2011 Suzuki Swift 1.2L Petrol · SL11 TMZ

The 1.25-litre petrol Swift is one of the more economical small cars on the road, with real-world fuel economy typically in the mid-40s to low-50s mpg. Road tax is a modest £35 per year for a petrol car of this age and emissions class, and insurance should sit in group 4 to 6, keeping premiums low. The bigger cost concern here is the very high mileage and the structural MOT failures, both of which point to above-average maintenance spend over the next year or two.

Realistically, expect £800 to £1,400 per year in routine maintenance for a 15-year-old Swift with 147,070 miles on the clock, but this vehicle is likely to need £1,500 to £2,500 in immediate remedial work before it can be considered roadworthy. Brakes, tyres, exhaust components, and suspension bushes will all be due. With the model's overall MOT pass rate at 79.9%, this particular car sits well below that benchmark thanks to its recent failure.

Start by raising the vehicle on a ramp and inspecting the front and rear sub-frames, the sills, and the underside of the floor pan — the 2025 MOT recorded corrosion in all of these areas, and what begins as a minor advisory can quickly become a structural failure. Pay particular attention to the seat belt anchorage on the nearside sill, which was flagged as having significantly reduced strength, as this is a safety-critical item that will not pass a future MOT without repair. Examine the brake hoses on all four corners, especially the nearside rear which was found to be bulging under pressure and had a corroded ferrule likely to fail.

Next, check the steering rack for play in the inner joints, a defect that recurred between the 2024 and 2025 tests and suggests the part has not been replaced. With the engine running, listen for exhaust leaks around the tail section and tailpipe mounting, and ask the seller to demonstrate the stop lamp on the nearside is now functional. Finally, inspect the underside of the rear number plate area, and look closely at the front and rear brake discs and pads, as the high mileage of 147,070 makes it likely that these are approaching the end of their service life.