2018 Suzuki Ignis 1.2L Petrol · 11 EW

The most recent DVSA MOT test on the Suzuki Ignis was conducted on 2026-01-13 and resulted in a passing outcome, marking a return to compliance after a failure in the preceding test on 2025-01-12, which highlighted a major defect—the offside front coil spring having fractured or broken. This failure underscores a critical structural component failure, which is typically indicative of either excessive wear from prolonged service or underlying manufacturing or installation defects. While the intervening MOTs from 2024 to 2026 have been clean, the presence of a single major failure suggests that the vehicle’s suspension system has experienced significant stress over its operational life, warranting heightened scrutiny during inspection. The advisory from 2025-01-13 regarding thin front brake pads further implies ongoing or emerging wear issues, particularly in the braking assembly, which could escalate if not addressed promptly. The recorded mileage of 55,479 miles for a vehicle aged eight years represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 6,935 miles per annum, which is within the expected range for a car of this age and class. Such mileage accumulation is generally consistent with typical driving patterns, though the absence of a clear service history or mileage gaps could suggest either underreporting, infrequent use, or periods of prolonged idleness. Prolonged standing without regular movement can exacerbate issues such as brake pad binding, suspension component corrosion, or fluid degradation, particularly in the brake system and cooling circuit. Conversely, higher mileage might have accelerated wear on consumables like brake pads, suspension bushes, and tyres, which aligns with the advisories noted in previous MOTs. For a prospective buyer, the Suzuki Ignis presents several critical areas to inspect due to its history of defects and the vehicle’s age and mileage. First and foremost, the previous coil spring failure indicates that the suspension system requires thorough examination, including inspection of the remaining coil springs for signs of fatigue or further deterioration, particularly the offside front spring which was compromised. Listen for unusual clunking or rattling noises from the suspension during the test drive, especially when navigating bumps or corners, as these can signal worn or failing suspension components. Additionally, check for uneven tyre wear patterns, which may correlate with suspension misalignment or improper camber settings, and verify that the tyres are within legal limits and free of cracks or perishing in the sidewall, a common issue in older vehicles exposed to prolonged environmental conditions. The brake system should be scrutinised for signs of wear beyond the advisory noted in 2025, including checking the condition of the brake pads, discs, and calipers for signs of corrosion, binding, or excessive heat damage. Inspect the brake fluid reservoir for cleanliness and fluid level, as brake fluid degrades over time and can lead to reduced braking performance if replaced beyond its recommended service interval. The previous nearside windscreen wiper failure suggests that the wiper mechanism should be tested for effective operation, and the wiper blades should be replaced if they exhibit signs of wear or poor cleaning performance. Finally, given the vehicle’s age, consider a thorough inspection of the battery, including checking for corrosion on terminals and ensuring the battery holds a charge, as older batteries may struggle with performance or fail unexpectedly. Additionally, verify that all fluids—oil, coolant, and transmission fluid—are at the correct levels and free of contaminants, and that the vehicle’s service history records are up to date to confirm adherence to manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules.