2018 Fiat Swift 2.3L Diesel · V9 KPR

A persistent pattern of windscreen damage dominates the test history of this 2018 Fiat Swift, appearing as a Minor defect on every single recorded MOT since 2023 and remaining unresolved at the most recent pass on 7 May 2026. That same test also introduced a Minor defect for the brake fluid warning lamp, which is a dashboard-level concern rather than a measured fluid condition, alongside an advisory for a nearside rear nail in the tyre. The single recorded failure occurred on 13 May 2024 and was caused by the windscreen wiper failing to clear the screen effectively, a Major defect, with the vehicle passing later the same day once rectified. Underlying all of this, the park brake warning light has been flagged as inoperative or not working across four consecutive tests from 2023 to 2025, indicating a long-standing electrical or switch fault that the vehicle has consistently carried forward without remediation. Taken together, the mechanical narrative is one of repeated minor and advisory items clustered around body glazing, wiper function, and dashboard tell-tales, with no structural, brake, suspension, or emissions defects appearing in the record. With five recorded MOT tests over an eight-year registration span and an indicated 19,327 miles, the vehicle has averaged roughly 2,400 miles per year, which is low for its age and consistent with either light private use or extended periods of stationary storage. There are no large gaps in the testing history and no erratic jumps in mileage between tests, suggesting the car has been used consistently but sparingly. From a mechanical standpoint, low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain and consumable components, but it does also mean that components prone to degrade through inactivity, particularly rubber sealing, brake discs, suspension bushes, and the 12V battery, will have aged through calendar years rather than through working cycles. The recorded absence of corrosion advisories across all five tests is notable given the age of the vehicle and suggests the underside has not been exposed to heavy winter road use. For a prospective buyer, the most useful pre-purchase checks centre on the items the MOT has flagged repeatedly. The windscreen damage has been carried through every test for at least three years, so it warrants close visual inspection for crack propagation, particularly around the edges of any chip, as well as confirmation that the wiper linkage, motor, and blades are functioning smoothly across both directions without smearing. The brake fluid warning lamp being defective should be verified by checking whether the lamp actually illuminates with ignition and extinguishes once the system is primed, and the brake fluid itself should be inspected for age and colour, as the warning lamp defect does not confirm fluid condition. The persistent park brake light advisory needs separate diagnosis, typically either the handbrake switch, the instrument cluster bulb or LED, or the related wiring, and this should be functionally tested rather than assumed resolved. Given the low recorded mileage, the test drive should focus on symptoms typical of a lightly used vehicle rather than worn consumables. Pay attention to any binding or juddering from the front or rear brake discs on the first few applications, as corroded discs on a low-mileage car often produce vibration through the pedal until the surface is cleaned off. Listen for clonks or knocking from the suspension over uneven surfaces, which can indicate perished bushes or top mounts that have hardened with age rather than worn with use. Steering should feel smooth without excess play or any knocking through the rack, and a cold start will reveal whether the engine management system throws any warning lamps that subsequently clear. Finally, confirm that the 12V battery is recent, as a battery older than five years on a low-mileage car is likely to have reduced cranking performance and should be budgeted for replacement.