2005 Suzuki Wagon-R+: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Suzuki Wagon-R+?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Suzuki Wagon-R+ than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Rigid brake pipes2.1× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  31.2% All 2005 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.6% of all 2005 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.

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

  12.3% All 2005 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 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.

• Track rod ends1.8× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  10.8% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Wheel bearings1.9× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  6.7% All 2005 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Suspension arm1.8× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  6.2% All 2005 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.4% of all 2005 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 2005 Suzuki Wagon-R+ MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Suzuki Wagon-R+ MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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
  43% 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
  33% 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
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Steering
  13% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 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 2.1× as often on the 2005 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 2005 Suzuki Wagon-R+ as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 Suzuki Wagon-R+ as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?