2002 Suzuki Carry: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 Suzuki Carrys, from 386 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 386 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2002 Suzuki Carrys than on all cars registered in 2002.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.7× usualSuzuki Carry18.7% All 2002 cars7%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 3.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Body structure rust or damage3.2× usualSuzuki Carry11.9% All 2002 cars3.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.
- Steering rack inner joints3.1× usualSuzuki Carry11.4% All 2002 cars3.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Ball joint2× usualSuzuki Carry11.7% All 2002 cars5.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 2.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Chassis rust or damage2.2× usualSuzuki Carry9.6% All 2002 cars4.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
Engine oil leaks: 5.2% here, against 17.1% of all 2002 cars. Coil springs: 5.2% here, against 10.4% of all 2002 cars.
By area
The share of 2002 Suzuki Carry MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension42% 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 electrics36% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes35% 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.
- Tyres26% 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.
- Rust and bodywork22% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Exhaust and emissions19% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 875 | Suspension 39% |
| 2004 | 853 | Suspension 38% |
| 2003 | 583 | Suspension 41% |
| 2001 | 222 | Suspension 46% |
| 2000 | 144 | Suspension 35% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2002 Suzuki Carrys registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score