2000 Suzuki Vitara: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Suzuki Vitara?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Suzuki Vitara than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Shock absorbers2.5× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  15.2% All 2000 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.4% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Flexible brake hoses2.1× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  12.8% All 2000 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1% of all 2000 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.

• Chassis rust or damage2.2× usual
  Suzuki Vitara

  10.9% All 2000 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.8% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Common 2000 Suzuki Vitara MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Suzuki Vitara MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  49% 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
  41% 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
  38% 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
  28% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  26% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  21% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 Suzuki Vitara

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

1. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2000 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2000 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2000 Suzuki Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?