2004 Suzuki Liana 1.6L Petrol · SC54 DHD

The most recent MOT test on this 2004 Suzuki Liana was conducted on 3 November 2025, resulting in a pass, though accompanied by four advisory items relating to product on both front headlamp lenses, corrosion to the oil sump, and slight play in both front anti-roll bar ball joints. The October 2025 test, conducted just seventeen days earlier, resulted in a failure, although it is worth noting that the failure reasons are not specified in the provided records beyond the same advisory items appearing on both the failed and subsequent passed tests. Reviewing the trajectory over recent years, the overall pattern suggests a vehicle that is progressively deteriorating rather than being maintained to a stable standard. Failures and advisories in 2021 and 2022 included dangerous defects such as inoperative stop lamps and a leaking rear shock absorber, alongside major items including an excessively worn driveshaft joint and a blowing exhaust system. The 2023 and 2024 tests recorded advisories for binding brakes, and the 2023 test additionally noted rear brake performance only just meeting requirements, exhaust gas leaks, and corrosion affecting suspension components. This accumulating record of advisories and failures across consecutive tests indicates an ageing vehicle where corrosion, brake, and suspension wear are becoming increasingly significant concerns. The recorded mileage of 77,350 miles over approximately 22 years equates to a yearly average of around 3,516 miles, which is notably low for the vehicle's age. Such modest annual usage typically reflects a vehicle used for short journeys or one that has spent considerable periods standing, and either scenario carries its own mechanical implications. Low-mileage vehicles are particularly susceptible to time-related degradation rather than wear-related degradation, including perishing of tyres and rubber components from age, oxidation of brake discs and seizing of caliper pistons from inactivity, and deterioration of fluids and the 12-volt battery through calendar ageing rather than mileage accumulation. The MOT history itself does not record mileage at each test, so it is not possible to confirm whether any substantial mileage has accrued between tests or whether significant periods of inactivity have occurred, but the prospective buyer should investigate this directly with the seller and scrutinise the service book for any extended gaps in servicing or MOT tests. Given the recurring advisories relating to the front anti-roll bar ball joints, brake binding, exhaust leaks, and corrosion to underbody and suspension components, a thorough physical inspection is strongly recommended prior to purchase. The slight play noted in the offside and nearside front anti-roll bar ball joints is characteristic of wear in the drop links or bushes; on inspection, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly when traversing speed bumps or during direction changes, and observe whether the steering response is precise or vague. The binding front brake noted in 2024 and offside rear binding noted in 2023 suggest caliper slide pins or pistons that are sticking, which may not yet have progressed to a failure but warrants careful checks for uneven tyre wear, hot wheels after driving, or a pulling sensation under braking. The advisories for exhaust corrosion and gas leaks indicate an ageing exhaust system that will likely require replacement in the near term, and the corrosion advisories on the underside, oil sump, fuel pipes, and rear brake pipe point to a vehicle that may soon face structural or safety-related advisories. A test drive should include firm braking from speed to check for shudder, pulling, or sponginess, and the buyer should inspect all brake discs for lipping or surface corrosion and the rear brake pipe for any active corrosion through the applied grease. Beyond the recorded defects, the buyer should carry out age-appropriate checks that are particularly relevant to a low-mileage, 22-year-old vehicle. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, which occurs regardless of tread depth on older vehicles, and the spare wheel should be checked for age-related deterioration. The 12-volt battery should be tested for its ability to hold charge, as batteries typically require replacement every five to seven years and a failing battery can cause starting issues and electrical faults. Brake fluid, power steering fluid, and engine coolant should be assessed for condition and age, as these degrade over time and may not have been changed in line with manufacturer schedules on a low-use vehicle. The engine oil should be checked for level, colour, and any milky appearance indicating coolant ingress, and the radiator and heater matrix should be inspected for leaks given the vehicle's age. Given the advisories on lamp lenses, all exterior bulbs should be verified as functional, and the headlamp lenses should be assessed for whether the product contamination is simply oxidation that can be polished away or deeper deterioration requiring replacement. Finally, a thorough inspection of the underbody using ramps or a lift is advisable to assess the extent of corrosion to structural members, suspension arms, and the fuel and brake lines, as the advisories recorded suggest this is an area of accumulating concern.