2002 Suzuki Wagon-R+ 1.3L Petrol · FD02 FWT

The Suzuki Wagon-R+ presents a stable roadworthiness record in its most recent MOT cycles, with the February 2026 test at 89,707 miles showing no defects—mirroring the clean outcomes of the February 2025 and January 2024 tests. The sole failure in January 2024 at 52,700 miles stands as an anomaly, given no defects were logged, suggesting either a procedural error or an oversight by the tester. This consistency over the past two years implies the vehicle has either been well-maintained by its previous owner or has simply avoided developing critical issues. The absence of advisories or recurring faults in the record further supports the likelihood of a vehicle that has been kept in a functional state, though this does not preclude latent wear in high-stress components. The mileage accumulation of 3,738 miles per year is unusually low for a 24-year-old vehicle, indicating either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between the January 2024 failure and the February 2024 pass—just five days apart at nearly identical mileages—suggests the car may have been driven minimally during that period, possibly for the sole purpose of retesting. The subsequent 21,800-mile jump to the February 2025 test (71,907 miles) over a year later suggests a brief but active phase, followed by another slowdown to the current 89,707 miles. This pattern raises questions about whether the vehicle has been stored for extended periods, which could accelerate corrosion or seal degradation in less-accessible areas. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of components prone to long-term neglect or stress, particularly in a low-mileage but ageing vehicle. Suspension bushes, coil springs, and ball joints—common wear points in rear-wheel-drive models like the Wagon-R+—should be checked for hardening or cracking, as these are less likely to be caught in a basic MOT. The rear brakes, often underutilised in light driving, may still exhibit binding calipers or glazed discs due to infrequent use, while the exhaust system should be scrutinised for surface rust or leaks, especially if the car has spent time in damp conditions. Structural integrity remains a concern; despite no MOT flags, hidden corrosion in wheel arches, sills, or subframe mounts could compromise safety, particularly if the vehicle has been left uncovered. Finally, the absence of advisories on tyres, lights, or fluid levels in recent tests does not guarantee their current condition. A buyer should verify tread depth, bulb functionality, and fluid top-ups (brake, coolant, power steering) personally, as these are consumables that may have been overlooked in a vehicle with such low annual mileage. The clean MOT record is encouraging, but the irregular usage pattern warrants extra diligence in areas where deterioration progresses slowly but steadily over time.