2018 Suzuki Swift 1.0L Petrol · SH18 RWO

The Suzuki Swift’s MOT history presents a clean but unusual pattern: two consecutive passes and fails on the same date in August 2025 at 85,308 miles, followed by identical entries in September 2024 at 75,338 miles, with no defects recorded in any test. This repetition strongly suggests administrative errors—likely duplicate submissions or testing glitches—rather than mechanical issues. The most recent valid pass, dated August 2025, confirms the vehicle met all DVSA roadworthiness standards at that mileage, with no advisories or defects. The absence of recurring faults or structural warnings implies the Swift has been maintained adequately, though the duplicate entries raise questions about the tester’s process. No serious trends—such as worsening corrosion, suspension failures, or brake binding—emerge from the data, but the irregularities warrant scrutiny of the full service history beyond the MOT alone. The mileage accumulation of 85,308 miles over eight years aligns closely with average usage for its age, averaging around 10,664 miles annually. The gap between the May 2023 test (56,553 miles) and the September 2024 test (75,338 miles) spans roughly 16 months, covering 18,785 miles—a pace consistent with moderate driving. The lack of intermediate MOT records suggests the vehicle may have been exempt from testing in some years, possibly due to age or ownership changes, though the DVSA’s digital system should still log all tests. No red flags appear in the mileage pattern itself, but the absence of advisories or defects in earlier tests could indicate either meticulous upkeep or, conversely, a history of deferred repairs that were later addressed. For a buyer, the primary focus should lie on components not covered by the MOT but prone to wear at this mileage: suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake binding, particularly at the rear where calipers or pads can degrade without immediate failure symptoms. The exhaust system should be checked for leaks or corrosion, as MOTs often overlook minor emissions issues until they worsen. Structural integrity—especially around wheel arches, sills, and subframes—demands close inspection, given the Swift’s susceptibility to surface rust in damp UK conditions. While the MOT record offers reassurance, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is advisable to verify the absence of deferred repairs or hidden wear, particularly in areas like the drivetrain and electrical systems, which the MOT does not always scrutinise thoroughly.