Suzuki Alto 2009 Problems

High school leavers are now facing one of the most important, daunting, yet exciting decisions of their life in buying their first car.There are so many factors to think about: price, safety, economy, running costs, vehicle age, insurance; all on limited funds and with limited knowledge about cars, and finance.To most young people, the most important thing is probably looks. After all, you don't want to be spotted by all your mates in a white Camry in the drive-through at Maccas. And who can blame you? That's why so many young people buy old grey-import Sylvias instead of Camrys. It's because they are red, they look fast and they were featured in one of the Fast and Furious movies.However, often the car ends up spending most of its time being repaired, waiting on a part to come from Japan or simply getting it to start, steer and stop. But is used the way to go? There are many small new cars on the market from as low as $13,990 which have the latest modern safety features, plus advantages of new car warranties.The best three tips we can give you are: research, research and more research. Young buyers can start by looking at classified ads on the internet and in newspapers. Comparisons will give the buyer a good feel for the true price of a car. You should work out what you need in a car even before you start looking for one.There are choices people can make when buying a new vehicle that may significantly reduce their risk of injury and theft and can even result in savings when it comes to car insurance.What you can expect for your money Young buyers are usually on a fairly limited budget. That will reduce the number of cars available.RACQ technical officer Russell Manning advises what you can expect for your money on used cars.$3000 to $5000 Few dealers operate in this segment, so look to private sales, and all the potential problems that come with them.There are no stand-outs in this segment.Buy the best you can find for the money.Steer clear of unusual, unpopular and modified vehicles, as they're more likely to cost more to keep on the road. Expect to be mainly looking at vehicles from the mid '80s.$5000 to $7500 Many dealers specialise in this bracket.Look for cars that are popular and have a good reputation, for example early 1990s Corolla, Pulsar, Lancer for small cars, and Commodore, Falcon, Camry for large cars.Anything in this bracket is likely to have travelled big distances, so look carefully.Bigger, less fuel-efficient cars are less popular these days and, depending on your circumstances, may be a good buy.Larger cars are often more durable.$7500 to $10,000 There'll be no shortage of cars in this bracket.Expect to see cars from the mid to late '90s.Again, large cars should be attractively priced due to fuel prices, but you'll also find a range of quality Japanese small vehicles and plenty from Korean makers.Take your time selecting and pick the best your money will buy.$10,000 to $12,000 There should be no difficulty finding a quality used car in this range. There will be plenty of Commodores, Falcons, Camrys and Magnas, as well as the full range of mid and small-sized cars from the late '90s.Consider putting in a few thousand dollars more and moving into an attractively priced new small car.New cars to $15,000 All these are in the light car category. And it can pay to see if you can pick up a dealer demonstration model with very low kilometres to save a little money.Hyundai's Getz is a great little car from $12,990, and the Getz Protectz pack costs an extra $1290 but includes electronic stability program, traction control system and front seat side thorax airbags, for $1290.Suzuki Alto 1.0-litre starts at $14,990 – although we’ve seen it advertised lower than that.Holden Barina 1.6-litre three-door hatch costs from around $13,690.Kia’s Rio 1.4-litre five-door hatch often costs less than $14,000.Tips 1. Buy the type, make and model of car that best suits your needs and your pocket.2. Always have a used vehicle inspected by a qualified person.3. Don’t rush to buy your car as you may regret it.4. Ignore any promise, warranty or guarantee that isn’t in writing or that is conditional in any way.5. Don’t forget the REVS certificate.6. Never sign any contract or document until it is complete and you understand it.7. Always get a copy of any contract you sign and a copy of the safety certificate.8. Obtain reliable finance before you purchase your car.9. Insure the car with a reputable company. 

