2005 Suzuki Ignis: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Suzuki Ignis?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Suzuki Ignis than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  26.5% All 2005 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2.6% of all 2005 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.

• Steering rack inner joints3.5× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  13.6% All 2005 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 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.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  17.8% All 2005 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Suspension arm2.3× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  8.1% All 2005 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.4% of all 2005 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes5.4× usual
  Suzuki Ignis

  3.8% All 2005 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2005 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.

Common 2005 Suzuki Ignis MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Suzuki Ignis MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  43% 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
  39% 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
  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.

• 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.

• Steering
  15% 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 2005 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 Suzuki Ignis as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2005 Suzuki Ignis as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2005 Suzuki Ignis as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?