1998 Suzuki Vitara: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Suzuki Vitara?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Suzuki Vitara than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Corroded fuel pipes8× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  7.2% All 1998 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1998 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× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  11.1% All 1998 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.9% of all 1998 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.

• Suspension arm2.3× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  6.2% All 1998 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.2% of all 1998 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 1998 Suzuki Vitara MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 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
  33% 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
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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
  18% 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 1998 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 corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 8× as often on the 1998 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1998 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1998 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?