2007 Suzuki Ignis 1.5L Petrol · WD07 LGA

The most recent MOT test, conducted on 15 May 2026, returned a pass with no defects recorded, and this follows an equally clean pass in May 2025. The overall maintenance trend is therefore stable and, arguably, improving. The one blemish in the record is the failed test of 3 May 2024, which cited dangerous defects confined entirely to consumable items: both front tyres with tread depth below the 1.6mm legal minimum and both front brake pads worn to less than 1.5mm. These were rectified promptly, with the vehicle passing a retest just six days later on 9 May 2024, at which point an advisory for corroded rear coil springs on both sides was retained. Encouragingly, that advisory has not reappeared on either of the two subsequent passes, indicating the springs were either renewed or the surface corrosion has not progressed to a monitorable level. The 2024 failure reflects a period of deferred consumable maintenance rather than structural neglect, and the two defect-free passes since suggest the current keeper has addressed wear items diligently. The recorded mileage of 69,751 miles across approximately nineteen years equates to around 3,671 miles annually, which is well under half the typical UK average and firmly places this vehicle in the low-usage category. Such figures usually indicate short local journeys, occasional use, or extended periods of standing, and buyers should appreciate that low annual mileage is not automatically kind to a car. Engines accumulate a disproportionate share of wear through repeated cold starts, the 12V battery endures chronic undercharging on short trips, brake discs corrode and calipers can bind through disuse, and rubber components perish with age rather than distance. Fluids also degrade on the calendar rather than the odometer. You should verify the odometer reading against the mileage recorded at each MOT test for consistency, and confirm through the service book or accompanying invoices that oil and filter changes, brake fluid renewal, and coolant replacement have been performed at sensible time-based intervals rather than skipped on the assumption that low mileage equates to low wear. Given the history, the rear coil springs deserve particular scrutiny. The 2024 advisory recorded corrosion to both springs, and while it has not been repeated, corroded springs on a vehicle of this age driven on salted UK roads can progress to fracture. Inspect both rear springs for flaking scale, deep pitting, or cracks, particularly at the seat ends, and check that the rear sits level. On a test drive, listen for clunks or knocking from the rear over potholes, speed bumps, and uneven surfaces; a fractured coil spring produces a distinct metallic banging, alters ride height, and can quickly damage the adjacent tyre or brake hose. You should also verify the quality of the 2024 rectification work: measure front tyre tread depths yourself, ideally accepting nothing below 3mm given the replacement cost relative to the vehicle's value, and examine wear across the tread face, since feathered or uneven wear would suggest tracking issues or worn suspension bushes. Check the brake discs for scoring or heavy corrosion, confirm the pads have healthy friction material, and watch for signs of a binding caliper, such as the car pulling under braking, a wheel that is excessively hot after running, or a dragging sensation when coasting. Request receipts for the tyres and pads fitted in May 2024 to confirm the work was done properly. Beyond the recorded history, a vehicle of this age and usage profile warrants a series of practical physical checks. Examine all tyre sidewalls for fine cracking and perishing, and check the DOT date codes, as rubber degrades from exposure and time even when tread remains legal. Have the 12V battery load tested, as batteries on infrequently driven cars often fail without warning, and inspect the terminals for corrosion. Assess brake disc surfaces for rust build-up from standing and confirm the handbrake holds firmly on a slope. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and should have been renewed within the last two years; spongy pedal feel suggests moisture-laden fluid and internal corrosion risk. Check coolant condition, hose integrity, and look for any fluid leaks beneath the vehicle. Given nineteen years of exposure, inspect the structural elements carefully: sills, jacking points, subframes, brake and fuel lines, rear spring mounting points, and the exhaust system, as MOT passes do not preclude surface corrosion that will soon become an advisory. Finally, verify the service book stamps against claimed maintenance, and if the car is the 1.3 DDiS diesel variant, confirm the timing belt replacement history, since a neglected belt on a low-mileage example is a genuine risk rather than a theoretical one. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic or an AA/RAC vehicle check would be a prudent investment given the age and the standing implied by the usage pattern.