriorate or warped through uneven wear. The supplementary restraint system fault that caused the February 2023 failure is another area requiring confirmation, as warning lamp faults can stem from anything as simple as a loose connector under the front seats to genuine airbag or pretensioner failures, and a diagnostic scan showing no stored crash or restraint codes is essential. Front tyre wear has been a recurring advisory across three of the last four tests, with both inner and outer edges affected at various points, and this pattern on a front-wheel-drive hatchback is commonly linked to worn suspension components rather than simple age. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling from the front suspension over speed humps and rough tarmac, particularly from the anti-roll bar drop links and wishbone bushes, as any excess movement here will accelerate uneven front tyre wear and explain the recurring advisories. Finally, a visual inspection of the front brake pipes, which were last flagged as corroded and greased in May 2025, is worth carrying out, as grease applications mask active corrosion rather than halt it and a replacement schedule for those lines should ideally be confirmed with the seller before committing.