1994 Suzuki Vitara: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 Suzuki Vitara?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 Suzuki Vitara than on all cars registered in 1994.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  24.7% All 1994 cars

  13.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.8% of all 1994 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  10.8% All 1994 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 1994 Suzuki Vitara MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 Suzuki Vitara MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  41% 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
  35% 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
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  27% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  27% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% 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 1994 Suzuki Vitara

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 1994 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1994 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?