2021 Suzuki Swift SZ5 Dualjet Mhev CVT 1.2L Hybrid electric (clean) · WA71 RCF

A potentially serious front brake wear issue sits at the centre of this Suzuki Swift's recent MOT history, despite the car currently holding a clean pass certificate. The most recent test on 12 June 2026 recorded no defects, but this follows a fail at the previous attempt on 24 November 2025 where both nearside and offside front brake pads were deemed dangerously thin at less than 1.5 mm, and both front brake discs were noted as advisories for wear though not excessively so. A second inspection on the same November date subsequently passed with no defects recorded, confirming remedial work was carried out between the two visits. While the 2026 outcome is reassuring on paper, the abrupt transition from dangerous pad condition to a clean pass warrants physical verification of the replacement components rather than assumption. Against an age of roughly five years, the recorded 28,451 miles equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 5,690 miles, which is notably low for the vehicle's age bracket. This kind of usage profile, while reducing wear on drivetrain and high-mileage service items, can bring its own mechanical considerations. Low annual mileage often correlates with shorter journeys, cold starts, and prolonged periods of inactivity, both of which can accelerate corrosion on ferrous components and encourage brake disc surface corrosion if the vehicle is left standing. The MOT record shows consistent annual testing with no multi-year lay-up gaps, which at least confirms it has been presented for inspection regularly rather than being off the road for extended periods. With the front brake system having just been overhauled following a dangerous failure, any prospective buyer should carry out a focused physical inspection of that area. Lift the vehicle or use a torch through the wheel spokes and confirm the current pad material thickness visually rather than relying on the MOT record alone, and inspect the disc surfaces for lipping, scoring, or pronounced blueing at the outer edge which would indicate the discs were not renewed alongside the pads. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or scraping noise under light braking, feel for pedal pulsation or vibration through the footwell, and watch for pulling to one side under firm application which can suggest a sticking caliper or uneven pad bedding. Given the dangerous classification recorded at the previous test, the work must have been completed professionally, so any service invoice or receipt for the brake job should be requested as part of the sale. The remaining advisories in the record are comparatively minor but still merit a sensory check. The June 2025 advisory noted both front inner tyres as worn close to the legal limit on the edges, so confirm the current set has even shoulder wear across both axles and is not suffering from incorrect camber or toe geometry, particularly as misaligned tracking would produce the same inner-edge wear pattern. The nearside front wiper was also a major failure on the November 2025 test for ineffective clearing, which is a relatively straightforward replacement item but worth verifying on a wet screen demonstration before purchase. Beyond the flagged items, the suspension, steering, and exhaust components have passed without comment throughout the recorded history, suggesting no chronic structural concerns, though a test drive over varied urban surfaces remains essential to detect worn anti-roll bar links, top mounts, or coil spring fatigue which only become apparent over bumps and undulations rather than on a smooth MOT bay ramp.