SUZUKI SWIFT (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 37 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Total Tests (2024)
37
Avg Mileage
71,511 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,390
Is the 1997 SUZUKI SWIFT reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 27 years old, 89% of SUZUKI SWIFTs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 37 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 71,511 miles.
How does the 1997 SUZUKI SWIFT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 SUZUKI SWIFT has 71,511 miles on the clock, 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.
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 1997 sits between the two at 89%.
How much does a 1997 SUZUKI SWIFT cost to run?
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
| 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 |
Checking a specific SUZUKI SWIFT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 SUZUKI SWIFT
The 1997 SUZUKI SWIFT is a city car with a 993cc petrol engine. 37 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 13% of all 1997 cars for reliability.
With an average of 71,511 miles at 27 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.
1997 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 1997 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 89% 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 1997 SUZUKI SWIFT
At 27 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 37 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 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:
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (same) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-19%) from 6,792 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1999) 67% pass rate (-22%) from 4,854 tests
- TOYOTA STARLET (1998) 75% pass rate (-14%) from 3,819 tests