Suzuki Swift (2009)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 13,433 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,228
£186/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1490cc Petrol
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. 11 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Suzuki brand average of 82%.
71% of MOT tests on Suzuki Swifts from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 13,433 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 88,317 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
88,317
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2009 Suzuki Swift had 88,317 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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 2009 scores 71%. 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 2009 Suzuki Swift
The 2009 Suzuki Swift is a small family car. Our records list a 1490cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 13,433 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 25% of 2009 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 88,317 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Suzuki Swift owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2009 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 £1,398 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 2009 Suzuki Swift?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% 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 2009 Suzuki Swift
At 17 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%. With 13,433 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
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.
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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 88k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
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 2009 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(2009) | 71% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228 |
| Ford Focus(2011) | 75% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228same |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2011) | 75% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£75 |
| Ford Fiesta(2008) | 72% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£75 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2011) | 75% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £1,900-£328 |
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 2009 Suzuki Swift
Is the 2009 Suzuki Swift reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 2009 Suzuki Swifts ended in a pass, from 13,433 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2009 Suzuki Swift cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 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 2009 Suzuki Swift?
71% of 13,433 MOT tests on the 2009 Suzuki Swift ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 420th of 555 models first registered in 2009 (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 2009 Suzuki Swift?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 Suzuki Swift is 88,317 miles, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Suzuki Models
Explore other Suzuki cars or similar models in the same category.
Suzuki Vitara
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Suzuki Alto
2014 · 996cc Petrol
Suzuki Celerio
2016 · 998cc Petrol
Ford Focus
2011 · 1596cc Petrol
Vauxhall Corsa
2011 · 1398cc Petrol
Ford Fiesta
2008 · 1388cc Petrol
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