what are suzuki cars like?

libbyc3

I've been on about getting a new (used) car for so long now my OH is threatening to wrap a car around my head if I don't shut up about it!
thought i had narrowed it down to micra/yaris but have started looking at suzuki - swift or jimny.
what kind of reputation does suzuki have? are they expensive to fix?
I wanted a japenese car because of the reliability reputation and it seems that with a suzuki i might get a slightly newer, less milage than with the other 2.
so now i'm stuck again.
budget is between 5-6k haven't got anything to part ex
advice gratefuly recieved

junkmayle

I have a Suzuki Carry van and, although cheap to buy, they more than make up for it on spares. My main cars have always been Nissans and for every one I have had, the only time the bonnet opened was for an oil change or top up the washers. They just ran and ran and ran.

Hintza

Not had one but would be on the short list for the missus at the moment.

Try the readers reviews (online) at What Car and that will give you an indication. Be careful to weed out the nuts that are just on a rant but normally you can get a pretty good idea of what they are like to live with.

Honestjohn also does some good reviews and if my memory serves me well he was pretty keen on the Swift.

macman

I would also look at the Hyundai i20, which is a good alternative to the Swift. Not the most exciting looking vehicle on the road but loads of standard kit, and reliability is as good as the Japanese brands.

goldspanners

my sister has a jimny, it is great fun for off roading. its ok as a car but if you want a car then buy a car. the jinmy does roll around a fair bit.
as for repairs they do need some attention,hers is only 4 years old and has needed some work done on the hubs/front suspesion. parts were fairly cheap to buy but had to be bought from suzuki whose parts and dealer network leave a lot to be desired.
tyres arent as bad as i was expecting,thiers were £50 a corner for budget tyres.

inside they are pretty flimsy and cheap with poor fiting dash panels.

but i would buy one if i needed a 4x4. i did have an older sj410 years ago and it was fantastic fun and virtually indestructable,but sadly i cant say the same for the newer jimny although it is still a good 4x4 vehicle.

they do seem to hold thier price pretty well to.

Takoda

I've got a Jimny too. It is a second car - my other one is a Mondeo. I really like the little Suzuki. It isn't fast but if you're happy to pootle around at less than 80 then you'll be happy. Feels solid and well put together. Small inside but really easy to park. It is fun to drive too. I'm seriously impressed so far and would consider another larger Suzuki when the Ford needs replacing.

MX5huggy

The Swift yes good car fun to drive the Jimny no bad car unless you really need a small horrid 4x4 but then they are not really cars you should be comparing.

The Swift would be near the top of the list if I wanted a car this size. Along with the Mazda 2 and Fiesta (but they are both a step up in price).

Alcmene

I love love love love my Jimny! Most of my driving is town driving so I am happy with that. On the motorway it could be better, but unless you drive on the motorway every day it really isn't a problem. It's just such a joy to drive.

My sister has a Swift and my mum an SX4 and we all love our cars. They have all turned out really reliable!

nearlyrich

Dh is on his second Suzuki, he had a Liana and now he has an SX4, they are reasonably priced, not too expensive to sevice and he has not had any major problems in 7 years.

shown73

Don't Top Gear use a Suzuki something or the other for their star in a reasonably priced car slot? Not that it proves anything I suppose, just interesting.

LandyAndy

MX5huggy wrote: »

The Swift yes good car fun to drive

Along with the Mazda 2 (but a step up in price).

Suzuki have a very good reputation for reliability and, I think, the Swift is quite a good looking car.

I have a new model Mazda2 which is nice but probably outside your budget. The older Mazda2 is rather a dull looking (and driving) thing. You might also want to consider the Honda Jazz.