2003 Suzuki Wagon-R+: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Suzuki Wagon-R+?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Suzuki Wagon-R+ than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Rigid brake pipes1.6× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  31% All 2003 cars

  18.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 3.1% of all 2003 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.

• Tyre condition1.6× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  23.6% All 2003 cars

  14.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 3.8% of all 2003 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.1× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  13.8% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.8× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  9.4% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 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.

• Suspension arm2.4× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  7.8% All 2003 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.4% of all 2003 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 2003 Suzuki Wagon-R+ MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Suzuki Wagon-R+ MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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.

• Brakes
  46% 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.

• Tyres
  37% 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
  34% 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
  16% 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
  14% 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 2003 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2003 Suzuki Wagon-R+ as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the tyre condition? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2003 Suzuki Wagon-R+ as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 Suzuki Wagon-R+ as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?