Used Tata Altroz: Things to Consider Before Buying

When it comes to premium hatchbacks in India, the Tata Altroz is one of the more popular used cars. It was Tata Motors’ first premium hatchback for India, and has been a steady-seller since its launch in 2020. The Altroz is known for being a stylish, well-equipped, feature-rich, and safe (in terms of features and ratings) option in the premium hatchback segment. 

Its success hasn’t been limited to factory-fresh units, either; with the pre-owned car market in India continuing to grow at a strong rate, a used Tata Altroz stands out as a promising option for those on the lookout for a dependable and affordable hatchback. That said, buying a used car requires careful consideration of a lot of factors, including the car’s history, its maintenance costs, and even potential issues it could have. 

This guide will run through everything you need to know before buying a used Tata Altroz in 2025.

Tata Altroz: Model Overview

The Tata Altroz made its debut to the Indian public in 2020. When it launched, the Altroz competed against the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, Toyota Glanza and the Honda Jazz . In 2020, it was available in five trims (XE, XM, XT, XZ and XZ Option), with prices ranging from ₹5.2 lakh to ₹9.2 lakh for the range-topping XZ (O) diesel.

The Altroz came powered by two BS6-compliant engine options: a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that made 86 hp and 113 Nm, and a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel engine that produced 90 hp and 200 Nm. It was initially only paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, however it later would get automatic gearbox options.

As for features, the top-spec XZ (O) trim got a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, push-button start/stop, auto projector headlamps with LED DRLs, automatic wipers, and more, making the Altroz well equipped to take on its competition.

Based on Tata’s ALFA-ARC platform, the Altroz measured in at a length of 3,990mm, a width of 1,755mm, and a height of 1,523mm, with a wheelbase spanning 2,501mm. These dimensions make the Altroz slightly wider and taller than its chief rival, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. However, the big draw for customers was its sharp design, 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, and competitive pricing, which quickly made it a favourite. By the end of 2020, the Altroz had risen through the ranks to become Tata’s best-selling vehicle. Within a year of its launch, it had achieved the 50,000 sales milestone.

Five years since the Altroz made its debut, Tata Motors has not offered any substantial update or facelift to the premium hatchback. However, Tata has updated the Altroz with a DCT automatic option, introduced and then discontinued the i-Turbo variant, and recently brought the performance oriented 118 hp Altroz Racer.

Tata Altroz Evolution Since 2020

• 2020: Launched at ₹5.29 lakh (ex-showroom) with a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder diesel option.
• 2021: Tata launched the Altroz i-Turbo with a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine. It was more expensive than the naturally-aspirated models by up to ₹2 lakh.
• 2022: Tata launched the Altroz with a dual-clutch automatic option available only with the naturally-aspirated engines. The DCT-equipped variants naturally commanded a premium of up to ₹1 lakh over their manual counterparts.
• 2023: Tata reduces the number of variants, discontinues the i-Turbo, and adds two new variants and an electric sunroof.

• 2024: Tata launches the Altroz Racer with a 118 hp 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine. It introduced ventilated seats (segment-first), an upgraded 10.25-inch infotainment screen, 360-degree camera, and six airbags as standard.

   

Maintenance and Service Costs of the Tata Altroz

One of the key aspects to consider when buying a used car is its maintenance cost. The Tata Altroz has a reputation for affordability in terms of service and parts. However, as with any car, regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance.

Tata Altroz Service Cost and Maintenance Schedule

This brings the total estimated cost of maintenance for the Tata Altroz to ₹31,358 for the diesel, and ₹24,059 for the petrol over a five-year period.

Tata Altroz: Commonly Replaced Parts and their Estimated Costs

While the Altroz is known for its build quality and reliability, certain parts may require replacement after prolonged use. The following is an estimate of common replacement parts:

• Clutch Plate Assembly: ₹4,000-₹5,000
• Brake Pads (Front and Rear): ₹1,500–₹2,000
• Timing Belt: ₹4,000–₹5,000
• Suspension Components: ₹4,000–₹6,000 per unit
• Headlight Assembly: ₹5,000–₹7,000 per unit
• Tail-Light Assembly: ₹1,500–₹2,000 per unit

Resale Value of the Tata Altroz

The Tata Altroz retains a decent resale value, thanks to its popularity, safety rating, and strong build quality. Buyers should be prepared for slight depreciation based on the car’s condition, mileage, and variant. On average, a well-maintained 2020 Altroz can fetch 50-60% of its original price in the pre-owned market. 

CARS24 data indicates that, on average, a used Tata Altroz sells for about ₹7.1 lakh. The obvious caveat here is that there are a number of factors that can affect the resale value of a given vehicle, including age, maintenance, variant, and so on.

Factors Determining the Resale Value of a Vehicle

• Brand reputation and model popularity: Vehicles from trusted brands like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Tata Motors typically retain higher value.
• Vehicle age and mileage: Newer vehicles and those with lower mileage are perceived as less worn out, increasing their resale value. Cars lose value significantly in the first 3–5 years.
• Condition of the vehicle: Well-maintained cars with minimal dents, scratches, or interior damage command better resale prices. A healthy engine, tyres, and battery also add value.
• Ownership history: Single-owner vehicles are preferred over multi-owner ones. A clean accident record further boosts resale appeal.
• Variant and features: Diesel and petrol variants affect resale differently based on market trends. Cars with modern features like ABS, airbags, and touchscreen infotainment are more attractive.
• Market trends: Segment preferences (like SUVs in rural areas or compact cars in cities) and fuel price trends can influence demand and pricing.
• Service history: A detailed service record from authorised centres builds buyer confidence and ensures better resale value.
• Registration and insurance: Cars registered in metro cities might fetch higher prices but come with greater transfer costs. Valid comprehensive insurance also improves resale value.
• Depreciation rate: Cars depreciate fastest in the first year (20–25%) and stabilise over time. Some models, like the Toyota Innova, retain value better due to slower depreciation.

Common Issues with the Tata Altroz

Despite its many positives, the Altroz is not without its shortcomings. Common issues reported by owners include the following.

• Diesel engine clatter: Many owners have noted higher engine noise levels in the diesel variants.
• Clutch stiffness: Prolonged use may lead to clutch hardening.
• Infotainment system bugs: Some users have faced software glitches in the infotainment system.

• AC cooling: In older models, cooling performance may deteriorate over time.

   

Understanding and identifying these issues is key before considering a used car purchase. This is why prospective buyers should have a trusted mechanic inspect the car for these issues before committing.

Specifications of the Tata Altroz

Image link: https://www.tatamotors.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Altroz-Racer-Rear-3-4th-L-1.jpg

(Source: Tata Motors)

The Tata Altroz hasn’t received a major facelift since its launch in India in 2020. With that in mind, here are the key specifications of the current generation Tata Altroz in the Indian market.

Conclusion

Buying a used Tata Altroz in 2025 can be a great decision for budget-conscious buyers looking for a stylish and safe hatchback. However, prospective buyers should carefully assess the car’s condition, maintenance history, and common issues to ensure a worthwhile purchase. With that said, there is every chance that a used Tata Altroz, chosen carefully, can be a reliable companion on our roads for years to come.