SUZUKI SWIFT (2011)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 11,230 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,625
£135/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1248cc Diesel
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £1625/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1248cc
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 close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 15 years old, 78% of SUZUKI SWIFTs from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 11,230 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 84,317 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
84,317
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2011 SUZUKI SWIFT has 84,317 miles on the clock, 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?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 99% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2011 sits between the two at 78%.
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 2011 SUZUKI SWIFT
The 2011 SUZUKI SWIFT is a small family car with a 1248cc diesel engine. 11,230 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 84,317 miles at 15 years old, SUZUKI SWIFT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2011 SUZUKI SWIFT Fuel Costs
The 1248cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2011 SUZUKI SWIFT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 2011 SUZUKI SWIFT
At 15 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 11,230 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2011 SUZUKI SWIFT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 84k 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 2011 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(2011) | 78% | £905 | £165 | Grp 8-20 | £1625 |
| FORD FIESTA(2013) | 77% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£135 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2013) | 85% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£180 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£102 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2009) | 73% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£135 |
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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