Suzuki Swift- buy...thoughts?

celica00

Hi guys,
after comparing a couple of cars/brands etc. I figured out that I would like to go for a Suzuki Swift (05 onwards).
My budget is around 2000-2500k.
What are the thoughts on these? I heard that the gearbox might gives some trouble but how are they in general? Ive read a view reviews etc and they sounded ok.
Also: they are pretty hard to come by! especially the 05-07 ones!
Thanks!

MHickman

We've had two (a '07 and an '11) and have nothing but good things to say about them. Reliable and pretty nippy. Not the most comfortable ride on long journeys but I've been in worse cars! Seats are quite high up so if you have mobility issues or baby seats they're pretty user friendly. I have heard of issues with electrics in some of them but never had an ounce of trouble with either of the ones we have had.

colm_mcm

They're a good all rounder I reckon. They're a little chintzy inside but they've got a bit of character. Prob the most likeable Suzuki they've sold here.

Nuw

Have one in the household for the past few months... you cannot go wrong with these, they're a hoot to drive (for what they are, a small front-wheel drive hatch with virtually no power) and safe. They're a bit heavy on the juice, at least when I drive it, probably because the engine loves to rev and because they grip so well in corners (with decent tyres)

Other than that, they're pretty much bomb-proof and cheap to run.

celica00

perfect. thanks for that!
i havent driven one before but actually though they would have a small bit of power to at least be able to overtake etc? is that not the case so?

.......

This post has been deleted.

MHickman

celica00 wrote: »

i havent driven one before but actually though they would have a small bit of power to at least be able to overtake etc? is that not the case so?

I think it really depends what you're used to - I have a 110bhp Passat as a company car and I would notice the difference when overtaking, but it's not the case that you're doomed to be stuck behind anything slow moving in the Swift either. They're incredibly light to drive and I find it quite nippy in city drives, you just need a bit more clear room to overtake than you would in a higher bhp car.

My first car years ago was a Polo and that felt very underpowered...I wouldn't say the same of the Swift. We have the 1.2 GLX.

celica00

perfect that sounds good!
now, the official mpg data says 45mpg
if you actually throw in 20e, how much you reckon you get out of it (lets say mixed driving, bitta city bitta main roads or just your own experience really!)

Nuw

I'm not sure as I always fill to the brim... but we average 30-35 mpg in city driving, 40-45 on longer runs, it can get even better if you avoid motorway speeds. Don't get me wrong here, the car stays safe and the engine is responsive, but the noise and the petrol consumption will have you avoid when possible.

When I mentioned it doesn't have any power, it doesn't, but it also weighs nothing, so it will move, just not fast but as mentioned, depends what you're used to.

celica00

makes sense.
Im used to all kind of cards, but currently i drive a fiat seicento. its not fast as such but fast enough for what it is. especially due its size and weight. love that lil car but just too old

Nuw

Coming from a seicento, you should enjoy the swift very much but hey, nothing like a good test drive to make up your mind. It is not a fragile car, but do make sure everything works as expected and that you have at least some service history.