At RM25k a used Suzuki Swift is hard to ignore
When a parent is looking to buy their college ready teenager a car, many move towards a brand new compact car and take on monthly instalments as they need the peace of mind of ‘after sales’ and ‘warranty’ safety net. This is good, but we always suggest a USED car as the first car so that young adults learn about car maintenance and the cost of running a car to get them ready for the working world.
We did the same with our 2 children (with a Perodua Kelisa) and we suggest this to all friends and family who come to us for advice.
This time, it was an old friend from the radio industry looking for a compact car for his 17-year old daughter.
They were looking for a Mazda2 hatchback. Good choice, fun driving machine. But when they went car shopping together, it was this Suzuki Swift that caught their eye.
We went back with them the next day to take a closer look at the Swift. Sitting in a large used car dealership, it was the model that was launched in 2013 by Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd (SMA) which was a 1.4L VVT. At the time it was sold in more than 100 countries and regions.
This Swift comes with dynamic performance and sport styling that have earned accolades including 63 Car of The Year awards in 19 countries since its launch including Malaysia.
At the time, the selling price was RM77,888 and there are 5 colour choices. It was a popular vehicle and its direct rival was the lower priced Perodua Myvi.
Strong design, good build quality and a good drive dynamics made it a serious challenge to the used compact car segment.
This car is fun to drive and comfortable to spend time in. Its large cabin competes with the Honda Jazz which is taller. Quality inside the cabin is rather impressive even after 11 year of use. This is a 2014 model.
The basic sweet-revving 1.4 engine will offer reasonable and rapid progress respectively in town and on the highway. Equipment is comprehensive taking into consideration its age. Power multi function steering, electric front/rear windows, central locking and a CD player are included.
The willing 1.4-litre four cylinder puts out an impressive 95bhp (more than the Hyundai Getz or Toyota Yaris) and you don’t have to punish it to extract the performance as the 130Nm of torque gives it enough push to move the compact and agile chassis.
As at home on the highway as it is nipping around our crowded and traffic heavy cities the engine is impressively refined and economical. Around town it will absorb potholes and bumps nicely but this unit needed new absorbers and top mounts.
The steering is light in this allows for finger light parking and maneuverability around town, something added to by the excellent all-round visibility and well designed dimensions.
For us, this Suzuki Swift goes to the top of my list for anyone who asking our advice on a small compact used car purchase. This 2014 had a sticker price of RM25k but depending on its condition prices can go as low as RM18k (well used and abused).
As with all used car dealers …… there was NO service record ……. no ‘last service’ sticker on the windshield, which means the mileage was definitely ‘wound back’ by at least 100,000 kms. Yes, the indicated mileage of 85,199 might actually be 185,199 as this is a common trick used by most used car dealers AND also online ‘unicorn’ used car portals. Still, we did a complete check for flood and accident damage and even with 185,199 mileage …….. as long as the engine is working well, it’s acceptable.
Plenty units are available for sale so take your time to look around. The time and effort invested in looking for a good used car is evident as many have been used diligently for A-B transport only with hardly any abuse.
The new owner will need to spend at least an added RM3k on servicing the car, changing the 16-inch tires, replacing the absorbers and top mounts and also engine mounts. The A/C will need to be serviced and filters changed.
Lastly, a chemical interior wash is needed to give the cabin a fresh clean environment. With new road tax and insurance included, the new owner should have trouble free motoring for 4-5 years.
Specifications of the Suzuki Swift 1.4L GLX
Engine: 1,372cc 4-cylinder K14B
Max power: 70kW (95hp) @ 6,000rpm
Max torque: 130Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Safety features: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist
