2006 Suzuki Ignis 1.3L Petrol · LD06 MPF

The most recent MOT test on 18 November 2023 resulted in a pass, although this outcome should be viewed with measured caution. The vehicle had failed earlier that same day on a present-and-repeat basis due to an insufficient front windscreen washer supply, a defect that would not be recorded against the structural or mechanical integrity of the car but does suggest a degree of deferred attention to basic upkeep. Beyond that, the 2023 test carried a minor item for an inoperative offside rear registration plate lamp and advisories relating to an offside front tyre worn on edge and a nearside front lower suspension ball joint with a severely deteriorated cover, alongside a further advisory noting slight play in the offside front lower suspension ball joint. Looking back across the history, a previous failure in November 2022 flagged an excessively worn lower suspension arm ball joint at the offside front, and a further failure in October 2019 cited excessive play in a track rod end ball joint. The recurrence of front suspension wear items across multiple tests points to a progressive deterioration rather than an isolated event, suggesting the maintenance pattern is worsening at the front axle and warrants focused mechanical inspection prior to purchase. With 81,189 miles recorded over approximately two decades, the vehicle averages around 4,059 miles per annum, which is considerably below typical usage for a car of this vintage. While low annual mileage reduces wear on internal drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox, it simultaneously elevates the risk of time-related degradation. Long periods of standing are particularly punishing on external and underbody components, brake system functionality, and fluid integrity. The MOT history shows no recorded tests between October 2020 and November 2022, indicating at least one extended lay-up period, and the absence of an MOT record in 2024 and 2025 raises the further possibility that the vehicle has either been off the road under SORN or has continued without recent statutory testing. Such patterns frequently correlate with corroded brake discs, seized or binding calipers, perished rubber components, and degradation of brake fluid and coolant due to calendar age rather than mileage. For a prospective buyer, the recurrence of front suspension advisories and previous failures should be treated as the primary mechanical concern. The ball joint dust cover deterioration recorded in 2023, if left unaddressed, will permit contamination of the joint itself and accelerate wear, potentially leading to the kind of excessive play previously flagged at MOT. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly when turning or passing over speed humps, and feel for vagueness or imprecise response from the steering, which may indicate worsening of the track rod or ball joint condition. Jack the vehicle and physically check for play in the front wheels by hand, examine the condition of the lower suspension arms and bushes for cracking or perishing, and inspect the offside front tyre shoulder for uneven wear, as this pattern commonly results from compromised suspension geometry. Given the prior dangerous failure for tread depth below 1.6mm at the offside front, ensure the replacement tyres are of reputable brand and check their manufacturing date code on the sidewall. Beyond the suspension concerns, the low-mileage and possible extended standing history demands attention to several age-related items that MOT testing alone may not fully expose. Inspect the brake discs visually for corrosion lipping and check that the calipers release cleanly, as binding calipers are a frequent consequence of infrequent use and will cause uneven braking, pulling to one side, or excessive disc wear. Examine all tyres, including the spare, for sidewall cracking or perishing consistent with age, and verify that none are older than six years from their DOT date code. The 12V battery should be load tested, as a battery of this vintage is well beyond its typical service life and may fail without warning. Finally, regardless of recorded service history, all time-based fluids should be replaced as a matter of course; brake fluid should be renewed, engine coolant should be checked and likely replaced, and the condition of the CV gaiters, exhaust mounting rubbers, and any underbody corrosion should be closely scrutinised given the vehicle's age and probable exposure to winter road conditions during its standing periods.