2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.7× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  18.2% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 3% of all 2004 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.

• Chassis rust or damage3.4× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  12.4% All 2004 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.1% of all 2004 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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes4.6× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  8.8% All 2004 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.5% of all 2004 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 bushes and joints3.1× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  5.2% All 2004 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 2004 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.

• Body structure rust or damage1.9× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  5.6% All 2004 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.9% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 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
  40% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  26% 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
  21% 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
  21% 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 2004 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 drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?