2016 Suzuki Vitara 1.6L Petrol · LE14 YAS

A consistent pattern of dangerous rear tyre tread depth failures under one and a half millimetres defines the MOT record of this 2016 Suzuki Vitara, alongside a near-identical front axle failure recorded two years earlier. The most recent test on 6 January 2026 returned a clean pass with no advisories, which marks an improvement over the previous cycle where the vehicle initially failed on 3 January 2025 with both rear tyres below the legal limit before passing later the same day with only an under-tray advisory. Across the seven tests logged since 2021, two failures have been recorded, and both were categorised as Dangerous for sub-legal tyre tread. Every other annual inspection between 2021 and 2025 has produced a pass, although six of those seven tests carry the same advisory noting that engine and under covers are fitted and obscuring some components from visual inspection. Mileage accumulation over the vehicle's recorded life sits at 86,901 miles across roughly ten years of age, equating to an average of around 8,690 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this vintage. The annual test dates are consistent year on year with no prolonged gaps in testing, indicating the vehicle has remained in continuous use rather than being laid up for extended periods. There are no sudden mileage jumps or stagnation periods evident in the testing pattern, so the wear profile on consumables, braking components and suspension should track proportionately with the average annual use rather than being skewed by either very low activity or unusually high long-distance running. Given that both MOT failures on this Vitara concerned tyre tread depth dropping below the one and a half millimetre legal minimum, a prospective buyer should treat tyre condition as a primary inspection point rather than an afterthought. On a physical walkaround, confirm that all four tyres have at least two to three millimetres of remaining tread across the full width, paying particular attention to the inner and outer shoulders where wear can be uneven, and check the production date stamps on the sidewalls as tyres older than six years may have hardened rubber even if tread remains adequate. Inspect the sidewalls carefully for cracking, bulging or kerbing damage, and verify that all four tyres are of matching size, load rating and speed rating. On the road, listen for any increase in road noise that could suggest uneven wear or wheel imbalance, and feel for vibration through the steering wheel at speed which may indicate a tyre separating from its carcass. The recurring advisory regarding engine and under covers obscuring components warrants specific attention during any pre-purchase inspection. These covers prevent the tester from confirming the condition of the engine oil seals, the surrounding pipework, the steering rack boots and the lower suspension arms, so a buyer should request that they be removed for a thorough underside inspection or arrange an independent mechanic to raise the vehicle on a ramp. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, control arm bushes or bottom ball joints. Apply the brakes firmly from speed to check for any pulling to one side, pedal judder or sponginess, and feel through the steering for any vagueness or slack that could point to wear in the steering or suspension joints hidden beneath those fitted covers.