MK1 Suzuki Swift Sport

[Steve91]

Afternoon all!

I'm looking to replace my diesel Focus estate with something small and fun, for around £1,500-£2,000. I keep coming across the MK1 Swift Sport, and see it recommended on here a lot, but I'm wondering what to look for on higher mileage models, and common faults etc.

Any other ideas would be welcome too. No real criteria, just fun to drive and kinda cheap to run. I've considered the Panda 100bhp but just don't like the look of them, and the Fiesta ST150, and most of the ones for my budget are a bit ropey!

Cheers!

[Danm1les]

My partner had one that was faultless for a couple of years apart from sometimes it would moan it couldn't detect the key (keyless go) but it owuld pick it up eventually.

[Torquey]

I might be wrong about this but think I read the suspension/bushes/roll bars get a hard time dues to the large wheels/tires. I've had to replace a few suspension components on mine over the years.

[Steve91]

Torquey said:

I might be wrong about this but think I read the suspension/bushes/roll bars get a hard time dues to the large wheels/tires. I've had to replace a few suspension components on mine over the years.

I'd half expected that to be honest, so that doesn't bother me! How hard is it to work on?

[anonymous-user]

Think about these from time to time, thing that puts me off is that they are only 5 speed. How many revs are they pulling in 5th at 70MPH?

[CX53]

I got rid of mine a couple of years ago because it was horrifically noisy on long trips. My mum had the car after me and still has it, it hasn’t missed a beat and still feels great to drive.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say a Celica would be a good shout:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or the 206 Quicksilver/GTI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

180

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Fiat Grande Punto T Jet (now these are very reliable & a good alternative)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mazda2 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Nickp82]

CX53 said:

I got rid of mine a couple of years ago because it was horrifically noisy on long trips. My mum had the car after me and still has it, it hasn’t missed a beat and still feels great to drive.

Motorways are the mark 1's Achilles heel due to the 5 speed 'box and fairly hard ride, otherwise they are a very reliable car and great fun.

[avenger286]

Twingo 133?

[mikeyr]

I was looking at Swift's but went down the Twingo route instead.

Ninja always gives good advice but I would rule out the Pug 206. I had one and it's perfectly fine transport but not interesting to drive. Others opinions equally valid of course.

[Steve91]

Cheers all!

I had considered a Twingo but they're a bit over budget, however I have set a search alert up in case one pops up.

I don't do a great deal of motorway miles, aside from a Ring trip every year so that's not a concern. I previously had an MG ZR 1.4 that revved as high at 70mph and I didn't find it too bad.

Good shout on the Celica though. Hadn't co sideres them and yet always liked them. Got to have the larger rear wing on it for me, but I'm sure I could fit one if needed!

[Andy665]

Steve91 said:

Good shout on the Celica though. Hadn't co sideres them and yet always liked them. Got to have the larger rear wing on it for me, but I'm sure I could fit one if needed!

I really enjoyed my Celica but the biggest issue was interior noise levels, even in 6th it was horribly noisy on the motorway