The Real Cost of Buying a Used Tata Punch vs Second Hand Maruti Suzuki Celerio

In the Indian used car market, Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors are highly popular and often sought after, Two of the best selling models include the Maruti Suzuki Celerio and the Tata Punch. Whether you need a used hatchback or a second hand compact SUV, these two manufacturers have you covered. The Punch and Celerio are in high demand thanks to their combination of practicality, affordability and ease of ownership.

Second hand car buyers generally look for resale value, depreciation rates, and maintenance costs when making their choice. In this used car comparison, we line up the popular Tata Punch against the highly-trusted Maruti Celerio to find out if buying the compact SUV is better than the trusted hatchback.

Used Resale Value: Maruti Suzuki Celerio vs Tata Punch

The Tata Punch has quickly gained ground in India’s micro-SUV space since its launch, while the Maruti Suzuki Celerio remains a consistent performer in the hatchback segment. However, when it comes to resale value, there’s a noticeable price gap between the two—even though their new car prices are relatively close.

Note: Used prices reflect model years 2014 and above, with mileage under 1 lakh kilometers.

Key Talking Points from the Resale Value Data

• Tata Punch commands a significant resale value premium over the Celerio: Despite comparable new car pricing, the Punch averages over ₹2.5 lakh higher in resale value, thanks to its SUV-inspired styling and safety features.
   
• Maruti Suzuki Celerio offers a much lower entry point in the used market: Older Celerio models are available for as low as ₹2.29 lakh, making it one of the cheapest options in the used car space.
   
• Tata Punch resale value stays consistently high across variants: Even the base variants of the Punch hold their value well, largely due to the car’s high demand and segment-leading safety ratings.
   

• Top-spec trims of both models depreciate slower: Features like automatic gearboxes, touchscreen infotainment, and alloy wheels help higher trims retain value longer.

   

What This Means for You as a Buyer

If your priority is resale value and long-term ownership with the possibility of a profitable exit, a used Tata Punch is the stronger bet. Its SUV-like appeal, taller stance, and solid safety score make it desirable in the used car market, and buyers are willing to pay a premium for these features.

However, if you’re after affordability, especially in the lower price brackets, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio opens up the hatchback segment with plenty of used examples at attractive prices. The Celerio may not match the Punch on style or presence, but it offers unbeatable value for money—especially for those looking at their first car or a second city runabout.

Depreciation Rates Over Five Years: Tata Punch vs Maruti Celerio

Depreciation is a key factor in determining resale value. Here’s how the Punch and Celerio hold up when you factor in value loss over the first five years.

Depreciation Insights and Takeaways

• Tata Punch holds value slightly better in the first year: The Punch loses only 25.55% of its value in the first year, compared to 26.18% for the Celerio.
   
• By the third year, depreciation levels out for both: Both models drop around 36%–37% of their initial value by the third year, making 3 to 5-year-old examples the best value buys.
   
• Maruti Suzuki Celerio depreciates slightly faster early on but catches up: While close, the Punch still shows 0.5% better retention at 5 years.
   
• Tata Punch benefits from the SUV trend and safety perception: Buyers in the used market are increasingly favouring SUV-style vehicles, which helps the Punch maintain a strong resale value curve.
   

Engine Options and Driving Experience: Punch vs Celerio

The Punch and Celerio may cater to different segments on paper, but under the bonnet, they keep things fairly simple.

Tata Punch Engine and Transmission Options

• 1.2-litre Petrol – 5-speed manual / AMT automatic
   

Maruti Suzuki Celerio Engine and Transmission Options

• 1.0-litre Petrol – 5-speed manual / AMT automatic
   
• 1.0-litre CNG – 5-speed manual
   

Driving Feel and Performance Observations

• The Punch’s 1.2-litre petrol feels noticeably stronger on highways and in high-traffic city conditions.
   
• The Celerio is better suited for city commutes, where its smaller engine and compact size make it nimble and efficient.
   
• The Celerio’s CNG variant adds another option for buyers prioritising ultra-low running costs.
   
• Punch offers higher ground clearance, which is a bonus on rough roads and bad patches common in semi-urban and rural areas.

Maintenance Cost Comparison: Tata Punch vs Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Even if resale value is strong, ownership costs can make or break your experience. Here’s how the Punch and Celerio compare in terms of maintenance costs.

Maruti Suzuki Celerio Maintenance Costs

Tata Punch Maintenance Costs

Maintenance Insights

• Maruti Suzuki Celerio is cheaper to maintain across the board: Five-year service costs are about ₹4,000 lower than the Punch.
   
• Tata Punch maintenance costs are balanced out slightly by longer service intervals: Tata’s 15,000 km intervals mean fewer visits to the workshop overall.
   
• Both cars have reasonably low service costs, making them budget-friendly to run.

Conclusion

The Tata Punch clearly leads on resale value, with average used prices sitting significantly higher than those of the Maruti Celerio. Its SUV-inspired design, higher ground clearance, and strong safety reputation continue to make it a desirable choice in the used market, especially among buyers looking for style and presence alongside practicality.

On the other hand, a second hand Maruti Celerio remains the champion of affordable ownership, with the lowest five-year maintenance cost at ₹19,269.95, undercutting the Punch’s ₹23,561.5. Depreciation rates for both vehicles remain comparable, but the Celerio’s older models allow entry into the used car space at a much lower price point, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers or those prioritising budget over features.Overall, the Punch makes sense if resale value and SUV appeal are your priorities, while the Celerio is ideal for buyers seeking the lowest running costs and hassle-free city driving.

Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors offer a standard 3 year/1,00,000 kms warranty, along with extended packages. However, all used cars sold through CARS24 are covered under a standard 30-day warranty, while buyers have the option for 12-month extended coverage for a nominal fee.