Suzuki Super Carry (1997)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 138 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,160
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
60%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£230
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
970cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
60% pass rate, £2,160/year to run. 22 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 22 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Suzuki brand average of 82%.
60% of MOT tests on Suzuki Super Carrys from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 138 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 55,423 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
55,423
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1997 Suzuki Super Carry had 55,423 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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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Suzuki Super Carry by Year
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About the 1997 Suzuki Super Carry
The 1997 Suzuki Super Carry is a city car. Our records list a 970cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 138 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 4% of 1997 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 55,423 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Suzuki Super Carry 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.
1997 Suzuki Super Carry Fuel Costs
The modest 970cc 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 £1,175 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 1997 Suzuki Super Carry?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,160 (£180/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 60% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 1997 Suzuki Super Carry
At 29 years old, the Suzuki Super Carry 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.
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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 60% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 1997 Suzuki Super Carry 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 Super Carry(1997) | 60% | £1,175 | £230 | Grp 1-8 | £2,160 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(1999) | 89% | £1,175 | £230 | Grp 5-15 | £1,810-£350 |
| Nissan Micra(1999) | 70% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,183+£23 |
| Ford Fiesta(1999) | 67% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,383+£223 |
| Toyota Starlet(1998) | 75% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,183+£23 |
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 1997 Suzuki Super Carry
Is the 1997 Suzuki Super Carry reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 60% of MOT tests on 1997 Suzuki Super Carrys ended in a pass, from 138 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 22 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1997 Suzuki Super Carry cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,160 a year (£180 a month): £1,175 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 1997 Suzuki Super Carry?
60% of 138 MOT tests on the 1997 Suzuki Super Carry ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 297th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom 4%).
What is the average mileage for a 1997 Suzuki Super Carry?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Suzuki Super Carry is 55,423 miles, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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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