Used car buying guide: Maruti Suzuki Dzire

GOOD FOR: Reliability, Fuel efficiency

LOOK OUT FOR: Interior rattles, Touchscreen issues

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire has built a reputation for being a reliable, frugal and practical compact sedan, all of which make it a great contender for a used buy. But before you go ahead and buy one, here’s all that you need to know.

The third-gen Dzire was launched in 2017, with a significant styling change, both inside and out, and more equipment than before. It offered a good blend of space, practicality, comfort and features, which struck a chord with buyers.

The Dzire was launched with petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol unit was an 83hp, 113Nm, 1.2-litre engine, while the diesel was a 75hp, 190Nm, 1.3-litre unit. Gearbox options for both engines included a 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT automatic. However, the Dzire diesel was discontinued in March 2020, following Maruti’s decision to axe all diesels from its line-up ahead of the implementation of BS6 emission norms.

A highlight of the Dzire is its excellent fuel efficiency, which will be appreciated by buyers, given the current fuel prices in the country. When it was launched, Maruti claimed fuel economy figures of 22kpl for the petrols, while the diesels were said to do an astonishing 28.4kpl. While these figures seldom translate into the real world, most Dzire owners still managed to get about 17kpl and 22kpl for the petrols and diesels, respectively.

The 2017 to 2020 Dzire was available in four trim levels – L, V, Z and Z Plus. In terms of equipment, the range-topping Z Plus trims feature auto LED headlights, diamond-cut alloy wheels, the 7.0-inch SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a reverse camera, auto climate control, push-button start, keyless entry, electrically adjustable and foldable outside mirrors, and rear AC vents. Safety features include anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX child-seat mounts.

The Dzire was sold in four engine-gearbox combinations and four trim levels, which made for a plethora of options to choose from. Hence, picking the right one can be puzzling. In terms of engine and gearbox, your usage will determine your choice.

The peppy petrol engine coupled with the manual gearbox is the one to go for if you enjoy driving, while the AMT auto with the petrol makes for an ideal urban runabout. The diesel engine, meanwhile, packs a punch and is very fuel efficient as well, but it lags behind in the refinement department. However, the diesels are the one to go for if your usage includes a lot of highway miles. Furthermore, as you can’t buy a brand-new diesel Dzire anymore, this makes them more appealing.

If you are on a tight budget, opt for either the V or Z trim cars as they cover all the basic features. However, if budget is not an issue, you should go for the top-spec Z plus models as they help you see the Dzire in its best light, thanks to premium features like the LED headlamps and 7.0-inch touchscreen.

As with all Maruti Suzuki cars, the Dzire has one of the lowest maintenance costs in the segment. Spares are available readily and Maruti Suzuki’s widespread service network only sweetens the deal further.

Buyer, beware…

Interior rattles

Take a test drive and listen for any rattles coming from the dashboard and doors. A few Dzire owners have complained about rattling sounds in the cabin, likely coming from loose interior panels as the car gets older.

AMT gearbox

Ensure that the AMT gearbox shifts smoothly and that the car gets off the line without any jerks. AMTs are susceptible to early clutch wear, so it’s best to inspect this before buying.

Brake wear

While on a test drive also notice if there’s a screeching sound coming from the brakes or if there are some vibrations to be felt while braking. This is a sign of worn-out brake pads and in certain cases even the discs, which will have to be replaced.

Also worth knowing

Maruti Suzuki issued a recall for 713 Dzires manufactured between May 7 and July 5, 2018, for a possible fault in the airbag controller unit. If you’re looking at an example that’s been produced in this period, it’s best to confirm that this problem has been rectified. Furthermore, on the top-spec Z Plus variants, ensure that the touchscreen functions smoothly because some owners have faced issues with it.

How much to spend

Rs 5.5 lakh - 7.5 lakh

Given that it’s a hugely popular Maruti Suzuki model with low depreciation, a used Dzire tends to hold its value well in the used market. Spending anywhere between Rs 5.5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh then, depending on the variant, engine-gearbox combination and mileage, represents decent value. Furthermore, the introduction of the facelift last year should help you haggle a bit for these 2017-2020 models.

Also see:

Used car buying guide: Mahindra Marazzo