Suzuki Alto 1.0 GL 3d (2001/51) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Only available used, and rare on dealer forecourts, but always in great condition and always the newest car you can find in the price range.
Costs
I haven't had to have any work done yet, but running costs extremely low; 50-60mpg, £105 for 12 months tax (as at 2005) and very cheap insurance.
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On the road
Driving
Easiest thing in the world to drive, light steering (except doesn't like the wheels being turned with the vehicle stationary), good driving position and good visibility.
Performance
Acceleration is poor and the car is noisy at motorway speeds, but that's not what the Alto was designed for. Gear rations confirm that this car is designed for an urban life. Noise aside, once you get the Alto going it cruises quite happily at 60-70mph.
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Living with it
Reliability
Reliable as clockwork, as you'd expect from a Japanese marque (even though the Alto was assembled in India).
Image
Alto gets a lot of stick for its image, but it's a nice, clean, curvy design that dates well.
Comfort
The interior is more like the 1980s than late 90s, Spartan and functional. Seats are comfortable but the back is a bit cramped.
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Security and Service
Security
Factory-fit immobiliser is all you get, but with such low sale values and appearance make it low on thieves lists.
Service
Excellent service buying used Suzuki, very helpful on all issues. Only problem is the car wasn't fully cleaned inside prior to the sale.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
I have noticed the revs take a while to drop once you pull up, shouldn't be difficult to sort.
Other
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes