Suzuki Swift Problems

Check the fuel supply, the fuel pump, lines, filter, and consider having a diagnostic check done by a dealer.

It can, Jayson, but there’s one vital thing you must check first. Lift the bonnet of your car and find the build date. It should be on a small, silver tag somewhere in the engine bay. Here’s why: Suzuki lists 2008 as the cut-off year for E10 fuel for the Swift. That is, Swifts built before that date can’t use E10, those built after that date can.

So why check the build date on your car? Because even though it may have been sold in 2008, it might have been built in 2007. Even if the registration papers list the car as a 2008, it could still have been built in 2007. Paperwork is only as accurate as the person filling it in, but the build-date on the car’s tag doesn’t lie.

The best times to buy are usually the end of the financial year, or at model run-out times, that's when the specials are on. The CVT and dual-clutch autos are both still unknowns in terms of long-term reliability, but either should be ok over the five years you plan to keep the car. Any of the cars you list, and the list is a long one, would be ok. It really comes down to what you like.

Talk to a car detailer to find out how much he would charge to do the repairs and tidy it up. If it’s under $1000 do it that way, otherwise you’re probably best to make a claim.

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I could, but you haven’t supplied the model year, which is crucial to determining the price.

The dealer’s claims seem doubtful. Have it checked by an auto electrician, who should be able to tell you if the GPS installation has affected the headlights.

The price will depend on the year and variant. It will aso depend on if you go to a dealer or not. You can read more about how to replace your keys here.

It’s not possible to say what is causing the noise, it could be engine or driveline related, and without actually being able to hear it there’s no way of accurately diagnosing it. Have it checked by a mechanic, who should be able to quickly determine the cause of the problem.

Unfortunately you’ve kept the Corolla too long, and have had to spend money to keep it going. Keep that in mind for the next one you buy.

You’re constrained by your $20,000 budget, but I would suggest you look at a Kia Rio, Mazda2, Mitsubishi Lancer, or Suzuki Swift. All should fall within your budget and all will give you a good run. If you were prepared to buy a used car that is one or two years old, you could consider a Toyota Corolla, or a Mazda3.

Without further information, or actually seeing the car and hearing the noise, it’s impossible to give you any advice on the cause of the noise. Your best course of action is to take it to a mechanic and have them assess it for you firsthand.