2001 Suzuki Carry: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Suzuki Carry?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Suzuki Carry than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Steering rack inner joints5× usual
  Suzuki Carry

  18.4% All 2001 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usual
  Suzuki Carry

  18.8% All 2001 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.8%, against 4.1% of all 2001 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.

• Body structure rust or damage2.8× usual
  Suzuki Carry

  10.8% All 2001 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.8× usual
  Suzuki Carry

  8.9% All 2001 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 3.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Brake lights1.9× usual
  Suzuki Carry

  9.5% All 2001 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 4.2% of all 2001 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.

Common 2001 Suzuki Carry MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Suzuki Carry MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  30% 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.

• 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.

• Steering
  20% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Rust and bodywork
  20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Suzuki Carry

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

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2001 Suzuki Carry as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2001 Suzuki Carry as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2001 Suzuki Carry as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?