1984 Suzuki Alto GL 0.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Required 2 water pump replacements over 13 years, and maybe a new clutch plate?

Back bumper has been replaced 3 times as people keep driving into the back of it.

General Comments:

This car has almost become a family heirloom. We have had it for 13 years. 3 people learnt to drive in it. Now has 220,000 km on it and still capable of getting up the skifield road. I manage to get about 16 km to the litre. On the open road it can still get up to 100km/hr (if light on luggage and passengers), but if you had a traffic accident in it you wouldn't survive. Probably has the same amount of protection as driving a motor cycle but it's very economical and very easy to park.

Seems to be rather rust resistant compared with other Japanese cars of the same era.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th October, 1997

23rd Sep 2005, 06:40

"On the open road it can still get up to 100km/hr (if light on luggage and passengers) "

Wow that's a new speed record for an Alto!

10th Jun 2006, 05:14

I have a Suzuki alto of 1987 and we're planning to go to Norway this summer (from Holland)! My max speed on the highway is also 100 but 140 is not impossible.

I have read about the fuel consumption of the older Suzuki altos, but your type can do up to 17km per liter! you just have to clean your air filters etc.

Lost of fun with your Suzuki!

9th Mar 2007, 11:42

I just drove my brother's 1984 Alto last weekend. It takes 115 km/h on plane motorway, and yes, the speedometer is very accurate. Of course it is more home on town, where it's really fun to drive.

20th Mar 2009, 06:26

I have a 1984 Alto.

If I'm not mistaking, it goes about 20 to 21 km on one litre (open road).

I mostly drive between 90 and 100 km/hr, but got it up to a max of 130 km/hr.

That was on the open road with 2 people inside.

I still enjoy it a lot, and want to overhaul it if I get the money and space.