SUZUKI BALENO (1999)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 88 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1590cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
64% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 18 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1590cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 27 years old, 64% of SUZUKI BALENOs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 88 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 70,439 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
70,439
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1999 SUZUKI BALENO has 70,439 miles on the clock, 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?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 64%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
SUZUKI BALENO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1999 SUZUKI BALENO
The 1999 SUZUKI BALENO is a small family car with a 1590cc petrol engine. 88 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 93% of 1999 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 70,439 miles at 27 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.
1999 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 1999 SUZUKI BALENO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 64% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 1999 SUZUKI BALENO
At 27 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. Note: with only 88 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1999 SUZUKI BALENO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 64% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 1999 SUZUKI BALENO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUZUKI BALENO(1999) | 64% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2001) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| FORD FOCUS(2001) | 68% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£130 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£140 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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