Wanting to buy a Suzuki Swift [first car purchase]
Discussion
Never bought a car before so would appreciate some tips please...
I've had a bit of a read around to try and get an idea of, first off, which car would best suit my needs. Decided on a Suzuki Swift [Sport?]. I want a car I can throw around that feels like it's going fast without needing to exceed the speed limit, but anything too powerful I think I'll start doing silly things that I'm not keen to do, hence the question over the sport.
Following on from that, I've decided I want something before 2016, as it seems post-2016 isn't as desirable as pre. I had a read of the PH Shed of the Week article on them, which seems to suggest common issues are box input shaft, handbrake, paintwork expensive to restore if not in good condition, and the front tyres tend to wear faster and are an odd size so can be expensive to replace [does it matter if I put a different size on or would i need to fiddle about a bit to do this?]
From having a look round autotrader/ ebay/ etc. I've figured a fair price seems to be around £2k give or take a grand which I'm happy with. Not sure whether to go to a dealer, seems to be a good option as I feel like you get a bit more buyer's protection but other than that no idea. If I could get a car I'm confident with from a private seller for less, then that's a win surely.
Never figured out engine size either. What's the layman's terms difference between 1.3 and 1.6L engine?
Other than that, I've no idea where to look to get more info on which year might be better than other years, do I really want a sport over just a swift, etc. I've asked a few mates but none are willing to give any real advice as they don't know suzukis but got one mate said he'd come look with me, so in an effort to not waste his time I'd like to've done my research first.
If anyone's got any good advice on how to research cars other than I guess search term Suzuki Swift in PH, please do share it for this car buying newbie. Much appreciated.
I've had a bit of a read around to try and get an idea of, first off, which car would best suit my needs. Decided on a Suzuki Swift [Sport?]. I want a car I can throw around that feels like it's going fast without needing to exceed the speed limit, but anything too powerful I think I'll start doing silly things that I'm not keen to do, hence the question over the sport.
Following on from that, I've decided I want something before 2016, as it seems post-2016 isn't as desirable as pre. I had a read of the PH Shed of the Week article on them, which seems to suggest common issues are box input shaft, handbrake, paintwork expensive to restore if not in good condition, and the front tyres tend to wear faster and are an odd size so can be expensive to replace [does it matter if I put a different size on or would i need to fiddle about a bit to do this?]
From having a look round autotrader/ ebay/ etc. I've figured a fair price seems to be around £2k give or take a grand which I'm happy with. Not sure whether to go to a dealer, seems to be a good option as I feel like you get a bit more buyer's protection but other than that no idea. If I could get a car I'm confident with from a private seller for less, then that's a win surely.
Never figured out engine size either. What's the layman's terms difference between 1.3 and 1.6L engine?
Other than that, I've no idea where to look to get more info on which year might be better than other years, do I really want a sport over just a swift, etc. I've asked a few mates but none are willing to give any real advice as they don't know suzukis but got one mate said he'd come look with me, so in an effort to not waste his time I'd like to've done my research first.
If anyone's got any good advice on how to research cars other than I guess search term Suzuki Swift in PH, please do share it for this car buying newbie. Much appreciated.
I've owned Swift Sports from new for the past 4 years.
First up - don't believe the press. I've owned a 2016 NA Sport, and still own a 2018 turbo Sport. I've driven both to the limit of grip / handling multiple times. The new car is better in my opinion. More grip, better handling, less understeer. It's quicker and more stable at speed - especially when cornering hard. The brakes are better too. It's better equipped and has a better seating position.
That said, previous models are excellent too. The steering is more fidgety on the old NA cars. The seating position is loftier as well.
The new car slides around corners like a demon. Very progressive and controlled under hard cornering at 80+. The older NA car didn't give me as much confidence to push on hard cornering at 80+. The new car feels like you could go much faster (within reason!).
Anyway, any Swift Sport is great fun. Great to own and run. Solidly engineered with bullet-proof engines.
An NA Swift Sport 'Rent-4-Ring' car was buzzed to 10,500 RPM with no damage whatsoever. That sort of RPM would send pistons into the sky if it was a BMW 'M' production car. LOL.
I've owned 3 Suzuki's from new. Not one problem in any of them. Not even a daft / annoying problem. My extended family has another 4 Suzuki's between them. All from new apart from one - again, not one of them has had an issue.
Truly reliable vice free motoring.
First up - don't believe the press. I've owned a 2016 NA Sport, and still own a 2018 turbo Sport. I've driven both to the limit of grip / handling multiple times. The new car is better in my opinion. More grip, better handling, less understeer. It's quicker and more stable at speed - especially when cornering hard. The brakes are better too. It's better equipped and has a better seating position.
That said, previous models are excellent too. The steering is more fidgety on the old NA cars. The seating position is loftier as well.
The new car slides around corners like a demon. Very progressive and controlled under hard cornering at 80+. The older NA car didn't give me as much confidence to push on hard cornering at 80+. The new car feels like you could go much faster (within reason!).
