2008 Suzuki Jimny 1.3L Petrol · YR08 TZY

This 2008 Suzuki Jimny currently holds no valid MOT, having failed its most recent test on 13 August 2025 at 73,204 miles. The maintenance trend is clearly worsening. A vehicle that passed in July 2023 and again in July 2024 deteriorated into a serious failure within twelve months, with the tester identifying multiple structural corrosion items, a brake swerve condition, exposed tyre cords, and major exhaust leaks. The jump from a pass to such a concentrated list of major and dangerous faults suggests the vehicle has either been standing for long periods or has been driven without meaningful upkeep since mid-2024. The recorded mileage of 73,204 miles across roughly 18 years averages approximately 4,067 miles per year, which is low for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history shows a gap between July 2023 at 66,150 miles and July 2024 at 69,609 miles, indicating around 3,459 miles covered in that year. However, the mileage remained frozen at 73,204 miles between the August 2025 failure and today, 18 June 2026, meaning the vehicle has covered zero miles in over ten months. Extended standing on a vehicle of this age often accelerates corrosion of brake lines, suspension mountings, and exhaust components, which is exactly what the record reveals. A buyer inspecting this Jimny in person should focus heavily on structural integrity. The August 2025 failure flagged excessively corroded chassis spring mounts, rear lower arm mounting points, tie-rod mounting points, and a seriously weakened rear axle. Previous tests in 2023 and 2024 also noted corroded seat belt anchorages in the sills and corroded brake pipes, with rear pipes obscured by underseal. Any underbody inspection must verify whether these items have been properly repaired or merely covered over. The offside front brake disc was significantly worn at the last test and the service brake was pulling to the nearside, so a road test should confirm whether braking remains straight and even. Tyre condition also demands attention, as exposed cords were found on the nearside front and multiple tyres have repeatedly appeared at or near the legal limit. The exhaust system is another area of concern. Both central and rear sections have leaked across multiple tests, and emissions could not be completed in August 2025. Combined with recurring Lambda sensor readings outside limits in 2023 and 2024, this points to a deteriorating exhaust and possible catalytic converter or engine management issue. Coolant level was noted as not visible in the expansion tank in both 2024 tests, raising questions about cooling system maintenance. Overall, this record describes a small off-roader that has slipped from minor advisories into serious structural and mechanical neglect, and any purchase decision should be conditional on a thorough independent inspection of the chassis, brake system, and exhaust.