2008 Suzuki Swift 1.5L Petrol · WR08 WGG

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but shows a clear trend of deteriorating mechanical condition and deferred maintenance. While the car passed its most recent test in November 2025 at 122,435 miles, this followed a failure just two days prior that revealed a significant list of defects. The transition from a clean record in 2023 to multiple failures in 2024 and 2025 suggests that the vehicle is now entering a phase where components are failing due to age and wear rather than proactive preventative care. At 122,435 miles, the 18-year-old Suzuki has averaged approximately 6,800 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK usage for a car of this age. The mileage accumulation is steady, with roughly 7,000 miles driven between the November 2023 and 2024 tests, and another 8,800 miles between late 2024 and late 2025. However, the consistent use has not prevented the emergence of significant wear and tear, particularly within the suspension and braking systems. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the rear suspension and braking architecture. The record shows a corroded central rear brake pipe appearing in both 2024 and 2025, alongside newly reported corrosion on the rear suspension arm beam axle. The 2025 failure also highlighted a brake lever with insufficient reserve travel, indicating that the hydraulic system or master cylinder may require urgent attention. The presence of a minor oil leak noted in the latest test also warrants a visual check underbody to ensure it remains a minor gasket issue rather than a developing engine failure. The front suspension also requires close scrutiny as the 2024 failure flagged excessive wear in the anti-roll bar linkage, lower suspension arm bushes, and Macpherson strut top bearings. While these may have been addressed, the November 2025 test found the nearside front tyre worn to the legal limit with uneven edges, suggesting potential alignment issues or worn shock absorbers. Given the nature of the exhaust leak and the recurring lighting issues, the vehicle is likely to require ongoing small investments to maintain roadworthiness standards.