SUZUKI ALTO (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 54 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Total Tests (2024)
54
Avg Mileage
34,141 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,390
Is the 1999 SUZUKI ALTO reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 25 years old, 83% of SUZUKI ALTOs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 54 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 34,141 miles.
How does the 1999 SUZUKI ALTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 SUZUKI ALTO has 34,141 miles on the clock, 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.
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 1999 sits between the two at 83%.
How much does a 1999 SUZUKI ALTO cost to run?
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 1999 SUZUKI ALTO
The 1999 SUZUKI ALTO is a city car with a 993cc petrol engine. 54 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 24% of all 1999 cars for reliability.
With an average of 34,141 miles at 25 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.
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 £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 1999 SUZUKI ALTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,390 (£116/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1999 SUZUKI ALTO
At 25 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.
Alternatives to the 1999 SUZUKI ALTO
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- TOYOTA YARIS (2001) 71% pass rate (-12%) from 12,710 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+6%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (2001) 69% pass rate (-14%) from 7,680 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2001) 71% pass rate (-12%) from 5,902 tests