SUZUKI ALTO (2009)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 8,981 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
8,981
Avg Mileage
72,236 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,490
Is the 2009 SUZUKI ALTO reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 15 years old, 76% of SUZUKI ALTOs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 8,981 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 72,236 miles.
How does the 2009 SUZUKI ALTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2009 SUZUKI ALTO has 72,236 miles on the clock, 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.
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 2009 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 2009 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 2009 SUZUKI ALTO
The 2009 SUZUKI ALTO is a city car with a 996cc diesel engine. 8,981 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 72,236 miles at 15 years old, 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 £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £1,490 (£124/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £30 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 SUZUKI ALTO
At 15 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.
Alternatives to the 2009 SUZUKI ALTO
The SUZUKI ALTO is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel city cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2009) 72% pass rate (-4%) from 180,029 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2009) 73% pass rate (-3%) from 91,541 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2008) 72% pass rate (-4%) from 73,447 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2008) 70% pass rate (-6%) from 49,575 tests