Suzuki Swift (2002)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 327 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,950
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£20
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
993cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £1,950/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Suzuki brand average of 82%.
69% of MOT tests on Suzuki Swifts from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 327 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 51,235 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
51,235
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2002 Suzuki Swift had 51,235 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 2002 scores 69%. 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
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About the 2002 Suzuki Swift
The 2002 Suzuki Swift is a city car. Our records list a 993cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 327 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 25% of 2002 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 51,235 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.
2002 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 2002 Suzuki Swift?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,950 (£163/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 2002 Suzuki Swift
At 24 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%.
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 69% 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 2002 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(2002) | 69% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,950 |
| Ford Fiesta(2003) | 71% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£203 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2004) | 67% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,353+£403 |
| Toyota Yaris(2004) | 72% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£203 |
| Honda Jazz(2004) | 70% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£203 |
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 2002 Suzuki Swift
Is the 2002 Suzuki Swift reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2002 Suzuki Swifts ended in a pass, from 327 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2002 Suzuki Swift cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,950 a year (£163 a month): £1,175 fuel, £20 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 2002 Suzuki Swift?
69% of 327 MOT tests on the 2002 Suzuki Swift ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 297th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (bottom 25%).
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 2002 Suzuki Swift?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Suzuki Swift is 51,235 miles, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Related Suzuki Models
Explore other Suzuki cars or similar models in the same category.
Suzuki Vitara
2019 · 1000cc Petrol
Suzuki Alto
2014 · 996cc Petrol
Suzuki Celerio
2016 · 998cc Petrol
Ford Fiesta
2003 · 1388cc Petrol
Volkswagen Polo
2004 · 1400cc Petrol
Toyota Yaris
2004 · 1299cc Petrol
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