2017 Suzuki Ignis 1.2L Petrol · PL17 CBF

The most recent MOT, dated 12 May 2026, was passed but flagged a near‑side front lower suspension arm pin or bush as worn and noted minor damage to the windscreen. Over the past six years the vehicle has shown a mixed pattern: a failure in 2023 for an excessively worn off‑side front lower suspension arm and a wiper fault, a failure in 2022 for the same wiper issue, and a series of advisory notes on front brake disc wear from 2024 to 2025. While the car has now cleared the test, the recurrence of suspension‑arm wear and brake‑disc advisories suggests a gradual degradation rather than a stable condition, and the earlier failures indicate that some components have required attention but may not have been fully rectified. At 35,436 mi recorded for a 2017 model the average annual mileage works out to just under 4,000 mi, which is well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because rubber compounds age, fluids can deteriorate, and corrosion can set in on brake discs and suspension joints that are not regularly exercised. There are no large mileage spikes in the MOT history, so the wear on wear‑items is likely more a function of age than of distance covered. A prospective buyer should give the front suspension a thorough examination. The near‑side front lower arm pin or bush flagged in the latest advisory should be checked for play by applying a firm push‑pull on the wheel while the car is lifted; any clunk, knock or excessive movement when steering over bumps is a sign the bush is near the end of its service life and will need replacement. The off‑side arm, which previously failed the test, should be inspected in the same manner. Front brake discs have been repeatedly noted as worn, pitted or scored; visual inspection for deep scoring, rust patches or uneven thickness, and a test‑drive brake feel for pulsation, shudder or increased pedal travel will reveal whether the discs are approaching the minimum thickness and require resurfacing or replacement. The windscreen damage, although minor, should be examined for cracks that could spread, and the wiper blades must clear the glass effectively – a failing wiper can impair visibility in rain and is a safety issue that should be remedied promptly. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, time‑related checks are equally important. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening, especially if the car has been stored for long periods; tread depth should still be above 1.6 mm but uneven wear may indicate alignment or suspension issues. The 12‑volt battery, likely over nine years old, should be load‑tested as capacity can decline even with few miles logged. Verify that the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed at appropriate intervals – look for service stamps or receipts, and consider a fresh change of brake fluid if the last service date is unclear, as moisture ingress reduces boiling point. Finally, check for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and under the vehicle, and ensure that the exhaust system is free of excessive rust or leaks, as standing periods can accelerate corrosion. Addressing these items will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and the likely near‑term maintenance budget.