2002 Suzuki Liana: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Suzuki Liana?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Suzuki Liana than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Headlights2.3× usual
  Suzuki Liana

  24.7% All 2002 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 4.3% of all 2002 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.

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

  17.5% All 2002 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 3.1% of all 2002 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.

• Sub-frame3.3× usual
  Suzuki Liana

  14.7% All 2002 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2002 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.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Suzuki Liana

  18.1% All 2002 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 3.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Suzuki Liana

  13.8% All 2002 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 2.6% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2002 Suzuki Liana MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Suzuki Liana MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  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
  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.

• Tyres
  37% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  19% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% 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 2002 Suzuki Liana

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

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2002 Suzuki Liana 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 2002 Suzuki Liana as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2002 Suzuki Liana as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?