SUZUKI BALENO (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 88 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Total Tests (2024)
88
Avg Mileage
70,439 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 1999 SUZUKI BALENO reliable?
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 25 years old, 64% of SUZUKI BALENOs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 88 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 70,439 miles.
How does the 1999 SUZUKI BALENO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 SUZUKI BALENO has 70,439 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1999 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 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 2024, 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 25 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 £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 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 25 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.
Alternatives to the 1999 SUZUKI BALENO
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- TOYOTA YARIS (2001) 71% pass rate (+7%) from 12,710 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2001) 68% pass rate (+4%) from 10,188 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+9%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+7%) from 8,442 tests