2016 Suzuki Baleno 1.2L Hybrid electric (clean) · YH66 UEC

The 2016 Suzuki Baleno holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 26 September 2025 at 80,585 miles, with the most recent test passing on the second attempt after rectifying suspension arm ball joint dust covers. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but reveals a pattern of deferred minor work rather than proactive servicing. The 2025 failure flagged perished front lower ball joint covers, a common age-related rubber deterioration item, and the same registration plate lamp fault appeared on both the failed and passed tests, suggesting a minor electrical oversight rather than a systemic issue. Child seat obstructions have appeared consistently since 2024, limiting the tester's ability to fully assess rear adult seatbelt condition across multiple consecutive tests. The mileage progression is consistent with typical use for a ten-year-old vehicle. The car covered 72,110 miles by September 2023, 74,844 miles by September 2024, and 80,585 miles by September 2025, equating to roughly 2,700 to 5,700 miles per annum over recent years with a notable jump in the final twelve-month interval. No significant gaps or anomalies appear in the record, and the annual testing pattern confirms continuous use without prolonged periods of inactivity. The 2024 test recorded 74,844 miles and the 2025 test 80,585 miles, confirming steady ongoing mileage accumulation. Buyers should inspect the front suspension closely, particularly the lower arm ball joint dust covers and bushes, given the 2024 and 2025 advisories and failures on these components. The 2024 test also flagged corrosion on both front and rear coil springs, a structural concern that warrants a thorough underside inspection for rust progression, especially around spring mounts and subframe contact points. Front brake discs have appeared as worn or pitted across multiple tests, and rear brake pads were below minimum thickness at the 2024 failure, so a full brake assessment including pad thickness, disc condition, and caliper operation is advisable. The persistent child seat obstruction means the rear adult seatbelts have not been fully inspected during recent MOTs, and a buyer should manually check both rear belts for fraying, retraction, and locking function before purchase.