2004 Suzuki Ignis: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Suzuki Ignis?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Suzuki Ignis than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Steering rack inner joints3× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  11.2% All 2004 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes3.9× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  3.1% All 2004 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes pulling to one side2.1× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  3.7% All 2004 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.3% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Suzuki Ignis MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Suzuki Ignis MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  44% 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
  44% 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
  36% 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
  28% 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.

• 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.

• Steering
  13% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 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 3× as often on the 2004 Suzuki Ignis as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2004 Suzuki Ignis as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brakes pulling to one side? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 Suzuki Ignis as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?