Buying a Used Tata Tiago – Things You Should Consider

The Tata Tiago hatchback was launched in India in 2016 and since then it has become a popular car choice for those looking for a cheap urban runabout for use in the city. It has efficient engines and affordable all-electric models. 

The Tiago is the best selling used hatchbacks from Tata Motors in the pre owned market. Offered in multiple variants, the Tiago is popular because it offers great value for money. But here is everything you need to know before buying a used Tata Tiago. 

Tata Tiago: Model Overview

The Tata Tiago replaced the Bolt, built on a modified platform from the Indica. The styling and in-house petrol and diesel engines made the Tata Tiago quite popular in the compact car space. The Tata Tiago’s success over the years is mainly due to local development and manufacturing, which ensures easy parts availability and a widespread dealer network. 

In the used market, the Tata Tiago is available with a choice of petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric, with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. 

First Generation (2016-2020)

The first-ever Tata Tiago was launched in India in 2016. It featured a striking face and a length of 3.75 metres with a low price tag, robust build, and good handling. The Tata Tiago secured a four-star crash rating for adult occupant safety. 

A choice of three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines was offered with a 5-speed manual and an option of an AMT for the petrol. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine produced 84 bhp and 114 Nm, whereas the 1.1-litre turbo-diesel made 69 bhp and 140 Nm. The Tata Tiago had a starting price of ₹ 3.50 lakh.

Tata Tiago NRG

The Tata Tiago received a crossover version in September 2018 called the ‘Tiago NRG’. It adds skid-plates, side cladding and roof-rails to create an SUV vibe. It also has 10 mm higher ground clearance and stands 50 mm taller than the standard hatchback. The engine choices are the same as the Tiago.

Tata Tiago JTP

Just a month later, in October 2018, Tata Motors introduced a limited edition Tiago ‘JTP’ high-performance version. It was tuned by Jayem Automotive from Coimbatore with tweaked mechanicals and a more powerful turbo-petrol engine with 112.5 bhp and 150 Nm. 

First Facelift (2020-2024)

The facelifted Tata Tiago was introduced in 2020 and complied with BS6 emission norms. It had a new front grille and headlights. Tata Motors discontinued the diesel engine, while the 1.2-litre petrol now produced 85 bhp and 113 Nm, and continued with the option of a 5-speed manual or AMT. In 2022, Tata Motors introduced the Tiago iCNG, which neatly packaged the CNG cylinders in the load floor, freeing up boot space. It produced 72 bhp and 95 Nm on CNG. In 2024, Tata Motors gave India its first automatic CNG car with the Tiago iCNG AMT.

Tata Tiago EV

The all-electric Tata Tiago was launched in 2022 and offered a choice of battery packs and outputs. The standard Tiago EV has a 19.2-kWh battery pack and 60 bhp and 110 Nm, good for a range of 223 km.

The Tiago EV Long Range has a larger 24-kWh battery with 74 bhp and 114 Nm, and a rated range of 293 km. A 3.3-kW charger was standard and a 7.2-kW charger was optional on the Long Range models. 

Second Facelift (2025-present)

The current version of the Tata Tiago hatchback arrived in January 2025 with a new front grille and bumpers. The interior added more creature comforts, safety features and a large 10.25 inch infotainment screen. Additionally, Tata Motors also introduced a new Ocean Blue exterior colour.

The 2025 Tiago continues to be offered in petrol, CNG, electric fuel types as well as the NRG crossover. The 1.2 petrol and electric powertrains continue unchanged. The choice of 5-speed MT and AMT for petrol and CNG still makes it unique. 

Maintenance and Service Costs of the Tata Tiago

The cost of service and maintenance is one of the main factors which affect ownership cost and must be considered when buying a used Tata Tiago. Tata Motors have plenty of dealerships and service centres across India and local production ensures easy parts availability. Here is the average service cost for the first five years of service for the Tata Tiago.

The parts for the Tata Tiago are easily available as it is locally manufactured and is quite popular. Getting your new or used Tata Tiago serviced on time should be a priority as it helps keep it running well. Besides, finding a Tata Motors service centre is easy.

Apart from the periodic service schedule, a second hand Tata Tiago with high mileage will require a major service after 50,000 km or so. That means replacement of parts such as spark plugs, brake pads or liners, and perhaps even the clutch plate. The following are the costs that may be involved:

Brakes: Check and replace the brake pads at around 35,000-40,000 km. The rotors and pads for a Tata Tiago cost ₹1,100-1,500.

Engine: A used Tata Tiago past 50,000 km will need a thorough check under the bonnet to keep things running smoothly. The spark plugs for a used petrol Tiago cost ₹550, the timing chain costs about ₹1,600.

Clutch: Normal driving will see a light car’s clutch last a long time but the Tata Tiago may need a replacement at anywhere between 40,000-50,000 km depending on wear. The clutch plate replacement cost for Tata TIago is approximately ₹3,200 plus labour and consumables.

Resale Value of the Tata Tiago

The Tata Tiago is one of the most popular cars in India because of its cheap price and compact size, apart from the fact that it is a local brand, and therefore has been able to retain a better resale value. 

On an average, even a 2016 Tata Tiago retains about 55-60% of its original purchase value, whereas a well-maintained 2023 Tata Tiago petrol and CNG both retain almost 80% of their value. 

The robust build and practical nature make the Tata Tiago a sensible used car buy as it retains its value well. However, the resale value does, depend upon several factors such as:

Model Year: Newer car models have a higher resale value than older models.

Variant: Higher variants like XZ+ or iCNG and electric models are more expensive when new and have higher resale value because of their long list of features.

Condition: A well-maintained Tata Tiago which has been regularly serviced and which has its service history available will hold a better resale value.

Mileage: A more sparingly used car with a lower kilometre reading will have a higher resale value.

Common Problems with a Tata Tiago

1. Fit-and-finish: The Tata Tiago has a solid build quality but the fit-and-finish and attention to detail have left many owners wanting improvements. Rattles and squeaks are reported often.
    
2. Electricals: Malfunctioning buttons, switches and controls are also a common issue with many owners. Non-working power windows and central locking.
    
3. Inconsistent quality: A big issue also reported often is inconsistent quality with parts and panels disintegrating from the rest of the car with regular use. This could be attributed to poor supplier quality.
    
4. Service centre experience: Customers have reported poor experience with aftersales services at Tata Motors service centres.
    

Specifications of the Tata Tiago (2025–present)

Here are all the details and specifications you need for the current Tata Tiago models in India.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to buy a used Tata Tiago, the compact hatchback is available in multiple variants, but also petrol, diesel, CNG and even electric options. The Tiago is affordable to purchase and run, and it comes with a remarkable safety rating. 

The spacious cabin, and sizable boot space makes it extremely practical for smaller families and beginners looking for a small car that is easy to drive. As the TiagoIt is locally manufactured, spare parts are easily available as well.