Buying a Used Suzuki

Buying a used Suzuki   

One of the few independently owned car manufacturers left in the market, Suzuki is renowned for producing a quirky range of vehicles. With a unique heritage and variety of models available, Suzukis are also a popular choice on the used market. Find out about how to find the right one for your needs with the SPOTiCAR guide.  

Why buy a used Suzuki?  

Beginning life as a Japanese weaving loom manufacturer in the early 1900s, Suzuki has since become one of the most well-known and unique producers of motorcycles and cars. Now famous for building some of the quirkiest vehicles on the market, its cars have a reputation for being full of character and fun. 

Although Suzuki is Japan’s fourth-largest car manufacturer, it's one of the few left that’s truly independent, meaning it's been free to continue developing innovations as revolutionary as the two-stroke engine and some of the best rally off-road 4x4s. It’s also worked alongside other car brands to increase its vehicles’ reliability and performance. This makes Suzuki’s cars some of the most unique on the new and used car market, with a huge variety of models available.  

Which used Suzuki model should you buy?  

Although Suzuki are most famous for their hatchbacks and 4x4s, there are a huge range of vehicles to choose from. Here are the models that are available on the SPOTiCAR network.  

Across 

This spacious, top-of-the-range SUV was developed in collaboration with Toyota and combines this brand’s technology with Suzuki’s innovation and unique styling. With a 2.5L petrol plug-in hybrid, it performs powerfully and produces very few emissions (approximately 22g/km). Plus it has an E-Four four-wheel-drive system, which allows drivers to handle confidently on and off-road.  

Alto 

A cute, compact Japanese city car, the Alto was first produced in 1979. One of the smallest supermini vehicles on the market, it's easy to manoeuvre, it’s also one of the most affordable and fuel-efficient. With a 1L petrol engine and five doors, it’s practical and cheap to run.  

Baleno 

The Balerno is one of the many five-door hatchbacks in Suzuki’s range. With a level of practicality that sets it apart from the rest, it has the most interior space of any other model, including more leg room and a big boot. Available with a 1L turbocharged engine and a 1.2L hybrid, it also has all the fuel efficiency of Suzuki’s other hatchbacks.  

Celerio 

Like Suzuki’s other hatchbacks, the Celerio is small, practical and fuel-efficient. With a 1L petrol engine, it is cheap to run and carbon efficient, as well as being available with five-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. Plus, its three models, SZ2, SZ3 and SZ4, mean it comes with a variety of interior and exterior trims.  

Grand Vitara and Vitara 

With cool styling, 4x4 capabilities and high fuel-efficiency, the Grand Vitara is an SUV that offers plenty of practicality for families. It’s a good alternative for the Toyota Rav4, Hyundai IX35 and Kia Sportage.  Its 1.4L petrol hybrid engine and six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, it can tackle both rugged terrain and the school run with ease.  

Ignis 

The smallest SUV produced by Suzuki, this car won the 2021 What Car? Awards thanks to its value and fuel-efficiency. Compact enough to manoeuvre easily, it also has plenty of interior space and four-wheel drive technology that helps keep drivers safe on or off-road. Available in three trim levels, its fuel economy, spaciousness and ease of driving makes it a practical family car.  

Jimny 

One of Suzuki’s most well-known 4x4s, the Jimny is famous for being as fun to look at as it is to drive. Though it has a compact size, it has lots of space and different compartments to store essentials for adventures and plenty of strength off-road. With a 1.5L engine, a four-wheel drive system and low range capabilities, it’s a great option for drivers looking for a unique 4x4.  

Splash 

Another quirky city supermini, it first appeared as a concept car in the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Available with 1.0L or 1.2L petrol and 1.3L diesel engines, the Splash is cheap to buy and run and comes with automatic and manual gearboxes.  

Swace 

Another product of collaborating with Toyota, the Swace was developed to become a sporty yet practical hatchback. Similar to the Toyota Corolla Touring Sport, it has the same 1.8L petrol hybrid engine, with front-wheel-drive and an automatic gearbox that makes it great for driving in towns. Plus, it's super stylish, with two trim options available.  

Swift 

Perhaps the most well-known of Suzuki’s hatchback range, it has become famous for its fun aesthetics and driving capabilities. Stylish and fun to drive, this hot hatch comes with plenty of customisable options and a fuel efficient 1.2L petrol hybrid engine. Plus, the Sport version has a more powerful 1.4L engine.  

SX4 

Created in collaboration with Fiat, this crossover combines the fuel economy of a hatchback with the comfort of an SUV and capabilities of a 4x4. Available with 1.6L petrol and 2L diesel engines, the SX4 is a spacious and practical option for anyone looking for a family car.    

What should you look out for in a used Suzuki? 

Suzukis haven’t always been renowned for their reliability, but by performing a few key checks on the car you’re looking at, you can make sure it will keep running efficiently with few repairs required. So when you’re looking at a used Suzuki, make sure you check for: 

• A tricky transmission: a juddering clutch, a squealing gearbox or difficulty changing gear could indicate significant wear on the transmission system. These problems could be costly, so it's important to look out for them on a test drive.  

• Engine noises: rattling, knocking or other unusual noises are an indication that something might be faulty. A broken timing chain tensioner is a common problem, for example. So listening for noises on a test drive is key. 

• Dim daytime running lights: this is a common issue in Suzukis and although it might not seem like a big deal, it can cost around £200 to fix, so is worth identifying before purchase. 

• A worn interior: some of the early interiors are susceptible to wear and tear, so checking the seats and carpets for fraying and damage should be an indicator of how well the vehicle has been cared for.  

• A full service history: as well as checking previous service and MOT records, checking for any manufacturer recalls or common model faults will make sure you’re getting a reliable car.  

To take a look at the used Suzuki cars currently available at SPOTiCAR, search our online directory or book an appointment with a retailer and we can help you to find a high-quality vehicle that will perfectly match your needs.