Buying a Second Hand Maruti Suzuki Celerio: Things you should know

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is a hatchback that impresses urban dwellers even in used form. Ever since its launch in India in 2014, the car has been kept up to date, thanks to a generational upgrade in 2021, in terms of both technology and features.

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio debuted the automaker’s Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) in 2014. In 2024, used Celerios were extremely popular with the automatic gearbox, outpacing the overall industry demand. We take a closer look at what you need to keep in mind, before buying a used Maruti Celerio.

Maruti Suzuki Celerio: Model Overview

When it arrived 11 years ago, the Maruti Celerio replaced the A-Star and the Zen Estilo. The Celerio was available in four variants - LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi+. The second generation Celerio was introduced in 2021 which was a substantial improvement in several key areas.

Now, the Celerio sits between the Wagon R and the Swift in Maruti Suzuki’s range in India and is offered solely with a K10C petrol engine that is also compatible with running on CNG.

Maruti Suzuki Celerio - First Generation (2014-2021)

When it was originally introduced, the Celerio came with a K10B petrol engine which also powered the Wagon R. The motor produced 67 bhp and 90 Nm and was extremely fuel efficient, returning a claimed 23 km/l. While a 5-speed manual transmission was offered as standard, the Celerio’s key highlight was the 5-speed AMT gearbox which introduced an affordable and efficient automatic option to the masses.

The Celerio was also offered with a 793cc diesel engine for a brief period (2015-2017). The 2-cylinder diesel engine, although underpowered (47 bhp), produced a decent amount of torque (125 Nm) and was more fuel-efficient claiming 27.62 km/l. 

The Celerio was available with two airbags for safety; it came with alloy wheels and offered a practical boot capacity of 235 litres. 

Maruti Suzuki Celerio - Second Generation (2021-Present)

The second generation Maruti Celerio is based on the Heartect platform that underpins the current-gen Wagon R and Ignis. As a result, it is longer, wider, and has a larger wheelbase than its predecessor.

At present, the hatchback is only offered in petrol and CNG guises, with both versions using a K10C 1.0-litre petrol engine that has proven to be a workhorse, just like its predecessor.

Unlike its predecessor, though, the hatchback is equipped with more safety features and technology. It is offered with 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearbox options. The Celerio continues to offer four variants - LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi+, with the AMT available only for the top three trims.

Maintenance and service costs of the Maruti Celerio

The Maruti Celerio is known to be a reliable car and has been among the top sellers in its segment since its launch. One of the major parameters to consider while deciding to buy a second hand Maruti Celerio is service cost, for it affects the overall cost of ownership in the long run.

Below is the service cost breakdown of the Maruti Celerio:

Maruti Suzuki has the strongest presence among all carmakers present in India, boasting the largest dealership network service centres. As a result, it is easy to get the hatchback serviced and find spares.

Buying a used car with lower mileage would often save you the trouble of spending too much out of pocket. A higher-mileage car, one with over 60,000 km, however, may require a comprehensive service after a thorough inspection.
 
Depending on usage, one might need to look into replacing the spark plugs (in petrol models), fuel injectors, brake discs and pads, and clutch plate. The following are the costs that may be involved:

• Engine: A high mileage Maruti Celerio might be in need of some care, and part replacement will be part of it. A set of spark plugs for a Celerio cost ₹370, while the fuel filter would come at around ₹1,200.
• Brakes: In order to maintain proper stopping power, it is imperative that the brake pads are inspected at regular intervals and, if needed, changed. The same goes for the discs. A pair of discs cost around ₹2,200, while the pads cost around ₹2,500.

• Clutch: Based on usage, the clutch needs to be changed between the 60,000 and 80,000 km mark. The clutch plate of the Celerio would cost ₹2,000.

   

Resale value of the Maruti Celerio

The Maruti Celerio has a good reputation among buyers for being an efficient and no-nonsense car. It is available at affordable rates, thanks to its entry-level pricing. The resale value depends upon several factors, such as:

• Model year: The first generation Maruti Celerio is over a decade old now. The second-generation models will have a better resale value than the first-generation ones.
• Location: The place of registration plays a major role in the valuation of a car. Models primarily used around coastal areas would be valued lower than those primarily used in cities.
• Variant: Higher variants such as the ZXi and ZXi+ with more features generally command a better resale value than lower variants.
• Condition: A well-maintained Maruti Celerio that has had its periodic services done at authorised service centres will command a better resale value.

• Mileage: A Maruti Celerio with low mileage will naturally command a higher resale value than one that has more kilometres on the odometer.

   

Common problems with the Maruti Celerio

The Celerio has proven to be reliable. Nonetheless, it does come with its own teething issues, and one needs to take note of them. Here are a few common problems with the Maruti Celerio:

• Transmission: Users have reported problems with the AMT, which results in  jerky gear changes and reliability issues.
• Diesel engine: The first generation Celerio came with a diesel engine that is known to produce loud clattering noise that will worsen with time.

• Interior: While the Maruti Celerio does come with the latest features, its interior plastic quality leaves room for improvement at certain places.

   

Technical Specifications of the 2025 Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Conclusion

For those looking to buy their first car to be primarily used inside the city and for those looking for a reliable workhorse, a second hand Maruti Celerio would prove to be an able companion. 

It will take people from point A to B without much fuss, provided one chooses the petrol variants. The Celerio is not without its faults, but more than makes up for its shortcomings by being a simple, easy-to-use hatchback that will not burn a hole through a user's wallet.