SUZUKI BALENO (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,075 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,380
£115/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
998cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £1380/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 998cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 80% of SUZUKI BALENOs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,075 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 53,671 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
53,671
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 SUZUKI BALENO has 53,671 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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%. The 2016 sits between the two at 80%.
SUZUKI BALENO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 SUZUKI BALENO
The 2016 SUZUKI BALENO is a city car with a 998cc petrol engine. 3,075 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 86% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 53,671 miles at 10 years old, SUZUKI BALENO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 SUZUKI BALENO Fuel Costs
The modest 998cc 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 2016 SUZUKI BALENO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,380 (£115/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2016 SUZUKI BALENO
At 10 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 SUZUKI BALENO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
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.
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 2016 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(2016) | 80% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1380 |
| FORD FIESTA(2015) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390+£10 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£342 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550+£170 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015) | 82% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390+£10 |
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.
Related Suzuki Models
Explore other Suzuki cars or similar models in the same category.
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2015 · 1586cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2015 · 998cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
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