2007 Suzuki Wagon-R+: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Suzuki Wagon-R+?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Suzuki Wagon-R+ than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Rigid brake pipes3.2× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  35.2% All 2007 cars

  10.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 1.9% of all 2007 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 joints5.9× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  19.5% All 2007 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2007 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 ends2.1× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  11.3% All 2007 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 2.5% of all 2007 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.

• Suspension arm2.6× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  8.4% All 2007 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.4% of all 2007 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.

• Door condition5.6× usual
  Suzuki Wagon-R+

  2.8% All 2007 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.5% of all 2007 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.

Common 2007 Suzuki Wagon-R+ MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Suzuki Wagon-R+ MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  47% 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
  38% 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
  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.

• Steering
  21% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 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 3.2× as often on the 2007 Suzuki Wagon-R+ as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.9× as often on the 2007 Suzuki Wagon-R+ as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2007 Suzuki Wagon-R+ as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?