1996 Suzuki Vitara petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Suzuki Vitara petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Suzuki Vitara petrol than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  28.9% All 1996 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2% of all 1996 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes14.3× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  14.3% All 1996 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1996 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.

Common 1996 Suzuki Vitara petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Suzuki Vitara petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  46% 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.

• Suspension
  33% 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.

• 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  32% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  24% 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.

• Tyres
  22% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Suzuki Vitara 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× as often on the 1996 Suzuki Vitara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 14.3× as often on the 1996 Suzuki Vitara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?