Opinions on a Suzuki Swift 1996, any help/knowledge

pARTner81 · 13-09-2011 8:47pm #1

I'm going to look at a Suzuki Swift tomorrow, its a 96, so I'm not expecting much. I don't know anything about these cars what so ever, but I'd imagine thy're not the worst car in their class, are they? If anyone can tell me bit about them it would be great; problems and nuances and the like, cheers.

Solnskaya · 13-09-2011 9:34pm

Whatcher wanna know? Spent a lot of time in/under/around Swifts. 1.0 or 1.3? 3 cylinders or four? The one drawback, and it's the only one apart from the looks, is that they are a bit poor in a crash- not the worst by any stretch, but not the best. Mechanically, they are as good as it gets. They will absorb abuse that no other small car, including micras and starlets will. You can do front wheel dounuts in them all day long and nothing will break. They are super economical, very quick indeed, and a hoot to drive with great handling, brilliant in the twisty stuff, even the 1.0 3 cyl. absolutely flies for a small engined small car. Spare parts are rarely needed, they are usually fixable without, brake pads last for ages, clutches are very very strong and the engines are unburstable. If you don't mind the looks(I actually like them), they are a brilliant buy and one of the cheapest cars to keep on the road. They are also a hoot to drive, did I mention that? Up there with the Civic in terms of longevity.

youtube! · 13-09-2011 9:47pm

you would have to shoot it to kill it, go for it they are bombproof little motors.

shamrock55 · 13-09-2011 9:52pm

parents used to have one years ago and could never say enough good things about it

bazz26 · 13-09-2011 9:57pm

With any 15 year old car judge it on it's current condition rather than reputation. Make sure it runs ok, isn't overheating, no fluids are leaking, steering and brakes are working fine. Does it have much NCT left on it?

pARTner81 · 13-09-2011 10:42pm

Nice one peeps, thats a great help. With a bit of luck I'll have it tomorrow. Thanks again!!

aujopimur · 13-09-2011 11:02pm

Post a few pics when you get it.

shamwari · 14-09-2011 12:20am

Apart from bean can build quality, they are a little flyer. Very reliable, nippy and extremely economical. Highly recommended if you want a good motor for peanuts. Gearboxs are weak on early ones though. Make sure it hooks the gears properly. Any baulking or funny noises from the box then walk away.

Owen · 14-09-2011 12:29am

Front crossmembers rust away to nothing - make sure it's okay, as they can be a nightmare to source.

Delancey · 14-09-2011 2:28am

Check the sills for corrosion carefully.

Faddymackshyte · 15-09-2011 3:46pm

I have only recently departed with my Swift. I got it free 3 years ago, it was a 1997 model. Absolute beaut. The exhaust was a little bandy, but other than that, it was awesome. I miss it alot. It had loads of little things wrong, just from wear and tear, but it was so reliable. I miss it terribly. Great car.

Opinions on a Suzuki Swift 1996, any help/knowledge

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