1996 Suzuki Vitara 1.6L Petrol · P488 CTO

The vehicle currently maintains a clean roadworthiness profile, with the most recent MOT certificate issued on 10 January 2024 at 114,620 miles showing no recorded defects. This string of three consecutive clean passes indicates a stable and well-maintained condition over the last three years. The absence of advisories during these examinations suggests that the previous owner prioritised preventative maintenance and addressed mechanical requirements before they escalated into test failures. The total recorded mileage of 114,620 miles over a thirty-year lifespan averages approximately 3,821 miles per annum, which is notably low for a vehicle of this vintage. The consistent testing pattern between January 2022 and January 2024 confirms the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than suffering from prolonged periods of inactivity. While the current MOT status is valid until January 2025, the vehicle has now been off-test for over seven months, meaning a fresh inspection is required to confirm its current condition before it returns to the road. Despite the recent clean history, the age of this Suzuki Vitara necessitates a thorough physical inspection of its structural integrity. Corrosion remains the primary threat to these chassis, particularly around the sills, wheel arches, and body mounts, which may not always be fully captured by an MOT tester if the areas are obscured by underseal or trim. You should also inspect the drivetrain and suspension bushes for signs of perishing rubber, as the age of the components often leads to degradation even when mileage is low. Ensure the four-wheel-drive system engages correctly and check for any weeping seals on the transfer case or differentials, as these items are prone to drying out during periods of light usage.