2008 Suzuki SX4 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Suzuki SX4 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Suzuki SX4 petrol than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Rigid brake pipes2.9× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  26.8% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, 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.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  20% All 2008 cars

  11.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 4.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  14.1% All 2008 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, 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.

• Flexible brake hoses2.5× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  9.1% All 2008 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.5% of all 2008 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.

• Front struts5.7× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  4% All 2008 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% 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.

Common 2008 Suzuki SX4 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Suzuki SX4 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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
  35% 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
  30% 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
  14% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% 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 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 2.9× as often on the 2008 Suzuki SX4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2008 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 2008 Suzuki SX4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?