Suzuki Vitara (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 165 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,158

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

67%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2500cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

67% pass rate, £3,158/year to run. 15 points below average.

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Petrol2500cc21 years old165 tests105k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2500cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,158

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/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 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 165 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 105,427 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models435th of 504(bottom 14%)

Rank among Suzuki models281st of 305(bottom 9%)

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

vs 2005 models average-5%(72% avg)

vs Suzuki average-15%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,427

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Suzuki Vitara had 105,427 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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 2000 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2005 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

Audi TT

2007 · 2480cc Petrol

£2,808/year

80%

+13%

Saab 9-3

2007 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,958/year

76%

+9%

Mercedes A-Class

2006 · 2035cc Petrol

£2,958/year

72%

+5%

Mercedes E

2005 · 2597cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

+11%

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About the 2005 Suzuki Vitara

The 2005 Suzuki Vitara is a large car. Our records list a 2500cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 165 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 14% of 2005 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 105,427 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Suzuki Vitara owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2005 Suzuki Vitara Fuel Costs

The 2500cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 2005 Suzuki Vitara?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,158 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2005 Suzuki Vitara

At 21 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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 21 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Watch out

With an average of 105k 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 2005 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(2005)	67%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£3,158
Audi TT(2007)	80%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,808-£350
Saab 9-3(2007)	76%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£200
Mercedes A-Class(2006)	72%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958-£200
Mercedes E(2005)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£200

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 2005 Suzuki Vitara

Is the 2005 Suzuki Vitara reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 2005 Suzuki Vitaras ended in a pass, from 165 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 2005 Suzuki Vitara cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,158 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2005 Suzuki Vitara?

67% of 165 MOT tests on the 2005 Suzuki Vitara ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 435th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (bottom 14%).

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 2005 Suzuki Vitara?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Suzuki Vitara is 105,427 miles, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.