Suzuki Alto Review (1997 to 2006)

Quick Summary

The Alto has quite a lot going for it as a used car. It's cheap, reliable, inconspicuous and practical. Unfortunately it signally fails to spark any desirability. As such it falls between bargain Korean offerings like the Daewoo Matiz and Hyundai Atoz and more upmarket and style-conscious cars such as the Fiat Seicento and Ford Ka. It's a likeable little thing, but there are much better options out there. If you have your heart set on one, it's not a bad car.

Overall:

Models Covered:(3/5dr hatchback 1.0 petrol [GL])

YOURS FOR A TENOR?

The Suzuki Alto has a long and undistinguished history in the UK. First seen in the UK in 1986, the Alto only really joined the mainstream in 1997 when the latest model was launched. The earlier three-cylinder cars are best reserved for students and those looking for bargain basement transport. The cars built from 1997, whilst not class leading in any particular respect, at least give a nod towards modernity. Manufactured in India, the Alto is neither outstanding nor embarrassing – it's one of those vehicles that blends into the background. A used Alto makes for cheap and reliable, if unexciting, motoring.
Used Suzuki Alto for sale

History of the Alto

The Suzuki Alto has had a rather strange history. Introduced to the UK in 1986, it was on sale for five years before being withdrawn when sales virtually dried up. Between 1991 and 1997, Suzuki concentrated on marketing the Swift model, but in May 1997 the Alto name was revived with the second-generation model. This car aimed at those citycar buyers who found the Ford Ka and Fiat Seicento a little overstyled. Available in one trim level, GL, the little Suzuki was offered with either a three or five-door bodyshell, and a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic gearbox. Whilst it was far more competitive than the early car, sales were correspondingly modest.
Used Suzuki Alto for sale

Suzuki Alto Road Test

The Alto is mechanically pretty simple, with power provided by a 1.0-litre four-cylinder engine with multi-point fuel injection. The output is a respectable 53bhp, whilst maximum torque of 57lbft is also competitive for the size of the unit. Acceleration is best described as leisurely. Still, there's enough urge to get you away from the traffic lights smartly, and you'll find the car able to cruise on the motorway at a comfortable and steady pace.The automatic gearbox takes the edge off some already blunt performance, but is otherwise pretty viceless. Despite only being equipped with three-speeds, it makes city driving far less of a chore. The lack of airbag, and ABS may deter some drivers, and although there aren't too many used Altos about, if you can find one fitted with the optional air conditioning system it's worth paying an extra £100 for. Those big windows can quickly turn the cabin into a mobile greenhouse on a summer's day.
Used Suzuki Alto for sale

Buying a Suzuki Alto

The Suzuki Alto is a largely reliable car, the problem being it has sold in such modest numbers that patterns of faults have yet to appear. As with any car that's going to be used extensively in the city, check for parking knocks and scrapes and look at the front tyres for signs of uneven wear. Also have a look for accident damage, as the Alto is sometimes bought as a first car, post-driving test. Otherwise check for a fully stamped up service history.
Used Suzuki Alto for sale

Suzuki Alto Typical Pricing

For the first of the second-generation cars, you should expect to pay around £1,100. This buys a 1997 P-registered 1.0-litre three-door manual Alto. Around £100 on top of that will land you an automatic version. A more recent 2000 X-plate three-door manual will cost around £1,600, and a 2003 52-plate car around £2,000. The five-door cars are £25-£100 more than their corresponding three-door variants. Insurance for the Alto is predictably reasonable, all models falling into Group 3.
Used Suzuki Alto for sale

Suzuki Alto Parts

(approx based on a 1998 Alto 1.0GL) A mixed bag of parts prices here. A clutch assembly retails at around £140, whilst front brake pads are around £45 a pair with rear shoes approximately £35. A new starter motor will set you back around £180, and a new radiator is £280. Pray that you don't need to buy a new alternator, as one of these will cost you £400.
Used Suzuki Alto for sale