2015 Suzuki Alto: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Suzuki Alto?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Suzuki Alto than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.1× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  18.2% All 2015 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.2% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Brake lights3.8× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  7.6% All 2015 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 1.6% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Rigid brake pipes3.3× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  7% All 2015 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.3% of all 2015 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) joints3.3× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  5.6% All 2015 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 1% of all 2015 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.

• Wipers2.5× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  6.6% All 2015 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.7% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2015 Suzuki Alto MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Suzuki Alto MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  30% 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.

• Suspension
  28% 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.

• Brakes
  20% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  20% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  6% 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 2015 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 suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2015 Suzuki Alto as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2015 Suzuki Alto as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2015 Suzuki Alto as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?