2001 Suzuki Ignis: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Steering rack inner joints6.4× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  23.5% 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.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  33.6% All 2001 cars

  17.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.7% of all 2001 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.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  17.5% All 2001 cars

  7.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 3.6% of all 2001 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.

• Number plates2× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  14.8% All 2001 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Headlights1.8× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  16.4% All 2001 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 3.7% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2001 Suzuki Ignis MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  53% 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
  45% 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
  40% 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
  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.

• Steering
  27% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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 2001 Suzuki Ignis

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 6.4× as often on the 2001 Suzuki Ignis as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2001 Suzuki Ignis as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2001 Suzuki Ignis as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?