SUZUKI SWIFT (2008)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 14,871 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
14,871
Avg Mileage
93,714 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 2008 SUZUKI SWIFT reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 16 years old, 69% of SUZUKI SWIFTs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 14,871 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,714 miles.
How does the 2008 SUZUKI SWIFT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2008 SUZUKI SWIFT has 93,714 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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 2008 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 2008 SUZUKI SWIFT cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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 2008 SUZUKI SWIFT
The 2008 SUZUKI SWIFT is a small family car with a 1490cc petrol engine. 14,871 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 2008 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 93,714 miles at 16 years old, SUZUKI SWIFT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 SUZUKI SWIFT Fuel Costs
The 1490cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 SUZUKI SWIFT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 SUZUKI SWIFT
At 16 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%. With 14,871 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2008 SUZUKI SWIFT
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2008) 72% pass rate (+3%) from 109,443 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2009) 74% pass rate (+5%) from 105,193 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2010) 74% pass rate (+5%) from 99,909 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2010) 67% pass rate (-2%) from 60,994 tests