SUZUKI BALENO (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,343 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,555
£130/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
998cc Petrol
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £1555/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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 8 years old, 83% of SUZUKI BALENOs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,343 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 40,260 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
40,260
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 SUZUKI BALENO has 40,260 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2018 sits between the two at 83%.
SUZUKI BALENO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 SUZUKI BALENO
The 2018 SUZUKI BALENO is a city car with a 998cc petrol engine. 2,343 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 90% of 2018 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 40,260 miles at 8 years old, SUZUKI BALENO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2018 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 2018 SUZUKI BALENO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,555 (£130/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% 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 2018 SUZUKI BALENO
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 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.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2018 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(2018) | 83% | £955 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £1555 |
| FORD FIESTA(2016) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£165 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2016) | 81% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572+£17 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£5 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2016) | 85% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£165 |
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.
SUZUKI VITARA
2019 · 1000cc Petrol
SUZUKI ALTO
2014 · 996cc Petrol
SUZUKI SWIFT
2015 · 1586cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2016 · 998cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2016 · 1398cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
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