Buying a used Maruti Ciaz: What to look out for

GOOD FOR: Spacious cabin, efficient engines 

LOOK OUT FOR: Suspension wear, MGU recall

The Ciaz is Maruti’s competitor in the C-segment of sedans, and it has always stood out for its comfy and roomy cabin, easy-to-drive nature and efficient engines. The Ciaz was last updated in 2018, which brought in tweaked styling, more features and new engines. Even though it’s on its way out, the Ciaz makes sense for family buyers, especially when you can get a used one for the price of a new small hatchback. Here’s what you need to know when buying one.

Maruti Ciaz powertrain and fuel efficiency

The Ciaz was available with both petrol and diesel engine options

A big talking point on the updated Ciaz was its new engines. At launch, Maruti introduced the 103hp, 138Nm, 1.5-litre K15B four-cylinder petrol motor with mild-hybrid tech. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic, with an ARAI-certified fuel economy of 21.56kpl and 20.28kpl, respectively. 

Also part of the line-up was the familiar Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre diesel that made 90hp and 200Nm. It was paired with a 5-speed manual only and had a claimed efficiency of 28.09kpl. A few months down the line, Maruti also introduced its in-house developed 1.5-litre diesel engine, which made 95hp and 225Nm, although it was only on sale for about a year before it got discontinued due to BS6 emission norms. This engine was paired with a 6-speed manual only and had an ARAI-rated fuel economy of 26.82kpl.

You should choose the engine option depending on your usage. If your usage is primarily in the city with the occasional highway trip, the petrol makes sense, and you even get the added convenience of an automatic gearbox. But if you are going to do a lot of running, especially on highways, one of the diesels makes more sense. Go for the 1.5 as it’s more powerful and refined, but remember spares could be an issue, and finding one will be tricky.

Maruti Ciaz variants, features and after-sales support

The top-spec Ciaz was equipped with  7-inch infotainment, auto AC, and all-LED lighting 

As for trim levels, there were four at launch – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. Maruti even introduced an ‘S’ variant in 2020 that was based on the top-spec Alpha but received sportier styling and an all-black interior theme. In terms of features, the range-topping Alpha comes with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto climate control, LED headlamps and tail-lamps, 16-inch alloys, leatherette upholstery, cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start/stop, a rear camera, two airbags, and much more. It’s worth going for the top two trims given all the features they pack in, but if you are on a budget, the Delta variants have the basics covered. 

The Ciaz is backed by Maruti’s widespread service network in our country, which should give you that peace of mind when buying a used one. Maintenance is just like you would expect from a Maruti – spare parts are readily available and do not cost a fortune.

What to look out for in a used Maruti Ciaz

Suspension wear

Some owners have reported premature wear of the suspension bushings, though it’s not an expensive fix. Take a test drive, and drive through a rough patch of road and listen out for any thuds or rattling from the suspension, as these are signs of worn bushings.

MGU recall

Maruti had also issued a voluntary recall for Ciaz mild-hybrid models manufactured between January 1, 2019, and November 21, 2019, due to a potential defect in the Motor Generator Unit (MGU). If found defective, it was replaced free of charge. So, if you are looking at a used example from this time frame, ensure this recall has been taken care of.

Infotainment issues

Check that the SmartPlay infotainment touchscreen functions smoothly, pairs up with your phone easily, and doesn’t disconnect randomly. Being an older unit, owners have faced issues with it. Also make sure that the system’s software is up to date.

Other things to check

Being a sedan with a long wheelbase, the Ciaz is susceptible to underbody damage, which is best inspected before you go on to make the purchase. Also hear out for any rattles coming from behind the dashboard while taking a test drive.

Pre-owned Maruti Ciaz price and resale value

Depending upon the quality, a used Ciaz should cost between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 7 lakh

The Ciaz is an old model, and demand isn’t much in the used market. Still, being a Maruti, it does command a decent resale value. Look to spend anywhere between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 7 lakh for a used Ciaz, depending on the model year, variant and powertrain option.