CarCostCheck

SUZUKI SWIFT (1996)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 52 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

85%

Total Tests (2024)

52

Avg Mileage

61,581 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,390

Is the 1996 SUZUKI SWIFT reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 28 years old, 85% of SUZUKI SWIFTs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 52 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 61,581 miles.

How does the 1996 SUZUKI SWIFT compare?

Rank among all 1996 cars49th out of 252(top 19%)
Rank among all SUZUKI models141th out of 310(top 45%)
vs national average+3% (82% avg)
vs 1996 cars average+10% (75% avg)
vs SUZUKI average+3% (82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 1996 SUZUKI SWIFT has 61,581 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Best year to buy a SUZUKI SWIFT?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 99% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1996 sits between the two at 85%.

How much does a 1996 SUZUKI SWIFT cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 993cc)
£955
🏛️Road Tax
£30
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,390
Per month£116/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

SUZUKI SWIFT by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202199%7440,049 mi
202095%1,90524,793 mi
201992%17,26932,007 mi
201890%15,92439,871 mi
201789%12,68544,593 mi
201688%16,63052,473 mi
201587%19,75158,999 mi
201485%16,45565,097 mi
201383%14,65871,340 mi
201281%15,67979,275 mi
201178%11,23084,317 mi
201074%11,28385,544 mi
200971%13,43388,317 mi
200869%14,87193,714 mi
200769%14,40295,140 mi
200667%8,30998,000 mi
200568%2,65397,383 mi
200373%12051,322 mi
200269%32751,235 mi
200173%16251,235 mi
200075%7750,390 mi
199972%12961,189 mi
199880%9150,919 mi
199789%3771,511 mi
199685%5261,581 mi
199580%3042,871 mi

Checking a specific SUZUKI SWIFT?

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About the 1996 SUZUKI SWIFT

The 1996 SUZUKI SWIFT is a city car with a 993cc petrol engine. 52 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 19% of all 1996 cars for reliability.

With an average of 61,581 miles at 28 years old, SUZUKI SWIFT 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.

1996 SUZUKI SWIFT Fuel Costs

The modest 993cc 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 1996 SUZUKI SWIFT?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,390 (£116/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

SUZUKI SWIFT Reliability Trend

Newer SUZUKI SWIFTs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1996 SUZUKI SWIFT

At 28 years old, the SUZUKI SWIFT 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 99%. Note: with only 52 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Alternatives to the 1996 SUZUKI SWIFT

The SUZUKI SWIFT is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: