Suzuki Alto (2009)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 8,981 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,794

£150/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

996cc Diesel

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £1,794/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Diesel996cc17 years old8,981 tests72k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 996cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,794

Per month£150/mo

Per week£35/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Suzuki brand average of 82%.

76% of MOT tests on Suzuki Altos from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 8,981 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 72,236 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 models281st of 555(bottom half)

Rank among Suzuki models188th of 305(bottom half)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

vs 2009 models average+2%(74% avg)

vs Suzuki average-6%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

72,236

Average miles

111,000

Expected for age

The average 2009 Suzuki Alto had 72,236 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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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 2009 scores 76%. 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

Ford Fiesta

2009 · 1398cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

-4%

Vauxhall Corsa

2009 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

73%

-3%

Vauxhall Astra

2008 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

-4%

Volkswagen Polo

2008 · 1400cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

-6%

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About the 2009 Suzuki Alto

The 2009 Suzuki Alto is a city car. Our records list a 996cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 8,981 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 74%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 72,236 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Suzuki Alto owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2009 Suzuki Alto Fuel Costs

The modest 996cc diesel engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2009 Suzuki Alto?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,794 (£150/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% 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 2009 Suzuki Alto

At 17 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%. With 8,981 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 2009 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(2009)	76%	£1,219	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,794
Ford Fiesta(2009)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944+£150
Vauxhall Corsa(2009)	73%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944+£150
Vauxhall Astra(2008)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944+£150
Volkswagen Polo(2008)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944+£150

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 2009 Suzuki Alto

Is the 2009 Suzuki Alto reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 2009 Suzuki Altos ended in a pass, from 8,981 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2009 Suzuki Alto cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,794 a year (£150 a month): £1,219 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 Suzuki Alto?

76% of 8,981 MOT tests on the 2009 Suzuki Alto ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 281st of 555 models first registered in 2009 (bottom half).

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 2009 Suzuki Alto?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 Suzuki Alto is 72,236 miles, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.