Second Hand Santro vs Grand i10 vs Wagon R: The Used Hatchback With Best Resale Value

Compact hatchbacks dominate the Indian used car market with their practicality, low running costs, and strong brand loyalty. Among the many options, the Hyundai Santro, Hyundai Grand i10, and Maruti Suzuki Wagon R consistently emerge as top picks for second hand car buyers.

All three hatchbacks offer distinct advantages, but differences in resale value, depreciation trends, and maintenance costs influence which one would suit you better. The CARS24’s 2024 used car market report suggests that hatchbacks retain the most resale value among other body types. A low depreciating car is always a great value proposition. Analysing real-world depreciation data, we help you decide the best pick amongst the three second hand cars in contention here.

Used Resale Value: Hyundai Santro vs Hyundai Grand i10 vs Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Hyundai was the second  best selling used car brand in India in 2024. The Santro brand name has been a vital contributor to the brand’s success in the country. The i10, followed by the Grand i10, further solidified Hyundai’s brand image of a strong contender in the hatchback segment. Meanwhile, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, continues to dominate the segment thanks to its unmatched practicality, frugality and reliability.

Key Talking Points from the Resale Value Data

• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R commands the strongest resale value: Even after years of ownership, used Wagon R’s average resale value remains significantly higher, thanks to Maruti’s unmatched service network, fuel-efficient engines, and brand loyalty in the used car market.

• Hyundai Santro offers a low entry point but depreciates faster: The new Santro launched in 2018 and discontinued in 2022, remains affordable to purchase second hand, but it loses value slightly faster compared to the Wagon R and Grand i10. The faster loss of resale value can be attributed to the car’s limited popularity followed by its discontinuation.

• Hyundai Grand i10 offers a balanced proposition: The Grand i10 strikes a middle ground, offering better refinement and premium feel compared to the Santro. The Grand i10, while being more affordable overall, also retains better resale value and offers a tad more features and space than the Santro.

• Top trims hold value better across all three: Higher variants with features like alloy wheels, touchscreen systems, and automatic gearboxes depreciate slower and enjoy consistent demand. Since these trims and their extra features become more accessible in the used car market, they retain value better than lower-spec variants. 

What This Means for You as a Buyer

If you prioritise strong resale value, reliable after-sales service, and minimal maintenance costs, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R stands out as the safest and the most practical choice. Its proven reputation for durability, fuel efficiency, and strong resale ensures that buyers face fewer surprises down the line. Even after five years, a well-maintained Wagon R can retain a healthy portion of its original value, making it a low-risk, high-reward purchase in the second hand car market.

If your preference leans towards a more refined driving experience, better interior quality, and premium features at an affordable price, a second hand Hyundai Grand i10 makes a compelling case. The Grand i10 offers a noticeably smoother ride, a well-finished cabin, and will be more comfortable in city traffic.

For budget-conscious buyers seeking a newer model without breaking the bank, the Hyundai Santro is a smart pick. It offers the freshness of a relatively recent launch, compact dimensions ideal for city use, and easy maintenance. The Santro excels as a practical daily driver, particularly for first-time car buyers or families looking for a dependable urban commuter with low running costs.

In short, the Wagon R is the best choice for long-term value retention, the Grand i10 caters to those wanting better refinement, and the Santro is perfect for buyers focused on affordability.

Depreciation Rates Over Time: Hyundai Santro vs Hyundai Grand i10 vs Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Depreciation significantly affects the resale value of a car. Even though hatchbacks overall retain excellent resale value, not all of them depreciate equally. Here is how the three hatchbacks compare in depreciation rates over five years:

Depreciation Insights and Takeaways

• Wagon R and Santro depreciate equally in the first year: Both the Wagon R and Santro lose around 26% of their value in the first year, reflecting their strong demand and affordable price points.

• Grand i10 matches Wagon R and Santro closely for the first two years: Over the first two years, the Hyundai Grand i10 mirrors the Wagon R and Santro in depreciation, showing that all three models retain their early value well.

• Depreciation trends converge by the third year: By year three, all three models—Wagon R, Grand i10, and Santro drop to around 37% depreciation, making them equally attractive for 2–3-year-old second hand buyers.

• Slightly faster depreciation for i10 and Santro after three years: After the third year, the Grand i10 and Santro depreciate marginally faster than the Wagon R, with the Grand i10 showing the highest value loss by the fifth year at 43.63%. Despite this trend the i10 and Grand i10 remain among the top-selling used cars in India.

• Wagon R retains the best long-term resale value: Thanks to its consistent demand and reliability, the Wagon R maintains slightly better value retention beyond the fourth and fifth years. This makes it the safer long-term investment among the three especially when considering buying an older used car.

Engine Options and Driving Experience

Hyundai Santro Engine and Transmission Options

• 1.1-litre petrol – 5-speed manual / AMT automatic

Hyundai Grand i10 Engine and Transmission Options

• 1.1-litre turbo-diesel (U2) – 5-speed manual 
• 1.2-litre petrol (Kappa) – 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Engine and Transmission Options

• 1.0-litre petrol – 5-speed manual / AMT automatic
• 1.2-litre petrol – 5-speed manual / AMT automatic

Driving Feel

• The Grand i10 offers a slightly more premium driving experience with refined engines and comfortable interiors.
• The Wagon R excels with frugality from its fuel-efficient engines. It’s also practical for family use with spacious interiors and easy city manoeuvrability.
• The Santro’s engine has been proven to be very reliable and is ideal for first-time car buyers seeking a no-fuss city commuter.

Five-Year Maintenance Cost Comparison

Keeping running costs low is crucial, and periodic maintenance costs play a vital role in adding to the running cost of the car. When buying a second hand hatchback these costs should be kept into consideration to get maximum long term value for money as well as making a better purchase decision. Here’s how annual maintenance costs stack up for the three hatchbacks over five years of ownership:

Hyundai Santro Maintenance Costs

Hyundai Grand i10 Maintenance Costs

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Maintenance Costs

Maintenance Insights

• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is the cheapest to maintain: Featuring among the lowest maintenance cars in India, the Wagon R’s five-year service cost is the lowest among the three hatchbacks here. Maruti Suzuki is popularly known for manufacturing low maintenance cars and the Wagon R reaffirming its reputation as the budget champion.

• Hyundai Santro offers low running costs: With slightly higher service costs than the Wagon R, used Santro remains an economical choice for long term maintenance considerations. The engine has been used for many years by Hyundai and finding parts will not be difficult despite the hatchback now being discontinued.

• Hyundai Grand i10 offers a balance of refinement and cost: Cumulative maintenance costs over five years are the highest in this comparison albeit, just slightly. While the Grand i10’s service costs are higher than the Wagon R’s,  it fairly matches up to the Santro’s service cost over five years, and justifies them with more space, better cabin quality and features.

Conclusion

Choosing between a second hand Hyundai Santro, Hyundai Grand i10, and Maruti Suzuki Wagon R depends on your priorities. If strong resale value, low running costs, and practicality matter most, the Wagon R is the undisputed winner. The Hyundai i10 was succeeded by the Grand i10 and was always considered to be a more premium option compared to the Wagon R. Thus, if you seek refinement and comfort at an affordable price, the Hyundai Grand i10 presents a balanced choice. For budget-conscious buyers wanting an easy-to-drive and maintained city car, as well as first-time drivers and owners will find the Santro appealing. No matter which model you pick, CARS24’s certified used cars come with a 30-day warranty and the option of a 12-month extended warranty for complete peace of mind.