Used car guide

2006 Suzuki Wagon-R+: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Suzuki Wagon-R+s, from 457 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 457 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

457MOT tests in 2025
60%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 57%)
3,900typical miles a year
2.1×the usual rate for rigid brake pipes

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2006 Suzuki Wagon-R+s than on all cars registered in 2006.

  • Rigid brake pipes2.1× usual
    Suzuki Wagon-R+
    30.2% All 2006 cars
    14.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, 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.

  • Steering rack inner joints3.2× usual
    Suzuki Wagon-R+
    12.3% All 2006 cars
    3.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Wheel bearings2.3× usual
    Suzuki Wagon-R+
    7.2% All 2006 cars
    3.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Better than most

Suspension arm bushes and joints: 5.5% here, against 11.1% of all 2006 cars.

By area

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

  • Brakes
    45% 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
    40% 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.

  • Tyres
    37% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    16% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    15% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a Suzuki Wagon-R+?

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

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2007416Brakes 45%
20051,043Suspension 47%
20041,312Suspension 47%
20031,216Suspension 48%
2002918Brakes 51%
2001608Brakes 54%
2000268Suspension 57%

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