2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Chassis rust or damage5.6× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  20% All 2003 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 1.1% of all 2003 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) joints2.8× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  18.7% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, 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.

• Body structure rust or damage3.3× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  10.2% All 2003 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints4.6× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  7.9% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes3.7× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  7.3% All 2003 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  40% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  31% 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.

• Tyres
  27% 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
  25% 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 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel

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 5.6× as often on the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?