Used Suzuki Alto for sale nearChelmsford

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 3.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 50
Average Price: Around £2,700

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 body offers 129 litres of boot space and seats four adults comfortably. Whilst it scored three stars in Euro NCAP crash testing, it remains a straightforward and easy-to-drive proposition in town environments.

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. However, the Alto feels most at home in urban settings; on longer motorway journeys, its lack of power, refinement, and comfort can prove tiring. The cabin feels basic, and space is limited compared to rivals. A lightly revised version arrived in 2012 with minor improvements and better efficiency.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers needing a reliable, economical city car for short trips and around-town work, and those prioritising low running costs over comfort and versatility.

Not ideal for: Drivers undertaking frequent longer journeys or motorway travel, those seeking spacious interiors, premium cabin quality, or comprehensive equipment and safety features.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Alto if: You're on a tight budget, need a reliable and economical city car for short trips and around-town work, and prioritise low running costs above all else.

Consider alternatives if: You undertake frequent longer journeys or motorway travel, require spacious interiors, seek premium cabin quality, or need comprehensive equipment and safety features.

Competitive Position: The Suzuki Alto (2009-2014) is an exceptionally affordable and economical city car, offering some of the lowest running costs available. However, it lags behind rivals in user satisfaction and overall ratings. The Toyota Aygo (2014-2022) scores higher with users and offers better refinement for longer journeys, whilst the Ford Fiesta Mk6 provides superior driving dynamics and a more comprehensive package. For budget-conscious buyers prioritising economy and reliability for urban use, the Alto remains compelling, but those wanting greater versatility and comfort should consider the Toyota Aygo or Ford Fiesta.

Read our full Suzuki Alto Review

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