2016 Suzuki Vitara 1.6L Petrol · WA66 WMP

The 1.6 petrol Vitara typically returns around 45-50 mpg on a run and 35-40 mpg around town, giving real-world combined figures in the low-to-mid 40s. Annual road tax sits in a low band thanks to its sub-130 g/km CO2 output, costing roughly £170-£180 per year at current rates. Insurance for this generation falls into group 14-16 depending on trim, which is reasonable for a small SUV and should keep premiums manageable for most drivers.

Routine maintenance is one of the Vitara's strong suits — servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000 miles, with minor and major services costing around £200-£300 and £350-£450 respectively at an independent garage. Brake pads and discs are modestly priced, and tyres for the standard 17-inch fitment typically cost £60-£90 each fitted. Allowing for fuel, tax, insurance, and a modest maintenance budget, owners can expect annual running costs in the region of £1,800-£2,200 for moderate mileage.

Start with the four tyres, as both front and both rear tyres have appeared as advisories on two separate MOTs (2022 and 2025 for fronts and rears respectively). This pattern suggests the car may sit in a way that causes uneven wear, or simply that the previous owner has been running tyres close to the limit before replacing them. Measure tread depth across the full width of each tyre and inspect the sidewalls for bulges or cracking, particularly if the car has spent time parked outside. Although the MOT record is clean of brake-related defects, ask the seller when the brake fluid was last changed and inspect the rear drums for wear if the car has covered significant town mileage.

While the MOT data shows no suspension, exhaust, or lighting defects, it is worth pushing on each corner to check for knocking from the anti-roll bar drop links — anti-roll bar issues are the top MOT failure reason for the Vitara model overall, even though this specific car has not exhibited them. Inspect the underside for corrosion, particularly around the rear axle and exhaust mounting, and check the alloy wheels for kerbing damage which is common on SUVs of this size. Finally, verify that all warning lights clear on ignition, the climate control blows cold, and the electric windows operate without hesitation, as these electrical items are not covered by the MOT but are useful indicators of the car's general upkeep.