Buying a second hand alto in India is a smart, budget-friendly move—easy to maintain, nimble in traffic, and cheap to run. With the right inspection and paperwork, you can land a clean city car that holds its value well. This guide compares the 2015–2019 and 2020–2025 model years, explains real-world mileage, and lists city-wise price ranges to benchmark your negotiations.
Mileage and Fuel Options
Alto has been popular both in petrol and CNG variants.
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Petrol owners often report mileage in the 20+ km/l range under typical Indian conditions.
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Factory or RTO-approved CNG kits can return efficiency above 30 km/kg, making it one of the most economical hatchbacks to run in the city.
Always ask the seller whether the car is factory-fitted CNG or retrofitted. For retrofitted cars, double-check the RTO endorsement on the RC book.
Quick Pre-Purchase Checks (Do This First)
Before shortlisting, focus on these essentials:
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Service History
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Original invoices or a digital service record tell you more than the odometer alone.
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A regularly serviced Alto will likely be in better shape than a low-mileage car with no records.
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Test Drive
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Check cold start noise, clutch bite point, and smooth gear shifts.
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Look for smoke from the exhaust, uneven braking, or steering that pulls to one side.
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Inspection
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Scan for oil leaks, coolant leaks, suspension bush wear, and uneven tyre wear.
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Inspect rust-prone areas like door sills, underbody, and boot floor.
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Paperwork
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Verify the RC, valid insurance (check No Claim Bonus and IDV details), Pollution Certificate, and loan clearance certificate (if previously financed).
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For CNG cars, confirm the hydro-test date and RTO endorsement.
💡 Pro Tip: A quick OBD scan from a workshop can help uncover hidden error codes or misfires, strengthening your negotiation.
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2015–2019 Models: Value Snapshot & Things to Check
These years cover Alto 800 and K10 models that offered lightweight design, zippy performance, and low running costs.
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Safety Features: As you move closer to 2019, more trims started including ABS and airbags. Always confirm safety equipment on the specific variant.
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Ownership Pattern: Prefer single-owner, family-used cars with moderate mileage and complete service history.
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Condition Focus: Check clutch wear, suspension noise, and battery age in cars of this range.
2020–2025 Models: BS6 Updates & Market Standing
From 2020 onwards, Alto models came with BS6-compliant engines that improved refinement and reduced emissions. In 2022, the new-gen Alto K10 arrived with an updated design, more features, and AMT options.
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Warranty Balance: Cars from this period may still have active manufacturer warranty, which adds peace of mind.
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Features Checklist: Touchscreen infotainment, airbags, parking sensors, and modern interiors were introduced in higher trims.
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Variant Choice: If considering AMT, test crawl function and upshift smoothness in traffic. For CNG, confirm the endorsement and service records.
Ownership Costs and Maintenance
One of Alto’s biggest advantages is its low running and ownership costs.
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Routine Service: Affordable and widely available at Maruti service centers as well as independent garages.
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Common Wear Parts: Filters, brake pads, and wipers are inexpensive and easily sourced.
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Tyres and Battery: Typically last several years; replacements are affordable compared to larger cars. Always check age and condition before finalizing a deal.
Negotiation and Final Math
After your inspection and test drive, document issues like worn tyres, weak battery, faded paint, or expiring insurance. A reasonable adjustment can often be achieved when you present these points clearly. Always include RTO transfer charges, hypothecation removal fees (if the car was financed), and insurance transfer costs when calculating your final payout.
Fast Safety & Condition Pointers
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For CNG cars, confirm hydro-test date and RTO endorsement on the RC.
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Avoid flood or accident cases by checking for rust under carpets, uneven panel gaps, and overspray.
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In AMT variants, check crawl behavior and upshift smoothness in stop-go traffic.
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Confirm both keys, toolkit, spare wheel, and functioning electricals such as AC, power windows, and infotainment.
Conclusion
A well-inspected Alto can be a dependable daily companion with excellent running economy and unmatched parts availability. Use city-wise ranges from classifieds as negotiation anchors, then adjust for condition, ownership, and service history. Shortlist two or three cars, run a quick OBD scan, and compute the final price including transfer costs before sealing the deal. With the right due diligence, a second hand Alto offers one of the best value-for-money ownership experiences in India.
