Used car guide

2006 Suzuki Alto: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Suzuki Altos, from 510 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

510MOT tests in 2025
48%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 57%)
2,800typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for rigid brake pipes

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2006 Suzuki Altos than on all cars registered in 2006.

  • Rigid brake pipes2.2× usual
    Suzuki Alto
    30.4% All 2006 cars
    14.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 2.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

  • Brakes pulling to one side8.9× usual
    Suzuki Alto
    13.3% All 2006 cars
    1.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 12.9%, against 1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

  • Braking performance2.7× usual
    Suzuki Alto
    18% All 2006 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 11.2%, against 2.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

  • Coil springs1.9× usual
    Suzuki Alto
    20.8% All 2006 cars
    11.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
    Suzuki Alto
    16.9% All 2006 cars
    7.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 3.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

By area

The share of 2006 Suzuki Alto MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    56% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    52% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    34% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    33% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    17% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    17% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Looking at a Suzuki Alto?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20151,792Suspension 32%
201412,508Suspension 34%
201311,388Suspension 40%
20124,433Suspension 42%
20114,250Brakes 43%
20104,114Suspension 44%
20094,728Suspension 46%
2005792Brakes 54%
2004645Suspension 56%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2006 Suzuki Altos registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score