1999 Suzuki Vitara 2.0L Petrol · S370 FFM
1999 Suzuki Vitara (2.0L, petrol). First registered 19/02/1999. Recorded mileage 96,681 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- SUZUKI VITARA
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 12/07/2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 96,681 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1999
- Engine
- 1998cc
S370 FFM Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 27/06/2024
- 96,681 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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S370 FFM Mileage History
- 15/06/202292,119 mi
- 29/06/202394,499 mi+2,380 mi
- 14/07/202394,499 mi
- 27/06/202496,681 mi+2,182 mi
Average of roughly 2,242 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
S370 FFM MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1999 Suzuki Vitara (S370 FFM) between June 2022 and June 2024.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 27 June 2024 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Bodywork (7 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Tyres (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 15 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded FRONT TO REAR BRAKE PIKE (1.1.11 (c))”; “Central Rear Seat belt not functioning as intended (7.1.2 (c))”; “Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a bo”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Avoid this vehicle unless you are a specialist prepared to perform extensive structural metalwork. The recent dangerous MOT failure and progressive structural corrosion indicate it is currently unsafe and expensive to maintain.
If you are still considering this car, you must prioritize a professional structural inspection. The MOT history shows a long-term pattern of corrosion in the offside front structure, sills, and body mounting areas that has progressed from 'advisory' to 'major' and 'dangerous'. The cost of welding these areas will likely exceed the market value of the vehicle.
Check the condition of the seat belt anchorages; the 2024 failure confirmed they are significantly reduced in strength, which is a critical safety concern. Ensure all brake pipes have been replaced with copper lines, as the previous ones failed due to excessive corrosion. Ask for a full service history to see if the central front oil leak has ever been properly addressed.
The 2.0L petrol engine is relatively simple but inefficient by modern standards, likely yielding around 25-30 mpg depending on driving conditions. Tax is low due to the age and engine size, and insurance is moderate for an older SUV.
Maintenance costs will be high not because of mechanical failure, but because of inevitable rust repairs. You should budget for annual running costs of £1,200-£1,500, assuming you have to pay for the necessary structural welding.
Focus entirely on the offside front body mounting points and the inner sills. The MOT history has flagged these areas repeatedly since 2021. Use a small hammer to gently check for soft metal around the wheel arches and under the floor pans.
Examine the seat belt anchorages in the rear seats; the 2024 failure noted these were structurally compromised. Additionally, inspect the brake lines for any signs of weeping or scaling, as the vehicle previously failed for a dangerous hydraulic leak caused by corroded pipes.
This 1999 Suzuki Vitara has reached the 100,000 mile mark, which is reasonable for its age, but its MOT history reveals a severe decline in structural integrity. The most recent 2024 test failed with dangerous defects, including leaking brake lines and seat belt anchor corrosion. While the engine appears to be holding despite minor oil leaks, the chassis is suffering from terminal rust.
The Vitara of this era is generally mechanically robust, but is notorious for rust if not treated and treated regularly.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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