1999 Suzuki Vitara: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Suzuki Vitara?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Suzuki Vitara than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Battery4.7× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  7.1% All 1999 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.4% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

• Chassis rust or damage2.1× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  11.5% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2% of all 1999 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes5.7× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  5.7% All 1999 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1999 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.

• Rear fog light3.4× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  6.5% All 1999 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 1.8% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 1999 Suzuki Vitara MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Suzuki Vitara MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  50% 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
  38% 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
  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.

• Rust and bodywork
  26% 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
  25% 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 1999 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 battery? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 1999 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1999 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 1999 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?