Automatic vs. Manual Transmission in pre owned Maruti Suzuki Dzire: Which is the Most Popular?

When considering a second hand compact sedan, a used Maruti Suzuki Dzire is one of those promising contenders that’s very likely to feature in your shortlisted cars. It is hassle-free, fuel-efficient, easy to repair, has excellent resale value and consistently ranks among the top used cars in India. However, the one question that many used car buyers struggle with is - "Should I buy the manual or the automatic version?" 

One way to solve this dilemma is to find out which one is in greater demand in the second hand car market. But there are some other considerations involved too. In this blog, we cover several aspects on this topic so as to help you decide which is the right used Maruti Suzuki Dzire variant for you.

Why is Dzire Such a Hot Seller in the pre owned Market?

Before we go on and weigh the two gearbox options, let's understand why the Dzire sells so well in the pre owned car market. Here are some reasons why:

• Petrol and diesel engine options with excellent fuel efficiency
• Low maintenance cost
• Reliable Maruti service network
• Plenty of features for the money
• Good resale value

All these factors make the Dzire one of the most preferred choices in the sedan segment, particularly among first-time buyers, and if you travel in the city.

And now let's proceed with the actual debate: Automatic vs. Manual in used Maruti Suzuki Dzires.

Manual Transmission Dzire: Old-Fashioned but Still Popular

A manual Dzire gives you complete command of the vehicle. For those who enjoy the driving experience or frequently cover long distances on highways, the manual option remains highly desirable.

Pros of buying a manual Dzire:

• Better fuel economy: Expect around 20–22 km/l in real-world highway conditions with the petrol manual. Even the older diesel variants could hit 24–25 km/l
• Lower purchase cost: On average, manual Dzires are ₹40,000–₹70,000 cheaper than equivalent automatic trims in the used car market
• Cheaper to maintain: Manual transmissions are mechanically simpler, with lower clutch and gearbox repair costs over the long run
• More control: Whether you’re driving uphill or overtaking, the manual version allows you to control power with greater precision

Cons of buying a manual Dzire:

• It can be a hassle to drive in traffic: Frequent changing of gears becomes frustrating when stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic
• Not suitable for new drivers: Driving a manual requires experience and familiarity with how the gears, clutch, and other things work

Automatic Transmission Dzire: Comfort First

The automatic transmission Dzire employs an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), which is essentially a manual transmission controlled by a computer, so there is no gear shift or clutch involved.

Pros of buying an automatic Dzire

• Effortless in city traffic: Tired of shifting your clutch while stopping and starting? Simply move it to drive and you’re good to go
• Perfect for new drivers: A gentle learning process that doesn’t distract you and is perfect for those new to driving or for elderly individuals
• Decent fuel efficiency: Real-world mileage for the petrol AGS version stands at around 18–20 km/l, only slightly lower than the manual
• Higher resale appeal: The demand for automatics has increased significantly, to the point where automatic Dzire models from previous years are sold for ₹25,000–₹50,000 more than the same model with a manual transmission

Cons of buying an automatic Dzire:

• Costlier upfront: Expect to pay ₹40,000–₹70,000 more for an AGS model in the second hand market
• Not the smoothest shifter: Gear changes can feel jerky at low speeds or on inclines, which is typical AMT behaviour
• Not a performance pick: There’s a slight lag during overtakes or rapid acceleration compared to CVTs found in rival cars

What Do Buyers Generally Prefer in the Used Car Market?

When it comes to buyer preference, the answer is not so simple to answer.

1. Manual Still Rules in Quantity

Manual Dzires are preferred over automatics when it comes to the used car segment. The reason lies primarily with the following:

• The manual was the only option for several decades
• Fleet operators (such as cab services) use the manual version due to lower operating costs
• Rural and small-town markets favour cars with manual transmissions

2. Automatics Are Gaining Popularity

Automatic Dzire sales have also caught up quite well since 2017. Due to deteriorating traffic conditions and the presence of a younger population that is inclined toward comfort over control, the AMT variant of Dzire has gained a decent following.

In metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, automatic Dzire variants are nearly as popular as manuals, particularly with:

• First-time automobile buyers
• Female drivers
• Elderly users
• Daily commuters who travel through heavy traffic

3. Automatic Variants Have Better Resale Value

Automatic variants fetch marginally higher resale values, which is an indication of high demand. So, if you buy an automatic variant, you'll likely get a much better price when you sell it in the future.

Price Comparison: Used Dzire Automatic and Manual Variants

Here is an estimated price comparison of both options in the market: 

Note: Prices differ based on the city, mileage, and age of the vehicle.

Who Should Buy What?

Go for the Manual Dzire If:

• You drive on highways more than in traffic
• You prefer a traditional and more in-control driving experience
• You wish to save on starting costs
• You don't mind gear shifts and clutch

Choose the Automatic Dzire If:

• You reside in a busy city
• You prefer hassle-free driving
• You are learning to drive or want to teach someone
• You are willing to spend a little more for comfort

Final Verdict: Which One Wins?

Based on numbers alone, the Dzire manual remains more popular, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. However, among people who live in busy cities and want more convenience and newer models, automatic is gaining popularity rapidly. In most cities, the automatic variant is already the preferred choice. So essentially, the winner depends on where you live, how you drive, and what you prioritise more: control or convenience.

Whether you opt for the manual or the automatic Dzire, you're still getting one of India's most reliable and value-packed sedans. Just ensure to check your service history, get your used car checked, and get the best deal possible.