2005 Suzuki Wagon-R+ 1.3L Petrol · FT05 ABU

Brake wear and rear‑suspension deterioration dominate the recent MOT history, with the 2024‑06‑27 test flagging a fractured off‑side rear coil spring, a seriously weakened rear‑suspension arm and a front brake disc that was “significantly and obviously worn”. Those major defects were followed by a 2026‑07‑16 failure for an inoperative engine MIL indicator, before the car managed a pass on 2026‑07‑23, albeit still carrying front‑disc wear advisories and rear‑tyre cracking notes. The pattern shows a vehicle whose core safety components have been slipping from advisory status into outright failures, suggesting a trend of worsening condition rather than a stable or improving one. At 36,347 mi spread over 21 years the average annual mileage is roughly 1,730 mi, well below typical usage for a small family hatchback. Such low utilisation often points to periods of infrequent driving or extended storage, which can accelerate corrosion on suspension linkages and exhaust mounts while doing little to wear tyre tread. The MOT record does not reveal any large mileage spikes, but the combination of low use and age means that wear‑related parts (brake discs, suspension bushes) may be approaching the end of their service life despite the modest odometer reading. Prospective buyers should give the rear suspension a thorough inspection. The fractured coil spring and corroded arm recorded in 2024 indicate that the rear sub‑frame may have been compromised; listen for clunking or knocking over bumps, feel for any sag or uneven ride height, and check that the rear wheels remain true under load. Replacement of the coil spring and reinforcement or replacement of the rear‑suspension arm are likely required before the car can be considered safe for regular road use. Front brake discs have been flagged as worn, pitted and, at one point, “significantly and obviously worn”. Measure disc thickness against the manufacturer’s minimum, and on a test drive watch for pedal pulsation, increased stopping distances or a high‑pitched squeal that intensifies under hard braking. The rear tyres are listed as slightly damaged or cracking; inspect tread depth and sidewall integrity, and be prepared to replace them if any dry‑rot or delamination is evident. Finally, the engine MIL fault that caused the 2026 failure should be read with a diagnostic scanner to identify the specific emission‑control fault; any related misfire, rough idle or exhaust smoke should be investigated, and the defective front exhaust mounting noted in 2024 should be checked for rattles or leaks that could affect both noise and emissions.