2002 Suzuki Wagon-R+: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Suzuki Wagon-R+?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Suzuki Wagon-R+ than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Tyre condition1.7× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  24.2% All 2002 cars

  14.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 3.7% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

• Steering rack inner joints3.2× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  11.2% All 2002 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2002 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.

• Number plate lights1.9× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  13.8% All 2002 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.9% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Brakes pulling to one side3.4× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  8.1% All 2002 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 1.8% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Ball joint1.9× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  11.2% All 2002 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.6% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2002 Suzuki Wagon-R+ MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Suzuki Wagon-R+ MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  51% 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
  47% 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.

• Tyres
  36% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Suzuki Wagon-R+

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the tyre condition? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2002 Suzuki Wagon-R+ as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2002 Suzuki Wagon-R+ as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2002 Suzuki Wagon-R+ as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?