Suzuki Jimny (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 984 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,383

£199/month

MOT Pass Rate

67%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1298cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

67% pass rate, £2,383/year to run. 15 points below average.

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Petrol1298cc27 years old984 tests89k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1298cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,383

Per month£199/mo

Per week£46/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

67% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Suzuki brand average of 82%.

67% of MOT tests on Suzuki Jimnys from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 984 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 89,081 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models300th of 361(bottom 18%)

Rank among Suzuki models279th of 305(bottom 9%)

vs average of all models-15%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average-8%(75% avg)

vs Suzuki average-15%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

89,081

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Suzuki Jimny had 89,081 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 67%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Suzuki Jimny by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	93%	61	2,882 mi
2021	92%	37	22,760 mi
2020	95%	1,447	21,916 mi
2019	95%	2,046	27,369 mi
2018	86%	832	29,945 mi
2017	87%	1,587	31,687 mi
2016	87%	1,627	38,681 mi
2015	83%	1,661	44,085 mi
2014	84%	1,396	47,704 mi
2013	83%	1,621	54,678 mi
2012	83%	1,695	58,922 mi
2011	79%	1,339	62,289 mi
2010	79%	1,249	67,375 mi
2009	80%	1,485	71,005 mi
2008	76%	2,167	76,833 mi
2007	75%	3,155	81,208 mi
2006	73%	3,044	83,462 mi
2005	73%	3,185	84,867 mi
2004	70%	3,683	86,932 mi
2003	74%	3,098	91,083 mi
2002	73%	2,396	93,267 mi
2001	72%	1,524	88,613 mi
2000	71%	1,211	87,550 mi
1999	67%	984	89,081 mi
1998	72%	249	86,950 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Toyota Yaris

2001 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+4%

Ford Focus

2001 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

+1%

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+6%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+4%

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About the 1999 Suzuki Jimny

The 1999 Suzuki Jimny is a small family car. Our records list a 1298cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 984 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 18% of 1999 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 89,081 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Suzuki Jimny 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 Jimny Fuel Costs

The 1298cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1999 Suzuki Jimny?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,383 (£199/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Suzuki Jimny Reliability Trend

Newer Suzuki Jimnys pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1999 Suzuki Jimny

At 27 years old, the Suzuki Jimny 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 89k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 Jimny stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Suzuki Jimny(1999)	67%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,383
Toyota Yaris(2001)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£230
Ford Focus(2001)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£45
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£55
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£178

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1999 Suzuki Jimny

Is the 1999 Suzuki Jimny reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 1999 Suzuki Jimnys ended in a pass, from 984 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Suzuki Jimny cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,383 a year (£199 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Suzuki Jimny?

67% of 984 MOT tests on the 1999 Suzuki Jimny ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 300th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom 18%).

Which year Suzuki Jimny has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Suzuki Jimny has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1999 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Suzuki Jimny?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Suzuki Jimny is 89,081 miles, 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.