1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Chassis rust or damage2.7× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  15.3% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  13.3% All 1999 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.2% of all 1999 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.

• Headlights2.3× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  14.3% All 1999 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  41% 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
  39% 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
  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
  32% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  30% 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.

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?