2007 Suzuki Ignis 1.3L Petrol · SC56 GGV

The most recent DVSA examination on 30 June 2026 resulted in a pass, though it was accompanied by several advisories and a minor defect that warrant attention. The minor item concerns the offside outer drive shaft CV boot, which was also recorded as severely deteriorated at the 2025 test, indicating an ongoing issue that has not been rectified. This is a known mechanical concern because a perished CV boot allows grease to escape and permits water and dirt ingress into the constant velocity joint, leading to accelerated wear, vibration under load, and ultimately joint failure if neglected. Advisories on both rear suspension arms showing corrosion, a defective front exhaust mounting, and a deteriorated front registration plate were also logged. Importantly, the 2024 test recorded both front shock absorbers as having reduced damping effect, and this advisory was repeated in 2025, suggesting progressive deterioration of the front suspension damping. When viewed against the broader history, which includes a 2023 failure for stop lamp failure and a 2024 failure for incorrect headlamp aim, the maintenance trend appears stable on a pass-or-fail basis, but the accumulating list of advisories points to gradual wear typical of an older vehicle. With 108,862 miles recorded over approximately 19 years, this Ignis has covered an average of around 5,730 miles annually, which is notably low for its age. Such low annual mileage often reflects a vehicle that has either seen limited regular use or has spent extended periods standing, both of which carry their own mechanical consequences. Prolonged standing can lead to brake disc corrosion, caliper seizure, and flat spots on tyres, while calendar-based degradation affects coolant, brake fluid, fuel, and the 12V battery regardless of distance travelled. The MOT history itself shows some gaps in testing and mileage accumulation that should be verified against the V5C and service records, as any inconsistent readings could indicate clock issues or extended periods off the road. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the recurring drive shaft CV boot defect, as replacement at the earliest opportunity is advisable given that the deterioration has now been flagged over consecutive tests. On a road test, listen for clicking or knocking noises from the front offside wheel area during full-lock turning, which would indicate that contamination has already compromised the joint. The front shock absorbers flagged with reduced damping effect in both 2024 and 2025 should be evaluated by pushing down firmly on each front corner and releasing; if the vehicle continues to oscillate more than once or twice, the dampers are likely fatigued and due for renewal. A test drive should also include driving over broken surfaces to detect suspension clonks or knocking, with particular attention to the rear suspension arms, both of which have been noted as corroded, as corrosion in this area can progress to structural concerns if left unaddressed. Given the vehicle's age and low annual mileage, several age-related inspections are strongly recommended even where the MOT record is silent. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, as rubber degrades with time regardless of tread depth, and any tyre over six years old should be considered for replacement. The braking system warrants a thorough check for binding calipers and corroded brake discs, particularly given the previously noted pitted and scored nearside front disc, and a firm brake pedal test should be performed to confirm effective stopping without shudder. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as a battery of this age is well beyond its typical service life and prone to sudden failure. Fluid services should be confirmed irrespective of MOT findings, with brake fluid ideally renewed every two years due to its hygroscopic nature, coolant checked for corrosion protection, and engine oil verified as fresh. Finally, verify the presence of a full service history with stamps corroborating the recorded mileage, and inspect the rear coil springs, both of which were flagged for corrosion in 2024, for any signs of fracture or sagging, as broken coil springs on an Ignis are a recognised concern and can produce an uneven ride height or audible clonking over bumps.