2002 Suzuki Ignis: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Suzuki Ignis?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Suzuki Ignis than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Steering rack inner joints5.3× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  18.7% All 2002 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2002 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 pipes1.7× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  31.5% All 2002 cars

  18.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.8% of all 2002 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× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  15.6% All 2002 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 3.4% of all 2002 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.

• Ball joint1.9× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  11.5% All 2002 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 2.6% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Suspension arm2.6× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  8% All 2002 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2002 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.

Common 2002 Suzuki Ignis MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Suzuki Ignis MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  50% 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
  38% 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
  31% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% 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 2002 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 5.3× as often on the 2002 Suzuki Ignis as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2002 Suzuki Ignis as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2002 Suzuki Ignis as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?