2013 Suzuki Splash 1.0L Petrol · SC13 GKA

The 2025-10-07 MOT test resulted in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating the vehicle met all statutory roadworthiness requirements at the time of inspection. Reviewing the recent history, the overall maintenance trend appears broadly stable; the vehicle has consistently passed tests since 2020 with only one fail in 2023, which was tyre-related rather than structural or mechanical. The presence of advisories in 2024 regarding undersealing and corrosion underneath is, however, a point worth monitoring, as these notes suggest that corrosion protection has been applied and that some degree of structural surface corrosion was evident at that time. The absence of any recurring advisories across consecutive tests indicates that the vehicle has not developed worsening patterns of defects in braking, suspension, or emissions components. With a recorded mileage of 32,504 miles over approximately 13 years, the vehicle has averaged around 2,500 miles annually, which is notably low for its age. This low usage pattern suggests either light running with longer standing periods between journeys, or potentially extended periods of inactivity. While lower mileage generally preserves engine and drivetrain longevity through reduced mechanical wear, it also carries specific risks including brake disc corrosion from infrequent use, potential caliper seizure due to lack of regular operation, accelerated tyre sidewall perishing from age rather than wear, and degradation of time-sensitive components such as the 12V battery and rubber hoses. The mileage gap is not unusual for a city-oriented supermini of this type, but should prompt careful physical inspection of components affected by standing rather than distance. Given the 2023 test failure for both rear tyres falling below the legal 1.6mm tread depth, alongside advisories for front tyres being worn on the edge and showing cracking or perishing, a prospective buyer should examine all four tyres carefully regardless of current apparent condition. Check the sidewalls for any signs of cracking, perishing, or bulging, which are common on aged tyres even with adequate tread depth, and verify the production date markings on the sidewalls as rubber compounds degrade over time irrespective of mileage. On a test drive, listen for any excessive road noise or vibration that could indicate tyre deformation, and visually inspect for uneven wear patterns which might point to suspension misalignment or worn components. Additionally, given the 2024 advisories regarding undersealing and underside corrosion, it would be prudent to inspect the sills, subframes, and suspension mounting points for any progression of corrosion, ideally with the vehicle raised for a thorough underbody view. Beyond the recorded defects, several age-related inspections are warranted due to the low annual mileage and the calendar age of the vehicle. Verify the 12V battery's state of health, as batteries in low-use vehicles frequently fail prematurely due to discharge cycles without adequate recharging. Inspect the brake discs for any signs of corrosion pitting or lipping, and confirm that the calipers are releasing correctly without binding, as seized calipers are a common consequence of prolonged standing. Examine all fluid levels and their condition; brake fluid is hygroscopic and typically requires replacement every two to three years regardless of mileage, while coolant and automatic transmission fluid if applicable should be checked for degradation. Finally, confirm the service book stamps and corroborate the recorded mileage against any available service invoices, ensuring that time-based servicing such as cambelt or timing chain inspection has been addressed according to schedule rather than purely on a mileage basis, and verify that the vehicle starts promptly and idles smoothly when cold, as low running can mask early signs of component failure that only emerge under regular use.