SUZUKI ALTO (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 33 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Total Tests (2024)
33
Avg Mileage
65,783 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,740
Is the 1997 SUZUKI ALTO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 27 years old, 67% of SUZUKI ALTOs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 33 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 65,783 miles.
How does the 1997 SUZUKI ALTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 SUZUKI ALTO has 65,783 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a SUZUKI ALTO?
The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 84% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 60%. The 1997 sits between the two at 67%.
How much does a 1997 SUZUKI ALTO cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
SUZUKI ALTO by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific SUZUKI ALTO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 SUZUKI ALTO
The 1997 SUZUKI ALTO is a city car with a 993cc petrol engine. 33 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 89% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 65,783 miles at 27 years old, SUZUKI ALTO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1997 SUZUKI ALTO Fuel Costs
The modest 993cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 SUZUKI ALTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,740 (£145/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
SUZUKI ALTO Reliability Trend
Newer SUZUKI ALTOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 SUZUKI ALTO
At 27 years old, the SUZUKI ALTO is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 84%. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 SUZUKI ALTO
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+22%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (+3%) from 6,792 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1999) 67% pass rate (same) from 4,854 tests
- TOYOTA STARLET (1998) 75% pass rate (+8%) from 3,819 tests