Second Hand Renault Kwid vs Maruti Alto K10: Which Used Car to Buy

The entry-level hatchback space in India is dominated by two names, the Renault Kwid and the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10. The Alto K10, first introduced in 2010, has witnessed three generations, while the Kwid is still seen as relatively new, launched in 2016. Introduced as a direct rival to the Alto, the Kwid has proven to be quite a challenger. The Kwid also doesn’t look like a typical small hatchback.

Both offer value for money and high fuel efficiency. If you are looking to buy a used hatchback under ₹ 5 lakh, and cannot decide between a second hand Kwid or Alto K10, this is the guide for you.

Current Resale Value: Used Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

While both these hatchbacks have similar resale values, the Alto K10 has the lower average price due to the more affordable price tags of the new models and its generation changes. The Kwid 1.0L has a slightly higher resale value thanks to its novelty factor, being launched in 2016 and the availability of unique variants such as the Kwid Climber. Thus, both of these hatchbacks are popular and have their unique selling points in the used car market, and ideal options for those buying their first car.

Renault Kwid 

The used Renault Kwid 1.0L models command a higher asking price of Rs 3.90 lakh on average, thanks to the level of standard equipment on offer. The Kwid has undergone two facelifts since its introduction and received many upmarket features. That aspect and the unique styling are what make the Kwid a popular choice in the used car market. 

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

A second hand Maruti Suzuki Alto can retain between 55% and 80% of its value. The evolution of its styling and features over its generation changes have seen newer models retain better value than older ones. That said, the Alto K10 is a sought after car for buyers looking for a peppy and exciting first compact car.

Note: The used car prices in the table above are for vehicles from 2015 or later and with a mileage of less than 1 lakh kilometres.

The Renault Kwid has the higher average price in the used car market of ₹ 3.90 lakh against the Alto K10’s ₹ 3.20 lakh. This is because the price of the new model is considerably higher in that class of two. The Kwid was also launched later, in 2016, and came with a colour display, digital driver information cluster, and even a rotary dial selector for the AMT model. However, the Alto K10 has earned a reputation for cost-effective ownership and enjoys the Maruti Suzuki brand value and trust.

Yearly Rate of Depreciation: Used Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Both of these popular entry-level hatchbacks show a pattern of a low rate of depreciation. The Renault Kwid and Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 retain a good portion of their original value. While the Kwid enjoys a lower rate of depreciation in the first year, the Alto K10 enjoys lower depreciation from the second year. However, over five years, used Alto K10 models lose 43.5% of its value, which is better than a pre owned Renault Kwid, which dips to 45.1%.

Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid has a reputation of a tough and well-equipped compact car. This hatchback ages well and the convenience, ride and handling have led to owners keeping their cars for longer, enhancing its resale value. 

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is a legend in the compact car market with a reputation of being a tough and capable car even in trying conditions due to its light weight and peppy engine. It thus has owners committed to maintaining their car well and retaining it for as long as they need to.

Where the rate of depreciation is concerned, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 holds its value slightly better than its primary rival, the Renault Kwid. The Alto K10 also enjoys a reputation of reliability and that helps it retain its value. Thus, if you do plan to sell your used Maruti Alto K10 some years down the line, it should command a better resale value compared to the Kwid.

Engine and Transmission Options: Used Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

The Renault Kwid and the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 rule the entry-level segment of used hatchback cars all over India. Both offer peppy three-cylinder petrol engines and a choice of manual and automated transmissions. The Alto K10 in its second generation was introduced in 2014 whereas the Kwid arrived in 2015, and the 1.0L only coming in a year later.

Renault Kwid Engine and Transmission Options

• 0.8-litre, petrol, 53 bhp, 72 Nm, 5-speed manual
• 1.0-litre, petrol, 67 bhp, 91 Nm, 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT (called “Easy-R”)

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Engine and Transmission Options

• 1.0-litre, petrol, 66 bhp, 89 Nm, 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT (called “AGS”)

Both the Renault Kwid and Alto were offered with 800 cc engines earlier but were discontinued after the new emission regulations came into force in 2023. The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and the Renault Kwid 1.0L deliver impressive fuel economy and offer peppier performance. The Alto K10 also is an option if a used CNG car is on your radar.

Maintenance Cost Comparison: Used Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid is a strong and capable car and, while Renault claims as low as 38 paise per kilometre of maintenance cost, the average cost can go up if part replacement is involved. A routine service can cost around ₹ 1,000 to ₹ 1,500 but costs go up for the fourth and eighth years as there are replacements due. Even so, about ₹ 3,800 to ₹ 4,400 is what it will cost, unless a major change is needed or if the car’s maintenance was neglected.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Maruti Suzuki cars are known for their low running costs and this fits the bill, quite literally, when it comes to the Alto K10 as well. A periodic service will cost between ₹ 1,000 to ₹ 1,500 but with additional work and parts come additional costs as well. Like most cars, the Alto K10 costs more to service every four years or 40,000 kilometres, going up to almost ₹ 5,800. The fuel-efficient engine does play a major role in balancing the cost of ownership.

In terms of periodic service costs, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is the more expensive car to maintain; at least in the first two years. The Renault Kwid and Alto K10 will both need replacement of parts. However, some spare parts are cheaper to buy for the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10. Over the period of eight years, the Alto K10, if maintained well, works out to be cheaper than the Kwid. It must be noted that these used hatchback cars are reliable with timely service.

Furthermore, the Renault Kwid and the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 are both offered with a standard warranty of three years or 1 lakh kilometres. However, Maruti Suzuki also offers an extension to six years. It is pertinent to note that used cars also come with a warranty from CARS24. This includes a standard three month warranty and a one year extended warranty available at a nominal cost. 

Conclusion

The prices of the second hand Renault Kwid and the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 prove to be interesting because they are among the most affordable cars. They are both great first cars to buy and are highly practical in the city thanks to their compact size, high fuel efficiency and low cost of ownership.

While the Renault Kwid has a lower rate of depreciation in the first year, it is the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 which holds its value better over the years that follow. They are both good value none the less and also pack a good amount of features and peppy engines for their size.