2021 Suzuki Swift Sport: Should you buy recond or brand-new from Naza?

Prior to the return of Suzuki in Malaysia, those who wanted to buy the fourth-generation (ZC33S) Suzuki Swift Sport had to resort to reconditioned units, as recond dealers have been selling that model since 2019.

But that will soon change, as Suzuki has returned to Malaysia under Naza. In the process, the company has introduced the fourth-generation (ZC33S) Swift Sport in Malaysia.

So, the question is: now that potential buyers have the option of a reconditioned unit or a brand-new unit, which is a better buy?

Buy recond if you are an enthusiast that values a six-speed manual

Unlike the last two Swift Sport generations that were sold in Malaysia, the officially-imported ZC33S-generation model can only be had with a six-speed automatic transmission. Sorry manual enthusiasts, no official units for you.

Recond dealers typically offer plenty of options, but as usual, we generally temper such recommendations with caution as no two recond units are the same. Obtaining a genuine copy of the car's inspection sheet yourself from independent service providers is crucial (never trust the dealer's copy).

A quick check on several car listing sites indicate that there's only one recond dealer that offers the Swift Sport with the all-important stick shift and clutch pedal.

The one dealer that offers a manual-equipped Suzuki Swift Sport is Yap Brothers Group - the very same dealer that first brought in the ZC33S Swift Sport back in 2019.

In fact, recond units of the Swift Sport are better equipped than units sold by Naza, as they get larger 17-inch alloy wheels and some units are equipped with Suzuki's ADAS suite. 

Being an enthusiast model, we believe that most of you would eventually end up modifying your Swift Sport anyway; we’re no exception here. Our colleague, Shaun, has fallen into that pit as well.

As such, considering that the recond units come without a warranty, it might be a better idea for those who plans to squeeze more power out of the K14C engine, or further improve the handling aspects of the little hatchback.

Just remember that no two recond units are the same, so it’s crucial to buy a recond unit from the right dealer. In addition, you will have to deal with a Japanese multi-info display and infotainment system.

Buy brand-new for a better peace-of-mind

However, if buying a recond car sounds like too much of a hassle and risk for you, then a brand-new unit from Naza might be a better option.

After all, you are getting a brand-new car that has no prior owners (recond cars are essentially imported used cars), so there’s no sketchy history to deal with.

Furthermore, units brought in by Naza are only fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission – bad news for enthusiasts, but good news for majority of car buyers in Malaysia. As a consolation, the automatic Swift Sport offers paddle shifters.

Buying a brand-new unit also means that the car is covered by a warranty – in this case a 3-year/100,000-km factory warranty.

Pricing – how much are you willing to pay?

In Malaysia, a brand-new Swift Sport is priced at RM 139,900, while prices of a reconditioned unit hovers around RM 130,000.

While a reconditioned unit appears to be cheaper, keep in mind that it is still a used car and prices are reflected as such.

The cheaper manual version is a no-brainer option for potential owners to wants to modify their car.

Also Read: A recond Toyota Alphard/Vellfire is nearly RM 44k cheaper than UMW Toyota's official import, should you buy the recond?

Conclusion – Are you an enthusiast or just a regular buyer?

At the end of the day, if you’re choosing between these two models, ask yourself if you’re alright with driving a manual transmission day in and day out, through traffic jams during peak hours. A true enthusiast wouldn't be bothered with crawling through traffic in a manual transmission. 

Buying a reconditioned Swift Sport is a bit like a lottery – you don’t know what stuff the previous owner fitted to the car. Maybe he fitted the car with an LSD or did a remap? Those kind of stuff won’t be visible to the recond dealers or auction staff.

Or are you the type that just wants to stand out in a crowd and don’t care too much about a manual transmission? If so, then buying a brand-new unit offers the best peace-of-mind. 

For the former, the reconditioned Swift Sport is a much better proposition. Just remember to do your due diligences when buying a reconditioned car – get the auction sheet and remember that no two recond units are the same.