Launched in 2020, the Tata Altroz quickly established itself as a top contender in India’s premium hatchback segment. Known for its bold design, 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, and impressive feature list, the Altroz appeals to both family buyers and young urban drivers alike. Its solid road presence, multiple engine options, and strong build quality make it an attractive option in the used car market.
If you’re planning to buy a used Tata Altroz, this guide will help you make an informed decision. From understanding depreciation trends and choosing the right variant to estimating ownership costs and available upgrades, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get the most value out of your purchase.
Table of Contents
Best Age of Used Tata Altroz to Buy
Launched in 2020, the Tata Altroz is known for its premium design, 5-star safety rating, and practical features. It’s one of the safest hatchbacks in India, making it a solid used car option.
Depreciation Overview:
Like most cars, the Altroz loses around 20-30% of its value in the first year and up to 40% by the third year. However, its strong demand and resale value make depreciation less severe than other hatchbacks.
Used Price Snapshot
- 2020 models typically sell between ₹4.5 lakh to ₹5.5 lakh, depending on condition and variant.
- 2021-2022 models are usually priced between ₹5.5 lakh to ₹7.5 lakh.
Higher trims like turbo petrol, DCA (dual-clutch automatic), or CNG versions may be priced closer to ₹8 lakh or more.
Ideal Buying Window
The sweet spot for buying a used Tata Altroz lies in the 2021 to early 2023 model years. These offer:
- Considerable depreciation already factored into the price.
- Lower risk of major mechanical wear or part replacements.
- Features and styling that are still up-to-date.
- Possibility of extended manufacturer warranty on some units.
Older models may offer more affordability, but buyers should factor in potential costs like tyre changes or infotainment upgrades. Meanwhile, very recent models (2024 onward) are often priced too close to new to offer meaningful savings.
Best Used Tata Altroz Variant to Buy
The Tata Altroz is offered in multiple trims, XE, XM, XT, XZ, XZ+, and special editions like Dark or Racer, across petrol, diesel (discontinued), turbo-petrol, automatic (DCA), and CNG powertrains. When buying used, the goal is to find the variant that offers the most value without overpaying for features you may not use regularly.
Top Pick: Altroz XZ or XZ+ (2021-2023)
The Altroz XZ and XZ+ trims strike the best balance of features, safety, and comfort in the used car space. These variants typically come equipped with:
- 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Rear camera with parking sensors
- Projector headlamps
- Alloy wheels
- Cruise control and auto climate control (XZ+)
- ISOFIX mounts and height-adjustable driver seat
These features cover almost everything a modern urban buyer needs, without stepping into a premium car segment.
Value-Oriented Option: XT Variant
The XT trim offers good value for budget-conscious buyers. You get essential features like power windows, touchscreen (in newer XT versions), and dual airbags, but may miss out on alloys and reverse camera. It’s a good pick if you’re okay with some aftermarket additions.
Variants to Avoid
- Base XE trim: It lacks key comfort and convenience features. You’ll likely have to spend on accessories post-purchase.
- Diesel variants: Now discontinued, these can be harder to maintain due to limited parts availability and fewer service updates.
Used Tata Altroz: Petrol vs Diesel vs CNG
Petrol: Most common in the used market, ideal for city driving and low running.
Pros:
- Smooth drive
- Low maintenance
- Available in automatic (DCA)
Cons:
- Moderate mileage (13–15 kmpl)
- Average performance when fully loaded
- Best for: Urban users with under 1,000 km/month
Diesel: Discontinued in 2023, but great for highways and heavy use.
Pros:
- High mileage (18–21 kmpl)
- Strong torque
- Long range
Cons:
- Higher maintenance
- Noisier
- Limited availability in the used market
- Best for: Frequent highway drivers with over 1,500 km/month
CNG: Launched in 2023, slowly appearing in the used market.
Pros:
- Cheapest running cost
- Factory-fitted with safety intact
- Usable boot space (dual-cylinder layout)
Cons:
- Mild performance drop
- Limited used stock
- Best for: Budget-conscious users with easy access to CNG in cities
Used Tata Altroz Ownership Calculator
When buying a used Tata Altroz, it’s important to plan for recurring costs beyond the purchase price. Here’s a breakdown of typical annual ownership expenses you should factor in.
Annual Service & Maintenance
- Tata Altroz is generally affordable to maintain, especially the petrol version.
