Suzuki Alto (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 54 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,810

£151/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

993cc Petrol

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £1,810/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol993cc27 years old54 tests34k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 993cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,810

Per month£151/mo

Per week£35/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

83% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

83% of MOT tests on Suzuki Altos from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 54 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 34,141 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models82nd of 361(top 23%)

Rank among Suzuki models149th of 305(top half)

vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average+8%(75% avg)

vs Suzuki average+1%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

34,141

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Suzuki Alto had 34,141 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 84%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1999 scores 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Toyota Yaris

2001 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-12%

Vauxhall Corsa

1999 · 1199cc Petrol

£1,810/year

89%

+6%

Nissan Micra

2001 · 998cc Petrol

£1,950/year

69%

-14%

Vauxhall Astra

2001 · 1389cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-12%

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About the 1999 Suzuki Alto

The 1999 Suzuki Alto is a city car. Our records list a 993cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 54 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 1999 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 34,141 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.

1999 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 £1,175 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1999 Suzuki Alto?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,810 (£151/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Suzuki Alto 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.

Buying a Used 1999 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 54 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1999 Suzuki Alto stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Suzuki Alto(1999)	83%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810
Toyota Yaris(2001)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£343
Vauxhall Corsa(1999)	89%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,810same
Nissan Micra(2001)	69%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,950+£140
Vauxhall Astra(2001)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£343

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1999 Suzuki Alto

Is the 1999 Suzuki Alto reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 1999 Suzuki Altos ended in a pass, from 54 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Suzuki Alto cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,810 a year (£151 a month): £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Suzuki Alto?

83% of 54 MOT tests on the 1999 Suzuki Alto ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 82nd of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top 23%).

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% and the 2003 the lowest at 62%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Suzuki Alto?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Suzuki Alto is 34,141 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.