SUZUKI BALENO (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 52 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Total Tests (2024)
52
Avg Mileage
77,439 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 1998 SUZUKI BALENO reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 26 years old, 73% of SUZUKI BALENOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 52 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,439 miles.
How does the 1998 SUZUKI BALENO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 SUZUKI BALENO has 77,439 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a SUZUKI BALENO?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1998 sits between the two at 73%.
How much does a 1998 SUZUKI BALENO cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
SUZUKI BALENO by Year
Checking a specific SUZUKI BALENO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 SUZUKI BALENO
The 1998 SUZUKI BALENO is a small family car with a 1590cc petrol engine. 52 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 77,439 miles at 26 years old, 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.
1998 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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 SUZUKI BALENO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUZUKI BALENO Reliability Trend
Newer SUZUKI BALENOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 SUZUKI BALENO
At 26 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 52 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 SUZUKI BALENO
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (same) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-2%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+16%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-3%) from 6,792 tests