A new study of 3-8 year old cars has revealed that the Mercedes Benz R-Class (06-15) and Saab 9-3 (04-12) are the cars most likely to suffer suspension damage.
The research, by Warranty Direct, also found the Hyundai’s Santa Fe (06-12) and the Land Rover Discovery 3 (04-10) have the next most susceptible suspension, with 13.9 and 13.3 per cent respectively claiming for axle and suspension damage annually.
Warranty Direct managing director, David Gerrans, said: “Potholes are a major factor in causing axle and suspension failure and any vehicle regularly driven over impaired road surfaces or used for commuting over pothole-strewn routes will ultimately incur damage eventually.
“Components such as bushes, track rod ends, drop links, springs and dampers are all susceptible.”
The annual pothole epidemic sees motorists fork out hundreds of pounds each year as heavy rainfall compromises the quality of our roads.
The recent annual local authority road maintenance survey revealed that local authorities spent a total of £118.4m filling 2,190,026 potholes across England and Wales in the last year, but also paid out an additional £13.5m in compensation claims.
Top ten most likely to suffer axle and suspension damage
1 | Mercedes-Benz | R-Class | 2006-2015 |
2 | Saab | 9-3 | 2004-2012 |
3 | Hyundai | Santa FE | 2006-2012 |
4 | Land Rover | Discovery 3 | 2004-2010 |
5 | Mercedes-Benz | GL-Class | 2006-2015 |
6 | Vauxhall | Astra | 2004-2012 |
7 | Land Rover | Range Rover | 2002-2013 |
8 | BMW | X5 | 2007-2013 |
9 | Mercedes-Benz | E-Class | 2006-2009 |
10 | Mercedes-Benz | CLS-Class | 2005-2010 |