2006 Suzuki Alto: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Suzuki Alto?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Suzuki Alto 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.

Common 2006 Suzuki Alto MOT failures and advisories

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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 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 2.2× as often on the 2006 Suzuki Alto as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brakes pulling to one side? (Flagged at MOT 8.9× as often on the 2006 Suzuki Alto as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2006 Suzuki Alto as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?