2002 Suzuki Ignis 1.3L Petrol · AD52 CFP

The most recent MOT on 20 March 2026 recorded a Pass with no defects, following a failure just six days earlier where the off‑side front suspension arm ball joint was judged excessively worn – a major safety item. The quick turnaround to a passing result suggests that the ball‑joint fault was remedied, but the pattern of earlier advisories and a prior failure for a defective registration‑plate lamp indicates that while some critical items are being addressed, a number of non‑critical but still significant issues have persisted over the last two years. Overall the maintenance trend is mixed: major safety defects have been corrected, yet several wear‑related advisories remain unrectified, pointing to a maintenance regime that is reactive rather than fully proactive. At 40 366 miles the car averages roughly 1 700 miles per year, which is well below the typical usage for a 24‑year‑old vehicle. Such low annual mileage often reflects long periods of inactivity or very light use, both of which can accelerate age‑related deterioration of rubber components, battery plates and corrosion on brake hardware. The low mileage does not necessarily equate to low wear on parts that are time‑sensitive, such as seals, hoses and the engine oil, and it raises the possibility of hidden corrosion in the suspension bushings and steering rack from standing. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the front suspension, especially the off‑side ball joint that previously failed the MOT; listen for clunking or excessive play when the wheel is rocked and feel for any looseness in the steering rack inner joints, which were noted as having play. Examine the front brake assembly for thin inner pads and inner‑surface corrosion on the discs – symptoms may include a pulsating pedal, squeal or reduced braking efficiency, especially when the pads are near the wear limit. Verify that the registration‑plate lamp now operates correctly, and check for any oil seepage around the valve cover or oil pan, as the advisory oil leak has been recurring; even a non‑excessive leak can lead to oil on the exhaust or fire risk if left unchecked. Finally, assess the condition of the front tyres, which were reported as worn close to the legal limit and perished on the shoulders; look for cracking, dry rot or loss of tread depth, and ensure the spare tyre and its valve are serviceable. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, a thorough visual and tactile inspection of age‑related items is essential. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking or hardening, as rubber can degrade even without mileage. Check the battery’s charge hold and electrolyte level, and consider a load test, since prolonged storage can cause sulfation. Examine the brake discs for surface rust beyond the inner corrosion already noted, and verify that the calipers move freely without binding. Review the service book for evidence of regular oil and filter changes, coolant flushes and timing belt or chain replacement, as calendar‑based fluid degradation can occur irrespective of mileage. A test drive should include listening for any suspension clunks, steering shudder, brake pulsation or abnormal engine noises, all of which would indicate that the lingering advisories have progressed to more serious wear.