1995 Suzuki Vitara: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1995 Suzuki Vitara?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1995 Suzuki Vitara than on all cars registered in 1995.

• Rigid brake pipes2.1× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  29.6% All 1995 cars

  13.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2% of all 1995 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes11.1× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  13.3% All 1995 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1995 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.

• Chassis rust or damage2.4× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  14.5% All 1995 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.2% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  11.6% All 1995 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.6% of all 1995 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.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.2× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  9% All 1995 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 4.1% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 1995 Suzuki Vitara MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1995 Suzuki Vitara 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  32% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  28% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  23% 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.

• 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 1995 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 2.1× as often on the 1995 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 11.1× as often on the 1995 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1995 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?