2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  23.3% All 2006 cars

  12.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.7× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  13% All 2006 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 2.4% of all 2006 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.

• Sub-frame2.2× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  12.3% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Chassis rust or damage3.3× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  9.2% All 2006 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.8% of all 2006 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.

• Suspension arm2.6× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  7.9% All 2006 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.3% of all 2006 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 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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
  39% 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
  36% 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
  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
  26% 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
  20% 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 2006 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 engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?