Anyway, any Swift Sport is great fun. Great to own and run. Solidly engineered with bullet-proof engines.
An NA Swift Sport 'Rent-4-Ring' car was buzzed to 10,500 RPM with no damage whatsoever. That sort of RPM would send pistons into the sky if it was a BMW 'M' production car. LOL.
I've owned 3 Suzuki's from new. Not one problem in any of them. Not even a daft / annoying problem. My extended family has another 4 Suzuki's between them. All from new apart from one - again, not one of them has had an issue.
Truly reliable vice free motoring.
The 1.6 Sport model came with a decent spec as standard, things such as Climate Control, keyless entry and the bigger wheels and sporty seats that were exclusive to the Sport.
Generally speaking, the 1.3 models had a basic spec , many didn’t even have AC (GL and SZ2 models) although there are various editions such as SZ-L and Attitude that has better equipment as standard.
There was also a 1.5 petrol available towards the start of the Swift’s life, this generally came as the GLX model which was similar in spec to the Sport but without the sporty bits. The extra bit of power (around 100bhp iirc) made it that bit more fun to drive than the 1.3.
Great fun cars though, gearbox issues are the main thing to look out for as you have mentioned.
Generally speaking, the 1.3 models had a basic spec , many didn’t even have AC (GL and SZ2 models) although there are various editions such as SZ-L and Attitude that has better equipment as standard.
There was also a 1.5 petrol available towards the start of the Swift’s life, this generally came as the GLX model which was similar in spec to the Sport but without the sporty bits. The extra bit of power (around 100bhp iirc) made it that bit more fun to drive than the 1.3.
Great fun cars though, gearbox issues are the main thing to look out for as you have mentioned.
I have a 66 plate 1.6 naturally aspirated (NA) had from new. Nothing has gone wrong. I think it’s an amazing car for the money, so much kit for so little cost.
I’m 39 yrs old and have owned the usual derv Audi etc. For fun cheap transport they are brilliant and because a warm hatch rather than hot seem to be by passed by most.
I’m 39 yrs old and have owned the usual derv Audi etc. For fun cheap transport they are brilliant and because a warm hatch rather than hot seem to be by passed by most.
Heard nothing but good things about these cars so excited to get my hands on one!I'm also looking to purchase a Sport in the near future. Checking the mot history on many early versions seems to show the usual low pads, faulty tyre issues. But, rusty brake pipes covered in grease looks like it happens to every one, so be careful.
Spending extra to get to a 2012 or later model looks to be the best bet. Plus you get 6 speed, cruise, air con etc
Spending extra to get to a 2012 or later model looks to be the best bet. Plus you get 6 speed, cruise, air con etc
OH bought a 2012 1.3 diesel Swift from new (ex demo...25 miles on clock, which she did most on test drive, was a showroom model) 5 door in red. Was a nippy little car which was very economical.
It is currently no longer needed as OH parents bought it but now is surplus.
It ran like a dream, never had any issues/broke down, I recently drove it and forgot how good it is.
It’s in Essex......
It is currently no longer needed as OH parents bought it but now is surplus.
It ran like a dream, never had any issues/broke down, I recently drove it and forgot how good it is.
It’s in Essex......
If you want a sport model your budget is ZC31 model only. This was the first sport model and ran to 2012 when the ZC32 came in. A 32 sport in 3 door could be had in the £4K range with higher miles on.
Most purists say the 31 is the most fun to drive. The 32 is a bit more refined but still very old school hot hatch in a good way. The engine and suspension on both is very similar.
I’ve had two 31 1.5 glx and now two 32 sports. The 1.5 was still a fun car to drive and if you don’t mind the slightly bland looks isn’t a bad option at all in your budget. Insurance should be cheaper.
On the tyre question 195/45/17 is standard but you can fit 205/45/17 no problem. Cheaper plus more choice. I actually prefer how the slightly taller 205 option feels.
The biggest problem you’ll have is finding one that hasn’t been ragged but they can take it. As long as the engine sounds good (they are all a bit tappy due to solid valve lifters) and it drives well you should be ok.
They are easy cars to work on when stuff does need replacing.
Most purists say the 31 is the most fun to drive. The 32 is a bit more refined but still very old school hot hatch in a good way. The engine and suspension on both is very similar.
I’ve had two 31 1.5 glx and now two 32 sports. The 1.5 was still a fun car to drive and if you don’t mind the slightly bland looks isn’t a bad option at all in your budget. Insurance should be cheaper.
On the tyre question 195/45/17 is standard but you can fit 205/45/17 no problem. Cheaper plus more choice. I actually prefer how the slightly taller 205 option feels.
The biggest problem you’ll have is finding one that hasn’t been ragged but they can take it. As long as the engine sounds good (they are all a bit tappy due to solid valve lifters) and it drives well you should be ok.
They are easy cars to work on when stuff does need replacing.
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