About the car

The Maruti Alto has earned the distinction of being the best selling hatchback in the world. In India , it has been a preferred choice for many car buyers, especially first timers. The Alto carries a lot of traits like reliability, fuel efficiency, low cost of maintenance and also Maruti’s nation-wide service network has made it a best seller, specially in semi-urban and rural areas.

The K10 variant was introduced into the Alto in 2010, being part of Maruti’s K-series engines. It added some zest in to the ageing car and became quite popular. The 1.0-litre, 67bhp engine is quite peppy. Apart from the engine, the exteriors and interiors were spruced up too. The car looks better than its earlier versions and adds a little more space inside, specially the rear knee room.

The engine is free-revving and has good power. It is fuel efficient and will return around 15 km/l in the city. The compact dimensions of the car make it very easy to use in the city, though it is not the most spacious car inside.

What to look for

Used Altos generally have body rattle. Check for door panel noise and rattle from the dashboard. Check for suspension wear and underbody damage. Usually the suspension lasts for around 35000-40000 kms. Rust is another area of concern. Check for rust in the radiator, if there are traces of rust, then it might need replacement soon. A 50,000kms run car will need an overhaul, if not maintained too well. The AC vents need to checked for internal breakage. Battery generally lasts 3-4 years, depending upon usage. Check if all documents are in place, including insurance.

Frequently replaced parts price:

The Alto generally sells at a premium price even in the used car market, as it is one of the most sought after cars. However, after the advent of the new generation Alto, you might be able to get a good deal on a 2010-2014 version. A good condition car should range between Rs.2.0 Lakhs –2.5 Lakhs for the VXi variant.