SUZUKI SWIFT (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 13,433 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1490cc Petrol
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 11 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1490cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 17 years old, 71% of SUZUKI SWIFTs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 13,433 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 88,317 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
88,317
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 SUZUKI SWIFT has 88,317 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-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?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 99% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2009 sits between the two at 71%.
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 with a 1490cc petrol engine. 13,433 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 76% of 2009 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 88,317 miles at 17 years old, 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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2009 SUZUKI SWIFT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 99%. With 13,433 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2009 SUZUKI SWIFT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUZUKI SWIFT(2009) | 71% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| FORD FOCUS(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540-£417 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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