SUZUKI ALTO (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 7,556 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Total Tests (2024)
7,556
Avg Mileage
65,096 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 2012 SUZUKI ALTO reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 12 years old, 79% of SUZUKI ALTOs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 7,556 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 65,096 miles.
How does the 2012 SUZUKI ALTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 SUZUKI ALTO has 65,096 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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 2012 sits between the two at 79%.
How much does a 2012 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 2012 SUZUKI ALTO
The 2012 SUZUKI ALTO is a city car with a 999cc petrol engine. 7,556 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 65,096 miles at 12 years old, SUZUKI ALTO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 SUZUKI ALTO Fuel Costs
The modest 999cc 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 2012 SUZUKI ALTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% 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 2012 SUZUKI ALTO
At 12 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 7,556 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2012 SUZUKI ALTO
The SUZUKI ALTO is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2014) 79% pass rate (same) from 224,536 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2014) 76% pass rate (-3%) from 141,747 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2011) 75% pass rate (-4%) from 79,721 tests
- PEUGEOT 208 (2013) 75% pass rate (-4%) from 60,179 tests