2003 Suzuki Alto: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Suzuki Alto?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Suzuki Alto than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  33.7% All 2003 cars

  18.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 3.1% of all 2003 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.5× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  16.7% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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.

• Coil springs1.9× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  20% All 2003 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 2.5% of all 2003 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.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  16.7% All 2003 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 3.3% of all 2003 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.

• Brakes pulling to one side4.3× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  9.4% All 2003 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 1.6% of all 2003 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.

Common 2003 Suzuki Alto MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Suzuki Alto MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  54% 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
  51% 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
  32% 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
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  17% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  16% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Suzuki Alto

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 Suzuki Alto as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2003 Suzuki Alto as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Suzuki Alto as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?