Suzuki Swift (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 120 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,750

£146/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

993cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £1,750/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol993cc23 years old120 tests51k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 993cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,750

Per month£146/mo

Per week£34/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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Suzuki brand average of 82%.

73% of MOT tests on Suzuki Swifts from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 120 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 51,322 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models213th of 429(top half)

Rank among Suzuki models217th of 305(bottom half)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+1%(72% avg)

vs Suzuki average-9%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

51,322

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Suzuki Swift had 51,322 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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 2003 scores 73%. 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

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-2%

Toyota Yaris

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

73%

same

Honda Jazz

2005 · 1300cc Petrol

£2,153/year

70%

-3%

Nissan Micra

2005 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

72%

-1%

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About the 2003 Suzuki Swift

The 2003 Suzuki Swift is a city car. Our records list a 993cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 120 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 51,322 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.

2003 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 2003 Suzuki Swift?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,750 (£146/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% 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 2003 Suzuki Swift

At 23 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 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 2003 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(2003)	73%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£403
Toyota Yaris(2005)	73%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£403
Honda Jazz(2005)	70%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£403
Nissan Micra(2005)	72%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750same

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 2003 Suzuki Swift

Is the 2003 Suzuki Swift reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2003 Suzuki Swifts ended in a pass, from 120 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Suzuki Swift cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,750 a year (£146 a month): £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Suzuki Swift?

73% of 120 MOT tests on the 2003 Suzuki Swift ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 213th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

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 2003 Suzuki Swift?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Suzuki Swift is 51,322 miles, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.