Used Suzuki Alto for sale near Barnsley

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 3.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 26.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 70
Average Price: Around £3,200

Suzuki Alto (2009-2014) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Running costs don't get much lower	Limited space and versatility
Easy to drive and park	Cabin feels rather low-rent
Should be enormously reliable	Not flush with equipment

Quick Summary

The Suzuki Alto (2009-2014) is a small, light, and frugal city car designed for urban driving and short trips. Launched in the UK at just £6,795, it features a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. The five-door model offers 129 litres of boot space and seats four adults comfortably. While it scored three stars in Euro NCAP crash testing, it remains a straightforward and reliable option for budget-conscious buyers.

Running costs are exceptionally low, with manual models achieving up to 64.2mpg and real-world figures around 50mpg. The K10B engine uses a timing chain, reducing maintenance costs significantly. Servicing is affordable, and parts are inexpensive due to the car's lightweight construction. However, the Alto feels most at home in urban environments; on longer motorway journeys, its lack of power and refinement can prove tiring. The cabin feels basic, and space is limited compared to rivals, making it less versatile for families or those requiring greater practicality.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable, economical city car for short trips and urban commuting, and those prioritising low running costs above all else.

Not ideal for: Drivers planning frequent motorway journeys, families needing space and versatility, or those seeking a well-equipped cabin with modern features.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Alto if: You're on a tight budget, seeking an economical city car for short trips and urban commuting, and prioritising low running costs above all else.

Consider alternatives if: You plan frequent motorway journeys, need space and versatility for families, or require a well-equipped cabin with modern features.

Competitive Position: The Suzuki Alto (2009-2014) is an affordable entry point into car ownership, offering exceptional running costs and reliability. However, it lags behind rivals in overall appeal and capability. The Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto offer superior expert and user ratings, whilst the Toyota Aygo provides better value for money. If you can stretch your budget slightly, these alternatives deliver more refinement, better equipment, and greater versatility without sacrificing economy. The Alto remains a sensible choice for those with genuinely limited budgets, but it's the least accomplished option in its class.

Read our full Suzuki Alto Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from April 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.