Suzuki Baleno (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 46 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,328

£194/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1590cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2,328/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol1590cc29 years old46 tests71k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1590cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,328

Per month£194/mo

Per week£45/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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 Balenos from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 46 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 71,114 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models145th of 306(top half)

Rank among Suzuki models192nd of 305(bottom half)

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

vs 1997 models average+1%(75% avg)

vs Suzuki average-6%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

71,114

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Suzuki Baleno had 71,114 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2016 model has the lowest at 80%. The 1997 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Suzuki Baleno by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	89%	1,621	31,218 mi
2018	83%	2,343	40,260 mi
2017	80%	3,654	48,527 mi
2016	80%	3,075	53,671 mi
2001	74%	31	87,814 mi
2000	76%	38	82,431 mi
1999	64%	88	70,439 mi
1998	73%	52	77,439 mi
1997	76%	46	71,114 mi
1996	78%	36	77,579 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-3%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-5%

Vauxhall Corsa

1999 · 1199cc Petrol

£1,810/year

89%

+13%

Nissan Micra

1999 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,183/year

70%

-6%

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About the 1997 Suzuki Baleno

The 1997 Suzuki Baleno is a small family car. Our records list a 1590cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 46 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 71,114 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Suzuki Baleno 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.

1997 Suzuki Baleno Fuel Costs

The 1590cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 Suzuki Baleno?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,328 (£194/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 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 Baleno Reliability Trend

Newer Suzuki Balenos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 Suzuki Baleno

At 29 years old, the Suzuki Baleno 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. Note: with only 46 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

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 1997 Suzuki Baleno 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 Baleno(1997)	76%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328same
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£233
Vauxhall Corsa(1999)	89%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,810-£518
Nissan Micra(1999)	70%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183-£145

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 1997 Suzuki Baleno

Is the 1997 Suzuki Baleno reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 1997 Suzuki Balenos ended in a pass, from 46 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 1997 Suzuki Baleno cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,328 a year (£194 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 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 1997 Suzuki Baleno?

76% of 46 MOT tests on the 1997 Suzuki Baleno ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 145th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top half).

Which year Suzuki Baleno has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Suzuki Baleno has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 2016 the lowest at 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Suzuki Baleno?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Suzuki Baleno is 71,114 miles, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.