Suzuki Swift (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 52 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,810

£151/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

993cc Petrol

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £1,810/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol993cc30 years old52 tests62k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 993cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,810

Per month£151/mo

Per week£35/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

85% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

85% of MOT tests on Suzuki Swifts from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 52 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 61,581 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models47th of 243(top 20%)

Rank among Suzuki models138th of 305(top half)

vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average+10%(75% avg)

vs Suzuki average+3%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

61,581

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Suzuki Swift had 61,581 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1996 scores 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Suzuki Swift by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	99%	74	40,049 mi
2020	95%	1,905	24,793 mi
2019	92%	17,269	32,007 mi
2018	90%	15,924	39,871 mi
2017	89%	12,685	44,593 mi
2016	88%	16,630	52,473 mi
2015	87%	19,751	58,999 mi
2014	85%	16,455	65,097 mi
2013	83%	14,658	71,340 mi
2012	81%	15,679	79,275 mi
2011	78%	11,230	84,317 mi
2010	74%	11,283	85,544 mi
2009	71%	13,433	88,317 mi
2008	69%	14,871	93,714 mi
2007	69%	14,402	95,140 mi
2006	67%	8,309	98,000 mi
2005	68%	2,653	97,383 mi
2003	73%	120	51,322 mi
2002	69%	327	51,235 mi
2001	73%	162	51,235 mi
2000	75%	77	50,390 mi
1999	72%	129	61,189 mi
1998	80%	91	50,919 mi
1997	89%	37	71,511 mi
1996	85%	52	61,581 mi
1995	80%	30	42,871 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Nissan Micra

1998 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,383/year

69%

-16%

Toyota Starlet

1998 · 1332cc Petrol

£2,183/year

75%

-10%

Honda Civic

1998 · 1396cc Petrol

£2,183/year

73%

-12%

Rover Mini

1994 · 1293cc Petrol

£2,183/year

75%

-10%

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About the 1996 Suzuki Swift

The 1996 Suzuki Swift is a city car. Our records list a 993cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 52 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 1996 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 61,581 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £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 1996 Suzuki Swift?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,810 (£151/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £230 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 16 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1996 Suzuki Swift

At 30 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. Note: with only 52 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

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.

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 1996 Suzuki Swift 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 Swift(1996)	85%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810
Nissan Micra(1998)	69%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,383+£573
Toyota Starlet(1998)	75%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£373
Honda Civic(1998)	73%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£373
Rover Mini(1994)	75%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£373

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 1996 Suzuki Swift

Is the 1996 Suzuki Swift reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 1996 Suzuki Swifts ended in a pass, from 52 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Suzuki Swift cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,810 a year (£151 a month): £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Suzuki Swift?

85% of 52 MOT tests on the 1996 Suzuki Swift ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 47th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top 20%).

Which year Suzuki Swift has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Suzuki Swift has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 2006 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 1996 Suzuki Swift?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Suzuki Swift is 61,581 miles, 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.