2004 Suzuki Alto · 3,684 MOT tests
2004 Suzuki Alto reliability
2004 Suzuki Altos fail 52.2% of first MOT tests, 48% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 11 Alto years (3,684 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Suzuki Altos: 33.4%)
- 52.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Suzuki Altos: 33.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 48% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 54,464
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,684
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 52% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 49% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 18.7% of tests fail here (199% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Suzuki Alto
Fail rate by area
- Brakes21%
- Lights and electrics20.5%
- Suspension18.9%
- Body, chassis and structure18.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks12.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.1%
- Tyres8.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 9.64%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 7.68%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 7.3%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Stop lamp not working 6.95%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 6.84%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 4.91%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (25.35%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (17.48%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.76%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (13.52%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.79%) · Suspension arm showing corrosion (9.5%)
Other years
Every Suzuki Alto year
The full picture: Suzuki Alto reliability. Before you pay for any Suzuki Alto, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2004 Suzuki Alto reliable?
2004 Suzuki Altos fail 52.2% of first MOT tests, 48% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 11 Alto years (3,684 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Suzuki Alto MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (9.64% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (7.68% of tests), service brakes uneven across an axle (7.3% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Suzuki Alto have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Suzuki Alto shows 54,464 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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