Used Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 2013-2021 reliability

Some SX4 S-Cross models are four-wheel drive, so while it's unlikely to have been used off-road, have a look underneath to check for any damage.

The interior has a number of cheap plastics that scratch easily, which isn't great given that this is a family car and has to stand up to a certain amount of abuse. Some owners have complained about interior squeaks and rattles, so find a stretch of rough road to try to find out whether the example you’re looking at has any.

Also check the alloys for any kerb damage, because higher-spec cars come with bigger rims that are more susceptible to being damaged.

Diesel engines are fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). To ensure that this can regenerate (burn off trapped soot), frequent motorway journeys are necessary because this process is only triggered when the exhaust is hot enough. Check how the previous owner has used the car if you are unsure because lots of urban journeys will clog up the filter, potentially leading to an expensive repair bill.

Other potential problems with the DPF come if it has been shut off part way through regeneration. The result is contamination of the oil system with fuel, which leads to the oil level rising gradually over time. This can cause damage to the engine, so it’s worth checking the oil level or having the car inspected if you're unsure.

The SX4 S-Cross placed ninth out of 25 cars in the small SUV category of our 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey. Suzuki as a brand, on the other hand, ranked fifth out of 32 manufacturers, which is really impressive.

If you'd like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.