2006 Suzuki Liana DDiS 1.4 diesel
Summary:
Cheap, simple, and with everything you need
Faults:
The main problem is the availability of parts (you have to know where to get them); online it's generally more expensive but also safer and more reliable.
The suspension and grip are rather loose (it's an extremely economical car), so you have to drive it carefully.
Ignition coils can sometimes be faulty, causing misfires.
Suspension problems and power steering oil leaks, this is what gave me the most trouble in these years and with more than 200,000 kilometers.
It's a bit noisy when starting, but at higher speeds it's not too noticeable. The car often has excessive vibrations in the cabin.
General Comments:
Twenty years ago, when it was made, I'd say the car was quite advanced for being small and inexpensive. The interior is adequate; it has power windows in the front and rear, and the air conditioning works quite well and didn't give me any problems (the car loses a lot of power when it's turned on since it's a diesel).
The quality is relatively good; if you take care of it, nothing will break. If you use it as a taxi, you'll have to replace some parts.
The engine is a PSA turbo, quite good and agile in a car like the Liana. I bought it with over 60,000 km on the clock, and now with over 220,000 km, it runs normally without problems, except for occasional oil leaks and a few failed starts in winter. Otherwise, nothing to complain about. It's a very reliable engine, ideal for long journeys, and suitable for a utility vehicle like this.
The engine and all other parts have been virtually untouched, except for routine maintenance. The key to maintaining a Liana is finding an honest and decent mechanic who doesn't completely hate the car and doesn't try to rip you off every time you visit (unfortunately, there are quite a few of these in Greece; you just have to find one you can trust).
Like any small, economical car from around 20 years ago, the seats are a bit hard, although it's relatively spacious and long journeys aren't uncomfortable. It's more than adequate for city driving, and its fuel consumption is remarkably low, even by today's standards.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st April, 2026