1997 Suzuki Swift GTi from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

The Swift has given excellent reliability.

The engine uses more oil than average.

The cam belt needed replacing at 65000km.

A loose engine mount had to be rectified at 66000 km.

The brakes have had an annoying squeal.

Various parts of body trim have become rather loose.

The Swift has brilliant straight line performance. A very rev happy little engine.

The power to weight ratio is excellent.

It is an economical car, hampered only by a small fuel tank.

Due to firmer suspension, 15 inch alloy wheels and Michelin SX GT tyres it is a great handler.

Well weighted power steering makes the car nimble when changing direction.

Four wheel discs makes the Swift stop just as quickly.

The Swift does however have a lot of wheel spin and torque steer.

The cabin is rather dated, plastic and flimsy. The standard sport seats are comfortable and supportive.

The Momo steering wheel and gearshift knob do brighten the cabin.

The body is rather tinny and there are a few rattles.

A terrific first performance car.

I have a 1998 Suzuki GTI and have owned it since new. To date I have not had a single thing go wrong. It has travelled 76,000km and still drives as well as the day I test drove it. I am not hard on the speed and try to maintain the car as if it is a Rolls Royce. All Suzuki cars have noisy brakes. I have had 3 new GTIs and every one of them has had them. If it bothers you so much, every time you check the air in your tyres use the air gun to blow out the dust from the pads. That works every time. My car does not use coolant or oil. Perhaps the previous owner thrashed the motor and maybe that is why. Next time buy a car that has been serviced at the same dealer the car was bought from if you can. Most people who buy the car from dealers mainly use them for service as well.

I own a 94 gti same story never had any real hassles just maintenance etc, but I don't think dealer servicing means that much in the overall quality of a used vehicle previous owners and speed testing has a very big say in the condition of the engine and the amount of oil etc it uses.