# Suzuki Baleno — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Suzuki Baleno on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/suzuki-baleno

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2019
- **Ideal trim**: SZ-T
- **Target mileage**: 40,000–60,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £7,500

## Why this model

The Suzuki Baleno is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a no-nonsense, incredibly reliable, and super economical small car. It's often overlooked, which means you can snag a great deal. It's spacious for its class, easy to drive, and the mild-hybrid engine offers impressive fuel economy, making it very cheap to run. It might not be the most exciting car, but it's a solid, dependable workhorse.

## What you should pay

For a 2019 Suzuki Baleno SZ-T, you should aim to pay around £7,500. Prices can vary slightly based on mileage, condition, and specific optional extras, but this is a good target for a well-maintained example. The Baleno has already depreciated significantly, so you're buying it at a point where it holds its value quite well going forward.

## Which trim to buy

The SZ-T trim is the sweet spot for the Baleno. It adds some really useful features over the basic SZ3, like alloy wheels, satellite navigation, a reversing camera, and privacy glass, which make a big difference to daily usability and comfort. It doesn't jump up in price as much as the top-spec SZ5, making it the best value for money without sacrificing essential modern conveniences.

## What to check before you buy

- Generally very few reported issues due to Suzuki's strong reliability record.
- Some owners report minor interior trim rattles.
- Check for routine wear and tear on brakes and tyres, as with any used car.

## Running costs

Running costs for the Baleno are very low. With the 1.2 Dualjet Mild Hybrid engine, you can expect around 60-65 mpg, which translates to roughly £0.11 per mile for fuel (based on current petrol prices of £1.45/litre). Road tax (VED) for a 2019 model is a flat rate of £190 per year. Insurance groups are typically low (around 10-14), so you could expect to pay between £350-£600 annually, depending on your personal circumstances. Overall, budget around £1,700-£2,000 per year for fuel, tax, and insurance, plus servicing.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Mild Hybrid
- **Horsepower**: 89 bhp
- **Mpg**: 62.8 mpg (WLTP combined)
- **Reliability Score**: Excellent (4.5/5)
- **Safety Rating**: 3 stars (standard, 2016) / 4 stars (with Safety Pack, 2016)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SZ3 | £12,999 | £6,500 | 15-inch steel wheels; DAB radio with Bluetooth; Manual air conditioning |
| SZ-T | £13,999 | £7,500 | 16-inch alloy wheels; Satellite navigation; Reversing camera |
| SZ5 | £15,499 | £8,500 | Automatic climate control; Adaptive cruise control; LED headlights |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £7,500 | 100% |
| 2027 | £6,800 | 90.7% |
| 2028 | £6,000 | 80% |
| 2029 | £5,200 | 69.3% |
| 2030 | £4,500 | 60% |

The Suzuki Baleno has already taken its biggest depreciation hit, so buying a 2019 model now means you're getting it at a great value point. Its value will continue to decline, but at a much slower rate than a newer car. This means you'll lose less money on depreciation over the next few years compared to buying a car that's only 1-2 years old.

Total value lost since new: 40%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Dacia Sandero](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/dacia-sandero.md)
- [Kia Picanto](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/kia-picanto.md)
- [Skoda Fabia](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/skoda-fabia.md)

---

Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.