SUZUKI JIMNY (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,185 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1298cc Petrol
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 9 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1298cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 21 years old, 73% of SUZUKI JIMNYs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,185 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 84,867 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
84,867
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 SUZUKI JIMNY has 84,867 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2005 sits between the two at 73%.
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
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About the 2005 SUZUKI JIMNY
The 2005 SUZUKI JIMNY is a small family car with a 1298cc petrol engine. 3,185 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 84,867 miles at 21 years old, SUZUKI JIMNY owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2005 SUZUKI JIMNY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUZUKI JIMNY Reliability Trend
Newer SUZUKI JIMNYs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 SUZUKI JIMNY
At 21 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 SUZUKI JIMNY'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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 85k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
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 2005 SUZUKI JIMNY stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUZUKI JIMNY(2005) | 73% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| FORD FOCUS(2007) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£20 |
| MINI MINI(2007) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| PEUGEOT 207(2007) | 69% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922+£35 |
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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FORD FOCUS
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