Suzuki Vitara (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 629 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,528

£211/month

MOT Pass Rate

67%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1590cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

67% pass rate, £2,528/year to run. 15 points below average.

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Petrol1590cc27 years old629 tests87k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1590cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,528

Per month£211/mo

Per week£49/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

67% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Suzuki brand average of 82%.

67% of MOT tests on Suzuki Vitaras from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 629 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 87,489 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models301st of 361(bottom 17%)

Rank among Suzuki models280th of 305(bottom 9%)

vs average of all models-15%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average-8%(75% avg)

vs Suzuki average-15%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

87,489

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Suzuki Vitara had 87,489 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 2000 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1999 scores 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Suzuki Vitara by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	100%	72	22,420 mi
2020	95%	4,235	27,215 mi
2019	93%	20,279	34,769 mi
2018	91%	19,013	43,397 mi
2017	90%	18,219	52,028 mi
2016	89%	17,560	60,293 mi
2015	87%	8,946	67,238 mi
2012	81%	48	79,931 mi
2011	69%	96	79,926 mi
2010	81%	37	73,858 mi
2009	78%	93	90,408 mi
2008	76%	131	99,249 mi
2007	73%	79	86,898 mi
2006	71%	48	100,718 mi
2005	67%	165	105,427 mi
2004	72%	153	104,538 mi
2003	66%	122	97,237 mi
2002	68%	156	104,850 mi
2001	67%	123	99,320 mi
2000	63%	198	81,169 mi
1999	67%	629	87,489 mi
1998	71%	554	96,676 mi
1997	77%	256	78,489 mi
1996	75%	333	91,162 mi
1995	71%	388	87,987 mi
1994	73%	316	70,294 mi
1993	69%	153	49,039 mi
1992	80%	132	52,908 mi
1991	75%	72	59,290 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Toyota Yaris

2001 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+4%

Ford Focus

2001 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

+1%

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+6%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+4%

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About the 1999 Suzuki Vitara

The 1999 Suzuki Vitara is a small family car. Our records list a 1590cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 629 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 17% of 1999 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 87,489 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Suzuki Vitara 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.

1999 Suzuki Vitara Fuel Costs

The 1590cc 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 1999 Suzuki Vitara?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,528 (£211/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Suzuki Vitara Reliability Trend

Newer Suzuki Vitaras pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1999 Suzuki Vitara

At 27 years old, the Suzuki Vitara 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.

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.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 87k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 1999 Suzuki Vitara 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 Vitara(1999)	67%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,528
Toyota Yaris(2001)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£375
Ford Focus(2001)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£100
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£200
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£33

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 1999 Suzuki Vitara

Is the 1999 Suzuki Vitara reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 1999 Suzuki Vitaras ended in a pass, from 629 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Suzuki Vitara cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,528 a year (£211 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Suzuki Vitara?

67% of 629 MOT tests on the 1999 Suzuki Vitara ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 301st of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom 17%).

Which year Suzuki Vitara has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Suzuki Vitara has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 2000 the lowest at 63%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Suzuki Vitara?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Suzuki Vitara is 87,489 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.