2006 Suzuki SX4 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Suzuki SX4 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Suzuki SX4 petrol than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  23.4% All 2006 cars

  14%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2.5% of all 2006 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.

• Engine warning light4.1× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  11.1% All 2006 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.1%, against 2.7% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  14.1% All 2006 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 3.1% of all 2006 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.

• Flexible brake hoses2.1× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  11.2% All 2006 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.2× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  4.8% All 2006 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

Common 2006 Suzuki SX4 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Suzuki SX4 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% 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
  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.

• Tyres
  34% 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
  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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% 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 2006 Suzuki SX4 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2006 Suzuki SX4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2006 Suzuki SX4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2006 Suzuki SX4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?