What You Should Know About Buying a Used Maruti Suzuki Dzire: Pros, Cons, and Common Issues

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire has long held its spot as India's top-selling sedan of all time, and for good reason. Apart from the staggering sale records, it's also famous for its mileage, low maintenance, and silky smooth ride. If you’re considering a used Maruti Suzuki Dzire, you're certainly not alone. 

However, buying a second hand car can feel like entering a maze blindfolded. You may think you’ve done your research, but the "what ifs" constantly haunt you. What if the engine has been overworked? What if you end up paying more for repairs than you actually paid for the car? 

In this blog, we'll discuss the pros, cons, and what you should look out for while purchasing a second hand Dzire.

Pros of Buying a Second hand Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Here are some of the best things about the Maruti Suzuki Dzire that you should know before you go out looking for one in the market:

1. Well-established track record of Reliability

Maruti Suzuki has maintained a track record of producing long-lasting, reliable cars, and the Dzire is no different. Known for its bulletproof 1.2L K-Series petrol engine and simple, fuss-free mechanicals, the Dzire has consistently performed well in long-term ownership reviews. Whether it's an older first-generation Dzire or a newer one, Dzire's reputation of reliability is a major plus in its favour; even a 5-6-year-old Dzire will keep running as smoothly as new with proper maintenance.

2. Fuel Efficiency

This car is one of the most fuel-efficient compact sedans in India. Depending on the variant and model year, a second hand Dzire can provide you with a fuel efficiency of 18 to 24 km/l and easily beats most other compact sedans out there. If you drive your car frequently, this alone can save you tens of thousands of rupees annually.

3. Low Maintenance

Another reason the Dzire is in demand is because of the inexpensive and easily available spares, thanks to Maruti’s vast service network. Repairing doesn't dent your wallet, and most Indian mechanics are familiar with Maruti models, so you won't be scrambling to find someone to get your car repaired quickly and cheaply.

4. Plenty of Features (If You Pick the Right Variant)

The high-end trims of the Dzire, such as the ZXi or ZDi, offer premium features including a touchscreen infotainment system, reverse parking sensors, push-button start, automatic climate control, and even LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) in newer models. If you opt for a top-end second hand trim, you might enjoy premium amenities at the cost of a base-model hatchback.

5. Strong Resale Value

Even after a couple of years, the Dzire retains its price better than most of its rivals. Therefore, if you plan to resell in a couple of years, you will not incur a significant financial loss. In fact, our data suggests that even Dzires aged 5–7 years often fetch resale values of over ₹3.5–4 lakh, which speaks volumes about their reliability and sustained demand. 

Cons of Buying a Second Hand Dzire

Although the Maruti Dzire has numerous advantages, users in India have identified some drawbacks. Here are some of them:

1. Cab Usage Risk

Due to its price and mileage, most of the Dzires are kept as fleet or taxi vehicles. Hence, it is very likely that if you find a Dzire with 1 lakh+ km on the odometer, it is a cab. Verify service history and ownership papers before buying.

2. Build Quality Isn't the Best

Let's be honest, Maruti cars have always been trolled for their poor build quality and for making unsafe cars. And to be honest, it is true to some extent. The Dzire has a very poor build quality compared to rivals like the Hyundai i20 or Tata Tigor. Although the 2024 models have received a 5-star safety rating, the older models fall short. 

3. No Diesel Variant in New Models

If you are inclined towards a second hand Dzire just because you want a diesel engine, be careful. Maruti stopped manufacturing the diesel version of the Dzire in 2020. Therefore, if fuel efficiency on diesel is your topmost priority, you'll be left with old models (which could be non-BS6 compliant and worthless when it comes to resale).

4. Lower Variants Feel Too Basic

While the higher variants have a lot of features, the lower variants end up being very bare-bones with no touchscreen infotainment system, no rear AC vents, manual ORVMs, no LED DRLs or projector headlamps, and fabric seats that degrade quickly. Hence, you'll mostly end up replacing most of them at your own cost.

Common Issues in Second Hand Dzire Variants

Here are some of the most common problems that the owners of the Dzire have faced:

1. Suspension Wear and Tear

Most Dzire owners have reported that the suspension becomes slightly bouncy or noisy after 50,000-60,000 km, especially if the car has been used extensively on rough roads. Check for knocking sounds and check the shock absorbers thoroughly when inspecting the car.

2. Clutch and Gearbox Issues

The manual clutch of the Dzire will wear out much quicker if the previous owner has driven the car aggressively. If you feel resistance while gear-shifting or feel the clutch is too loose or too tight, it indicates a replacement that will cost you ₹6,000–₹10,000.

3. Electrical Glitches

Certain older Dzires (notably those produced between 2015-2018) suffer from electrical problems such as power window malfunctioning, non-responsive infotainment systems, or dead batteries. These are not deal breakers, but must be examined before purchasing. 

4. Rust in Older Models

In tropical, hot, and humid areas or where roads are heavily sandy-covered (i.e., coastal areas), previous Dzires (pre-2013) might rust, particularly in the wheel arch and underbody section. Check carefully or have a mechanic inspect for rust damage always.

5. AC Not Cooling Properly

After 4-5 years, the AC compressor of some Dzire models loses strength, especially if maintenance is not regular. And we're sure you wouldn't want to drive a car with a non-cooling AC in Indian summers.

Final Words: Is a Used Dzire Worth It?

A used Dzire is definitely worth it, but only if you shop carefully. The Maruti Suzuki Dzire remains one of the most preferred cars among Indian consumers for all the right reasons: fuel efficiency, value for money, and resale value. But before you buy one, know what you are getting yourself into.

If you do your research, check the car well, and don't get swayed by just the bright paint job, an old Dzire can be a highly value-for-money purchase that remains with you for years to come.