The on-going quest to reduce fuel consumption was always going to throw up a car like the Suzuki Alto, a tiny hatch with a miniscule engine that could provide the answer for anyone looking to slash their fuel bills.NEWAs much as many tried to laugh it off, the India-made midget was no joke; it was a serious little car that really did ask the question of those serious about cutting their running costs.When launched it was presented as the first of a new generation of micro models that were expected to land here from places like China, Korea and India. That hasn't yet eventuated, leaving Suzuki alone to seed the market.The Alto measured a mere 3500 mm long and 1600 mm wide and weighed just 850 kg. But that didn't mean it was compromised when it came to safety. Through the use of high-strength steels Suzuki and a power of electronics has managed to achieve a creditable 4-star safety rating from ANCAP.When launched the base model GL didn't have electronic stability control, to get that you had to go upmarket to the GLX. That was rectified in 2010 when ESP was added to the entry model. Power came from a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that generated 50 kW at 6000 rpm and 90 Nm at 3400 rpm.That meant it had to be revved to get the most out of it, which was something new to owners who were used to larger engines with enough torque to pull from lower revs. While the fuel economy - 4.8L/100km with the manual 'box - was admirable it lost a little of its gloss when it was realised that it required the more expensive premium unleaded.Two transmissions were offered, a five-speed manual that delivered the best fuel consumption, and a four-speed auto. Despite its small size the Alto offered reasonably comfortable accommodation, at least for some. Front seat passengers had good head and legroom, those in the back were a little cramped and the boot was small.The equipment level was quite good given its modest price tag. The GL had air-conditioning, CD sound, MP3 connectivity, remote central locking and power front windows, while the GLX had all of that plus alloys, fog lights, six speakers and tachometer.NOWFour years on from the launch and on the whole things appear to be going swimmingly for the little Suzuki. Suzuki is renowned for building quality small cars that punch well above their weight, and that seems to be true of the Alto.Owners are generally content with their decision to buy the budget hatch, which is delivering the promised fuel economy while at the same time giving little trouble. The thing most complained about is a lack of performance, but that appears to be more about the driver than the car. Most of those who complain have stepped down out of a larger car with a bigger engine that doesn't need to be revved the way the Alto's does to extract its zip.Most people also go for the auto transmission, which adds to the dull feel of the car off the line. There have been a couple of recalls of the GF Alto. The first was in 2009 and related to a wiring problem that could cause the stoplight to cease functioning.The second, in 2010, related to a potential fuel leak during refuelling. While the trade gives the Alto a big tick of approval, it comes with a warning about servicing. It's vital that the oil be changed as recommended; skipping oil changes is a recipe for an expensive engine meltdown. Cheaper cars tend to be the most neglected when it comes to maintenance, so check the service record to make sure everything is up to scratch.SMITHY SAYSNeed a run-about that's easy on the wallet? Give the Alto a go.Suzuki Alto 2009-2011Price new: $12,490 to $16,490Engine: 1.0-litre 3-cylinder, 50 kW/90 NmTransmission: 4-speed auto, 5-speed man, FWDEconomy: 4.8 L/100 km (man), 5.5 L/100km (auto)Body: 4-door hatchVariants: GL, GLXSafety: 4-star ANCAP.COMING UPDo you own a Jeep Compass? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010. 

Suzuki has recalled 13,216 Alto models from 2009 onwards for a heating system fault. The recall notice says the Alto’s heater blower motor may jam, causing the resistor fuse to overheat and cut out, preventing the heater from working.Suzuki Australia initially announced 10,187 Altos sold from 2009 until now will be recalled. However, Suzuki Queensland operates as a separate entity, and has only joined the recall overnight, adding 3029 cars to the tally.However not all the cars sold during that period – totalling 14,660 -- are affected, with 1444 being exempt from the recall. “It is only particular VIN (vehicle identification numbers) during that period, and we are in the process of identifying which ones,” Suzuki spokesman Andrew Ellis says. "The faulty resistors were in particular batches, while other batches were fine."The defect is not considered to be a safety risk, and Suzuki says there have been no reports of related incidents, injuries or fires. “It’s a minor recall – the fault simply means you won’t have heating in the car.  There have been no reports of fires anywhere in the world,” Ellis says. "However, it's a safety recall because it can affect the demister, and visibility is a safety issue."Suzuki says the fix will take 30 minutes, and involve the replacement of the existing resistor. “The parts are in transit now and the campaign is about to start in earnest,” Ellis says.