Buying a Used Maruti Suzuki Swift: Things To Consider

The Maruti Suzuki Swift is one of the most loved hatchbacks in India. It is acclaimed for its mix of sportiness, practicality and reliability. These traits have made the hatchback quite the success story in India and it dominates the used car market, as the best selling model in 2024.

The premium hatchback was launched in India in 2005 and since then, four generations of the Swift have been running on our roads. Over three million units have been sold in India since inception so there are a lot of used Maruti Swift cars on offer. This guide should help you choose a used one wisely. 

Evolution Of The Maruti Suzuki Swift In India:

The Maruti Suzuki Swift debuted in 2005. Since then, it has undergone four generational updates and received new, evolving powertrains as well. Here’s a look at the hatchback’s timeline in India:

First-Generation Maruti Suzuki Swift 2005-2011:

The 2005-2011 Maruti Suzuki Swift stood out from its competition thanks to its sporty styling. The Swift was first launched with a 1.3-litre petrol engine borrowed from the Esteem. 2007 marked the arrival of the diesel variant which featured a new 1.3-litre DDiS diesel powertrain. Both powertrains featured a five-speed manual gearbox.

Second-Generation Maruti Suzuki Swift 2011-2018:

The 2011-2018 Swift featured an updated styling that focused more on premiumness and comfort than sportiness. It was larger, wider and taller than its predecessor and had a 40mm longer wheelbase, resulting in better cabin space. The hatchback featured petrol and diesel engines as well but the 1.3-litre petrol engine was replaced with a modern 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine.

Third-Generation Maruti Suzuki Swift 2018-2024:

The 2018-2024 Swift was the sportiest looking one of all generations sold here. It was underpinned by Maruti Suzuki’s new HEARTECT platform which was 80 kilos lighter yet stronger than the previous iterations. 

While it featured the previous generation’s 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre powertrains, it now offered them with AMT gearbox options. In 2020, Maruti Suzuki discontinued the diesel powertrain and replaced the 1.2 K-Series petrol with a new 1.2 DualJet petrol motor. In 2021, the carmaker introduced a CNG powertrain variant.

Fourth-Generation Maruti Suzuki Swift 2024-Present:

The 2024 model featured a complete redesign but retained the familiar Swift silhouette. More importantly, the carmaker replaced the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder DualJet engine with a new, more efficient 1.2-litre ‘Z12’ three-cylinder petrol engine. A CNG variant with the new powertrain was introduced as well.

The Swift continues to attract a strong demand from the audience even today and its sales figures reflect that with over three million hatchbacks sold to date. 

Maruti Suzuki Swift Periodic Maintenance Costs

Maruti Suzuki cars are highly reliable and the Swift is no different. Besides exceptional reliability, maintenance costs are reasonable as well. Here’s a Service Interval chart for the hatchback along with approximate costs.

Below are some of the common replacement parts for the Swift along with their estimated prices:

Resale Value of a Used Maruti Suzuki Swift

Like most second hand Maruti Suzuki cars, the Swift enjoys a good resale value. That said, the high number of used cars in the market means you should be able to find a used one within your budget with ease. While you will find a used first-generation Swift for ₹ 50,000 to ₹2.25 lakh, it is prudent to go for the second and third-generation models from 2011-2024, as they will be less prone to issues. 

A used second-generation Swift will cost you between ₹ 3.0 lakh to ₹6.5 lakh while a used third-generation model will cost you between ₹ 4.2 lakh and ₹ 8.00 lakh. 

Second-Hand Maruti Suzuki Swift Prices:

The prices vary on many factors chief among which are the variants and powertrain options. Here’s a tentative generation-wise price list for used Maruti Swift models. 

Factors that affect the price of a used car:

Model Year: While the manufacturing year does affect the price of a car, opting for a new generation car makes more sense. For example, though a MY 2018 second-generation Swift is more affordable than a third-generation MY 2018 model, it is prudent to go for the latter as it will command more value later on if you plan to sell it.

Variants: Higher variants command a high premium as these are feature packed. While you can get a lower-variant Swift with aftermarket accessories similar to the higher variant, it is better to stick to higher variant models as the OEM offered accessories tend to be durable. The petrol comes in Lxi, Vxi, Vxi AMT, Zxi, Zxi AMT and ZXi+ variants while the diesel comes in Ldi, Vdi, Vdi AMT, Zdi, Zdi AMT and Zdi+ variants. The CNG model comes in Vxi and Zxi variants. 

Ownership: A single-owner car is preferable as these cars tend to be taken care of well compared to multiple-owner cars. 

Mileage: Cars with low mileage are preferable as they have lesser wear and tear. That said an older model year car with very few driven kilometers needs to be inspected carefully as these could be parked for months on end leading to tyres developing cracks or rats chewing off wires leading to compromised electrical systems. 

Powertrain: Diesel and CNG powertrains are more sought after for their frugality and hence will command higher prices. Same goes with the AMT transmission options as they are preferred more in urban areas. Third-generation onwards, the Swift offered a 5-speed AMT transmission for both the petrol and diesel engines. 

Service history: Cars with complete service history from authorised service stations are more sought after as these offer better transparency about the vehicle's condition and are generally well maintained. This well-maintained status comes at a premium. 

In case you want to sell your Maruti Suzuki Swift, the CARS24 used car valuation tool is a great resource.!

Common Problems In A Maruti Suzuki Swift:

The Maruti Suzuki Swift, across all generations, carries a good reputation of reliability. However, there are some common issues reported by owners that used Swift buyers may want to keep in mind.

Engine: The diesel engine is a noisy unit, especially during cold starts which is normal. However, do keep a lookout for any abnormal noise. Early model diesel Swift models are prone to excessive oil consumption which in the worst-case scenario could mean faulty injectors or a worn-out head gasket. 

Clutch: Clutch slippage is another reported issue which one must keep an eye out for while buying a used Swift. 

Bodywork: While Swifts feature good build quality, high-mileage models reportedly develop a rattle in the dashboard and squeaking sound while using doors. Both are easy to fix using cushions and bushes. 

Suspension: While the suspension in a Swift, keep an eye out for any weird suspension noise or whirring noise. High-mileage cars are reportedly prone to suffer from worn out wheel bearings. 

Maruti Suzuki Swift: Technical Specifications

Throughout its life, the Maruti Suzuki Swift was available with a choice of petrol, diesel and CNG powertrains and automatic and manual gearbox options. Here’s a quick look at the specifications across four generations. 

Over generations, the Swift grew larger and safer as well.

Maruti Suzuki Swift Fuel Efficiency:

All generations of the Swift featured frugal engines, a distinct highlight of the hatchback and one of its key selling points. Here’s a look at the claimed fuel efficiency for all powertrains.

Conclusion:

The Maruti Suzuki Swift is a popular hatchback even in the used car market owing to its premium styling and affordable running costs. Maruti’s compact hatchback is quite reliable, and highly popular, being the best selling used car in 2024. There are plenty of Swifts in the used car market, given its popularity, so finding one within your budget in good condition will not be a problem. Additionally, it doesn’t break the bank to maintain due to its low service costs.