Suzuki

Suzuki Gs500 (1994)

335 real MOT outcomes analysed • 77% first-time pass rate

1994 Suzuki Gs500

CarHunch analysed 335 real MOT records for the 1994 Suzuki Gs500. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 335 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 1994 Suzuki Gs500 passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (77%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
77%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
20%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.83
Over 7.5 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
29k
Middle half: 21k–40k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 6.2 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 335 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 335 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 34.1%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Lighting 24.8%
Drive chain slightly loose · Headlamp aim too high
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Brake wear 21.1%
Rear Brake disc(s) slightly scored · Front Brake disc(s) slightly worn · Rear Brake disc(s) slightly worn · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Suspension & steering 19.1%
Nearside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion · Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion · Nearside Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Other issues 19.1%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
Exhaust & emissions 12.1%
Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1994.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 335 Suzuki Gs500 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 1994 Suzuki Gs500

Based on MOT data from 335 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 20% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 5,984 Suzuki Gs500 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 33.4%
2,000
Black 31.3%
1,871
Red 15.1%
906
Green 6.9%
414
Yellow 4.7%
284
Purple 2.5%
151
White 2.5%
150
Orange 1.6%
98
Grey 1%
59
Silver 0.4%
24
Turquoise 0.3%
19
Multi-colour 0.1%
8

Mileage Distribution

Most 1994 Suzuki Gs500 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

29,440
typical
20,677
low mileage
39,829
high mileage

Half of all 1994 Suzuki Gs500 vehicles fall between 20,677 and 39,829 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 20,677 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
20,677–39,829 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1994 Suzuki Gs500s sit.
Over 53,769 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1994 Suzuki Gs500 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 30% of 1994 Suzuki Gs500s are still active.

Numbers are declining — 29 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (30% of peak).

94 29 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

7.5
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.83
Avg failures per vehicle
6.2
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Suzuki Gs500: All Gs500 years → Which year to buy? →
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

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Compare with another model

See how the 1994 Suzuki Gs500 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?