2008 Suzuki Splash diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Suzuki Splash diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Suzuki Splash diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Rigid brake pipes3.3× usual
  Suzuki Splash

  31% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 1.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint2.8× usual
  Suzuki Splash

  17.1% All 2008 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.2%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes11× usual
  Suzuki Splash

  8.8% All 2008 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Wheel bearings3.8× usual
  Suzuki Splash

  9.4% All 2008 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Braking performance2× usual
  Suzuki Splash

  13.5% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 2.7% of all 2008 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.

Common 2008 Suzuki Splash diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Suzuki Splash diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  63% 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
  55% 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.

• Tyres
  41% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  15% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Suzuki Splash 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2008 Suzuki Splash diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2008 Suzuki Splash diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 11× as often on the 2008 Suzuki Splash diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?