Suzuki Alto

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 15 model years from 79,438 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

73%

Total Tests

79,438

Highest Pass Rate

2015 (84%)

Years Covered

About the Suzuki Alto

The Suzuki Alto was MOT tested 79,438 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 15 model years (1997 to 2015), with an average pass rate of 73%. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 84% from 2,966 tests. The 2003 model has the lowest at 62%. With a 22 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Suzuki Altos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1997) averages 65,783 miles, while the newest (2015) averages 49,125 miles.

Compared to the Suzuki brand average of 82%, the Alto is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Suzuki models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 996cc)

£1,175

Road Tax

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,600

Per month£133/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2015 details

How reliable is the Suzuki Alto?

vs average of all models-9% (82% avg)

vs Suzuki brand average-9% (82% avg)

Best to worst year spread22 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Suzuki Alto by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2015	84%	2,966	49,125 mi
2014	83%	20,010	52,927 mi
2013	80%	18,935	59,177 mi
2012	79%	7,556	65,096 mi
2011	79%	7,495	68,880 mi
2010	77%	7,621	70,986 mi
2009	76%	8,981	72,236 mi
2006	66%	1,240	59,066 mi
2005	66%	1,983	60,015 mi
2004	65%	1,675	59,181 mi
2003	62%	796	57,783 mi
2002	66%	38	59,113 mi
2001	60%	55	55,074 mi
1999	83%	54	34,141 mi
1997	67%	33	65,783 mi

Questions about the Suzuki Alto

Is the Suzuki Alto reliable?

Across its 15 model years in our data (1997 to 2015), the Suzuki Alto averages a 73% MOT pass rate, from 79,438 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2015 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 84%.

Which year Suzuki Alto has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 Suzuki Alto has the highest MOT pass rate at 84%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 62%, a 22 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.