2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6L Petrol · LM08 EZV

The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara presents a stable and currently sound mechanical picture, supported by a clean pass at 107,225 miles on 28 July 2025 with zero defects recorded. The maintenance trend is clearly improving, with the most recent test showing full compliance after a period of recurring minor advisories and one failure. The vehicle appears to have been brought up to standard and maintained consistently in the last year, with no new faults emerging since the July 2025 pass. The mileage profile is notably low for an 18-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,957 miles per year. Between the October 2023 pass at 96,794 miles and the July 2025 pass at 107,225 miles, the vehicle covered 10,431 miles in roughly 21 months, which represents a modest uptick in usage after a period of lighter running. The gap between the February 2022 pass at 92,837 miles and the October 2023 pass at 96,794 miles shows only 3,957 miles covered in 20 months, suggesting the vehicle saw very limited use or possible standing time during that interval. This pattern of low annual mileage is consistent with a lightly used vehicle, though buyers should verify whether prolonged periods of inactivity may have caused deterioration of rubber components, brake seizure, or fuel system issues not always captured by the MOT. The October 2023 failure at 96,769 miles revealed several issues that were subsequently addressed, including a rear exhaust box with a major leak, a structurally failed nearside rear tyre, and a nearside rear shock absorber with negligible damping effect. These were rectified before the October 2023 retest passed. The recurring advisory for worn front suspension arm pins or bushes, flagged in both October 2023 tests, indicates gradual wear on front-end components typical of this vehicle type at this mileage. The July 2024 test noted front service brake binding and a worn nearside front tyre, both minor consumable items that were resolved by the clean 2025 pass. A buyer should still inspect the front suspension bushes and shock absorbers in person, checking for play or deterioration, and examine the rear exhaust system for any signs of corrosion or fresh leaks. The brake binding advisory from 2024 warrants a test drive to confirm the calipers release fully and the discs are not warped or scored. Given the low mileage and improving MOT record, the vehicle appears mechanically sound, but a thorough inspection of the underside for corrosion is advisable, as the Grand Vitara's chassis and subframes can be vulnerable on older examples regardless of mileage.