Why the old Suzuki Baleno remains a smart budget buy in 2025

ISLAMABAD: If you grew up in Pakistan in the early 2000s, chances are the Suzuki Baleno was part of the background—your neighbour drove one, your uncle took it on road trips, and at some point, you probably considered buying one yourself. Two decades on, the Baleno might no longer be in production locally, but it’s still firmly planted in Pakistan’s used car market.

Introduced by Pak Suzuki in 1998, the Baleno was a compact family sedan based on the international Suzuki Cultus Crescent (also known as the Esteem in some markets). With a fuel-injected 1.3-liter G13BB engine, either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission, and trim levels ranging from GLi to the more common JXR and JXL, it positioned itself above the smaller Mehran and Cultus in Suzuki’s local line-up.

For its time, the Baleno felt like a proper upgrade. It offered a smoother highway drive than the Cultus, better noise suppression, and a more refined suspension setup. You got power steering, factory air-conditioning, power windows in the higher trims, and most importantly—more space. It wasn’t luxurious by any stretch, but it did exactly what it promised: deliver dependable motoring in a neat, no-nonsense package.

While the original sedan was phased out by 2006 in Pakistan, Suzuki revived the “Baleno” name internationally in 2015 with a hatchback aimed at global markets. That version, however, was never launched locally by Pak Suzuki. Though a few units made their way to Pakistan through grey import channels, the vast majority of Balenos on the road here today are from the 1998–2005 sedan generation.

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Driving one today, it’s clear the Baleno is a product of its era. The steering is light and easy to manage in the city but offers little feedback. Suspension is soft and geared toward comfort, which is welcome over uneven roads but less confidence-inspiring at high speeds. On the plus side, fuel economy still holds up. Most owners report around 12 to 15 km/l in city conditions and a bit more on longer drives, provided the engine and injectors are well maintained. 

Inside, the cabin remains functional. The layout is simple and intuitive, with analog gauges and rotary HVAC controls. The seats are firm, and legroom is decent in both rows. Build quality is where time has taken a toll. Rattles, faded plastics, and sagging roof liners are common issues. But these are expected quirks in a 20-year-old sedan that was never engineered as a premium car to begin with. 

As of mid-2025, prices for used Suzuki Balenos vary widely. Earlier models from 1998 to 2000 can be found for around Rs600,000 to Rs900,000. These are usually high-mileage cars that may require some mechanical work or body attention. Mid-generation units—especially those from 2001 to 2003—tend to hover between Rs900,000 and Rs1.3 million depending on condition. The most desirable units are the 2004 and 2005 JXR or JXL models. Well-maintained examples, especially automatics with low mileage and original documentation, are often listed between Rs1.3 million and Rs1.6 million. 

Buyers should approach these listings with eyes wide open. Rust is a known issue, particularly around the rear wheel arches and underbody. Electrical gremlins—especially power windows and central locking—can crop up. Suspension components, if not recently replaced, will likely need attention. On the flip side, spare parts are widely available and relatively cheap, and the engine is simple enough that any competent mechanic can work on it. 

Ultimately, the Baleno isn’t a car you buy to turn heads. It’s a car you buy when you need basic transportation that’s reliable, inexpensive to run, and easy to live with. For many Pakistani households, it continues to check all three boxes. And while newer used cars like the Toyota Vitz or Suzuki Swift offer more tech, comfort, and safety, they also come at a higher price. The Baleno still makes a compelling case for budget-minded drivers who want to avoid kei cars or older hatchbacks with less road presence. 

It may not be modern, but in its own quiet way, the Suzuki Baleno is still relevant. And for a car built for utility and simplicity, that might just be its greatest achievement.

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