SUZUKI ALTO (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,675 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Total Tests (2024)
1,675
Avg Mileage
59,181 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,740
Is the 2004 SUZUKI ALTO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 20 years old, 65% of SUZUKI ALTOs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,675 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 59,181 miles.
How does the 2004 SUZUKI ALTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 SUZUKI ALTO has 59,181 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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 2004 sits between the two at 65%.
How much does a 2004 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 2004 SUZUKI ALTO
The 2004 SUZUKI ALTO is a city car with a 1081cc petrol engine. 1,675 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 89% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 59,181 miles at 20 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.
2004 SUZUKI ALTO Fuel Costs
The modest 1081cc 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 2004 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 65% 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 2004 SUZUKI ALTO
At 20 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%.
Alternatives to the 2004 SUZUKI ALTO
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- HONDA JAZZ (2006) 71% pass rate (+6%) from 35,054 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2006) 68% pass rate (+3%) from 34,523 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (2006) 74% pass rate (+9%) from 30,922 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+6%) from 29,898 tests