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October 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 49QUICK BURSTS:Don%u2019t drink and driveA hundred drivers a day have had drinkdrive endorsements added to their licences in the past three years, according to new research.The findings, from road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, show that young professionals aged 25 to 39 are the worst off enders, seemingly unaware of the consequences of drink-driving. Some 48,000 drivers in this age group have been caught, closely followed by 40,000 aged 40 to 65. This compares to 15,000 drivers aged 17 to 24, and just 3,000 in the over-65s from 2022 to 2024. Motorists who are caught drink-driving will automatically lose their licence and may end up with a prison sentence and an unlimited fi ne. The certifi cation will remain on their licence for 11 years, and a second off ence in 10 years will lead to an extended disqualifi cation. The figures have led to concern that people underestimate the impact of drink driving on safety and on fi nances and their careers.The oldest person to receive a drink-drive endorsement was 91 when this was added to their licence in 2023.Swiftly does itSuzuki%u2019s Swift compact passenger car has globally sold more than 10 million examples as of July this year. This milestone was accomplished in 20 years and eight months after the was launched in November 2004 in Japan.Swift has changed Suzuki%u2019s car-making spirit. Since its launch in 2004 as a global strategic car, the Swift has won Car of the Year awards in Japan and other countries around the world. It is a fl agship model appreciated by many customers and has been produced in countries including Japan, Hungary, India, China, Pakistan and Ghana, and sold in more than 170 countries and regions, including Japan, India and Europe. Of the 10 million units sold worldwide, 60% were in India, 14% in Europe, 8% in Japan, and 18% in other countries. In India, since its launch in 2005, it has sold approximately six million units and has become a leader in the compact car market in the country.EngineWhile you can spot body damage fairly easily, you can%u2019t always see what%u2019s going on under the bonnet. The engine is the heart of any car, and if that fails you have an unwanted duff er on your hands. Poor engines are usually noisy, especially when cold. If the engine in the car you%u2019re thinking of buying is warm when you turn up for a test, be suspicious. Ask to come back again for a cold start %u2013 or just walk away.Tyres and brakesIf the car you%u2019re looking at has well-worn tyres, it won%u2019t be long before you%u2019re paying out for replacements. Check the tread depth with a gauge, which is not expensive. Out for a test drive? Give the brakes a fi rm stamping (once you have checked behind you) and, if the car fails to pull up well, or veers to one side of the road, think about taking your money elsewhere.InteriorAgain with older cars, the seat fabric, trim and plastics become worn as time goes by. If the age of the car or its mileage doesn't tally with any wear and tear, be suspicious. Press every button and try every switch %u2013 don%u2019t assume they will all work as expected. And make sure the instrument panel lights up nicely and everything comes on as it should. Look for warning lights that shouldn%u2019t be glowing.Test driveYou wouldn%u2019t buy a laptop, power drill or vacuum cleaner without making sure everything works, so don%u2019t do anything less with a car. Have a good test drive and try it out. You might fi nd something that doesn%u2019t operate %u2013 that%u2019s no problem as long as the seller acknowledges it and takes it into account when agreeing a deal. And if you%u2019re buying from a dealer or used forecourt, you can ask them to put the fault right before you sign on the dotted line.