SUZUKI ALTO (2006)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,240 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,875
£156/month
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 5-15
1061cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
66% pass rate, £1875/year to run. 16 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 1061cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 20 years old, 66% of SUZUKI ALTOs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,240 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 59,066 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
59,066
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2006 SUZUKI ALTO has 59,066 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.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 84% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 60%. The 2006 sits between the two at 66%.
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
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About the 2006 SUZUKI ALTO
The 2006 SUZUKI ALTO is a city car with a 1061cc petrol engine. 1,240 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 92% of 2006 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 59,066 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.
2006 SUZUKI ALTO Fuel Costs
The modest 1061cc 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 2006 SUZUKI ALTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,875 (£156/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% 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 2006 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2006 SUZUKI ALTO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 66% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2006 SUZUKI ALTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUZUKI ALTO(2006) | 66% | £955 | £165 | Grp 5-15 | £1875 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£153 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2008) | 73% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£153 |
| PEUGEOT 207(2008) | 68% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922+£47 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2007) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£153 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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