SUZUKI VITARA (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 93 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £2197/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
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 17 years old, 78% of SUZUKI VITARAs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 93 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 90,408 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
90,408
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 SUZUKI VITARA has 90,408 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 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2009 sits between the two at 78%.
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
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About the 2009 SUZUKI VITARA
The 2009 SUZUKI VITARA is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 93 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 90,408 miles at 17 years old, SUZUKI VITARA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2009 SUZUKI VITARA Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 VITARA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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 VITARA Reliability Trend
Newer SUZUKI VITARAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 SUZUKI VITARA
At 17 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 100%. Note: with only 93 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2009 SUZUKI VITARA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 17 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.
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 90k 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 VITARA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUZUKI VITARA(2009) | 78% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| FORD FOCUS(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2011) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£20 |
| MINI MINI(2010) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£520 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£330 |
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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