Suzuki SP400 Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Suzuki SP400 car check
Is the Suzuki SP400 reliable? We analysed 589 real MOT tests across 111 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Suzuki SP400? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Suzuki SP400 is above average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam, stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies and reflector on motorcycle missing. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Suzuki SP400.
Suzuki SP400 Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Suzuki SP400. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Suzuki SP400 MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Suzuki SP400 to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Suzuki SP400 Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Suzuki SP400 fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Suzuki SP400 Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Suzuki SP400 owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Suzuki SP400 MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Suzuki SP400 year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | 214 | 79.9% | 15,990 | 17,825 | 21,844 |
| 1981 | 96 | 92.7% | 20,208 | 35,080 | 43,464 |
| 1980 | 195 | 83.1% | 8,069 | 13,014 | 23,586 |
How Long Does a Suzuki SP400 Last?
Based on 111 Suzuki SP400 vehicles on UK roads.
Suzuki SP400 Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Suzuki SP400 MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Suzuki SP400
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
92.7% MOT pass rate from 96 tests
79.9% MOT pass rate from 214 tests
The best year to buy a used Suzuki SP400 is 1981, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 92.7% across 96 tests. The 1982 model year has the lowest pass rate at 79.9% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Suzuki SP400 Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki SP400 THIS CAR | 83.7% | 589 | 17,594 mi | 46 yrs |
| Suzuki Swift | 76.1% | 2,247,517 | 51,601 mi | 31 yrs |
| Suzuki Alto | 74% | 1,154,186 | 41,167 mi | 28 yrs |
| Suzuki Grand Vitara | 76.2% | 1,025,634 | 67,542 mi | 28 yrs |
| Kia Picanto Gt-line | 93.9% | 345 | 26,996 mi | — yrs |
Compared to the Suzuki Swift (76.1% pass rate) and the Suzuki Alto (74.0% pass rate), the Suzuki SP400 outperforms both on MOT reliability.
Found a Suzuki SP400 you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Suzuki SP400Should you buy a used Suzuki SP400?
The Suzuki SP400 has an overall MOT pass rate of 83.7% across 589 real MOT tests — comfortably above the UK average, which puts it among the more reliable models on UK roads.
The most common problems on the Suzuki SP400 are headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam (7 recorded failures), stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies (6), and reflector on motorcycle missing (5). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Suzuki SP400 owner drives around 168 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Suzuki SP400 models stay on UK roads for around 46 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.