Buying a Used Renault Triber? Here’s Why Manual Still Leads Over Automatic

The Renault Triber has established itself as a popular choice in the pre-owned market, offering a solid 7-seater, family MPV option. Available in both manual and automatic transmission options, it caters to a diverse set of buyers. While its automatic transmission variants have gained popularity for their convenience, the Triber’s manual variants continue to dominate sales in the used market.

According to CARS24’s 2024 used car market report, the share of automatic vehicles in the used market increased from 11.8% in 2022 to 14.7% in 2024. A similar trend is true for the Renault Triber as its automatic transmission variants have gained popularity, nearly doubling their share in the used space. The Triber’s manual transmission variants however, remain the dominant preference among used car buyers.

Manual Transmission Leads in Used Renault Triber Sales

Among used Renault Triber models, its manual transmission variant continues to be the dominant choice. Most second hand Renault Triber cars were sold with a manual gearbox with an average of 87% between 2021 and 2024. The manual gearbox is popular in this segment due to its affordability, higher fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance costs. In 2024, used sales of the Triber across its engine and transmission combinations were split as:

• Petrol engine with manual transmission: 83.3% of all used Triber sales
• Petrol engine with automatic transmission: 16.7% of all used Triber sales

A look at previous years shows a steady trend too:

• 2021: 87.12% manual vs 12.88% automatic
• 2022: 91.01% manual vs 8.99% automatic
• 2023: 85.9% manual vs 14.1% automatic

This translates to more than 8 out of 10 pre-owned Renault Triber cars sold being equipped with a manual transmission. Despite the ease of driving automatics, factors such as lower resale value, higher service costs, and concerns about lower fuel efficiency have contributed to their slower adoption in the used market.

Demand for Used Automatic Renault Triber Has Increased Since 2021

From 2021 to 2024, market trends have shown a steady increase in the popularity of automatic transmission-equipped Renault Triber models:

• 2021: Automatic variants accounted for 12.88% of all used Renault Triber sales.
• 2022: Automatic transmission share dropped to 8.99% of all used Renault Triber sales.
• 2023: Automatic share rose to 14.1% of all used Renault Triber sales.
• 2024: Automatic sales peaked at 16.7% of all used Renault Triber sales.

The Triber’s Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is a cost-effective alternative to a traditional torque converter or CVT automatic. This offers the prime benefit of having automatic gear shifts while keeping costs low. As the transmission uses a manual gearbox at its core, the difference in fuel efficiency is negligible, at times even offering better mileage than its fully manual counterpart.     

Used automatic Triber cars are more popular in the cities, primarily among buyers who prefer their convenience in congested environments. Despite this steady growth of automatic Tribers, manual variants remain the first choice for most buyers. Particularly in semi-urban and rural areas, automatics are perceived to be more expensive and harder to maintain.

Renault Triber Engine and Transmission Options

Since its launch, the Renault Triber has been offered with a single petrol engine paired with both manual and automatic transmission options.

Petrol Variant

• 1.0-Litre Energy Petrol Engine

   

  • Transmission options: 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT
  • Power: 71 bhp
  • Torque: 96 Nm

The Renault Triber’s AMT gearbox is an affordable automatic solution, designed for convenience in city driving. However, AMTs generally lack the refinement of conventional automatics, which could explain the slower growth in demand for used Triber automatic models.

Used Renault Triber Market Pricing

One of the Renault Triber’s biggest strengths in the used car market is its competitive resale value. Its reputation for affordability, practicality, and low maintenance costs ensures it holds its value well. It’s no surprise then, that the Renault Triber is also among the cheapest automatic cars to buy in India.

The Triber’s secret formula is its crossover design, which allows it to maximize interior space with modular three-row seating. This makes it a far better option for buyers looking for a budget family car or ones that want versatile seating and luggage loading capabilities. 

Average Used Selling Price

Key Takeaways

1. Manual transmission Renault Triber dominates used car sales – In 2024, over 83% of used Triber sales were manual, highlighting a preference for affordability and better fuel efficiency.

    

2. Automatic transmission demand has grown – After hitting a low of 8.99% in 2022, AT Triber sales increased to 16.7% in 2024, showing a slow shift in buyer preference.

    

3. The AMT gearbox offers an affordable automatic alternative – The AMT-equipped Triber remains one of the most cost-effective 7-seater automatics on the market.

    

4. Resale value for manual models is higher – Used manual transmission variants generally hold better resale value due to stronger demand and lower maintenance costs.

    

5. Urban buyers are leaning towards automatics – While MTs still dominate, AT variants are gaining traction, particularly among city buyers seeking driving convenience.

Conclusion

As used Renault Triber automatic variants are steadily gaining acceptance, its manual transmission models continue to lead the second hand car market. Buyers prioritise affordability, fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance costs, making manuals the preferred choice. However, in urban areas where traffic congestion is a concern, AMT-equipped Tribers are becoming more popular.

The Triber presents itself as the ideal family car for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient 7-seater. While the manual transmission equipped Renault Triber remains the top pick, those seeking convenience for city driving may find the AMT variant a more suitable option.