- Regular service (engine oil, filters, general checkup): ₹6,000-₹8,000/year
- Diesel variants cost slightly more due to additional filters and fluid needs: ₹8,000-₹10,000/year
- CNG version may require occasional valve clearance checks and CNG kit inspections: ₹7,000-₹9,000/year
Tyre Replacement
- A full set (185/60 R16 or R15 depending on variant): ₹18,000-₹25,000
- Tyre lifespan: Typically 40,000-50,000 km
- Budget brands like MRF or Ceat are cheaper; premium brands like Michelin cost more
Battery Replacement
- Battery (Amaron/Exide) cost: ₹4,000-₹6,000
- Lifespan: 4-5 years depending on climate and usage
Insurance Renewal
- Used car insurance (comprehensive): ₹8,000-₹10,000 per year for a 2-4-year-old Altroz.
- Premiums drop as the car ages, but zero-dep cover is harder to get after 5 years.
Other Miscellaneous Expenses
- Brake pad replacement (every 30,000-40,000 km): ₹2,000-₹3,500
- Wiper blade replacement: ₹500-₹800
- AC service (once in 2 years): ₹1,000-₹1,500
Estimated Yearly Ownership Cost (excluding fuel):
- Petrol: ₹16,000-₹20,000
- Diesel: ₹18,000-₹22,000
- CNG: ₹17,000-₹21,000
These figures will vary depending on driving habits, car condition, and location.
Upgrades for Used Tata Altroz
While the Tata Altroz offers a solid package even in its base trims, a few smart upgrades can enhance its comfort, safety, and infotainment experience, especially in pre-2023 models.
Infotainment and Connectivity
- Older XE and XM variants may lack touchscreen systems or smartphone integration.
- Touchscreen infotainment upgrade (7-9 inch with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay): ₹15,000-₹30,000
- Rear parking camera kit (if not factory-fitted): ₹4,000-₹8,000
- Speaker upgrades (component or coaxial): ₹4,000-₹10,000 for improved sound
Tyres and Wheels
- Many lower trims come with 14″ or 15″ wheels.
- Tyre upgrade to premium brands for better grip and comfort: ₹18,000-₹22,000
- Alloy wheels (optional aesthetic upgrade): ₹20,000-₹30,000
Cabin Comfort
- Seat covers (leatherette or premium fabric): ₹4,000-₹8,000
- Sound insulation underbody coating: ₹2,500-₹4,000 (especially for diesel variants)
- Ambient lighting strips or improved cabin lights: ₹1,500-₹3,000
Utility and Safety
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): ₹3,000-₹5,000
- Dash Cam (front or dual): ₹3,000-₹7,000
- Blind spot mirrors, magnetic sunshades, and trunk organisers can be added for convenience
Suggested Budget
Expect to spend around ₹25,000-₹50,000 depending on the number of upgrades and quality of parts. These enhancements can make even a mid-variant feel close to a top-end version.
Summary
The Tata Altroz stands out in the premium hatchback segment with its 5-star safety rating, solid build, and modern design. For used buyers, 2-4-year-old models offer the best value, balancing depreciation with up-to-date features. The XM+ or XT variants provide a great mix of affordability and essentials. Choose petrol for city use or diesel for frequent highway driving. Annual ownership costs are moderate, and simple upgrades like infotainment, tyres, or cabin accessories can enhance the experience. With the right care, a used Altroz can be a reliable and stylish long-term choice.
FAQs About Used Tata Altroz
Q. Is the Tata Altroz a good car to buy second-hand?
Yes, the Tata Altroz is a solid choice in the used car market. It offers high safety ratings, modern design, and good fuel efficiency, making it a reliable and practical hatchback for both city and highway use.
Q. Which variant of the used Tata Altroz offers the best value?
The XM+ and XT variants usually offer the best value for money. They come with essential features like a touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable mirrors, and rear parking sensors, striking the right balance between price and features.
Q. What is the real-world mileage of the used Tata Altroz?
For Altroz petrol variants, expect around 13-15 kmpl in city traffic and up to 18 kmpl on highways. Altroz diesel models can deliver 18-20 kmpl in city use and up to 23 kmpl on open roads, depending on driving habits and car condition.
Q. Are there any common issues in used Altroz cars to look out for?
Some owners report minor niggles like touchscreen lag in older infotainment systems, occasional rattling noises, and clutch wear in high-mileage diesel units. Always check service records, tyres, and suspension condition before buying.
Q. Does the used Tata Altroz hold good resale value?
Yes, the Altroz retains its value well, especially in cities with high demand for safe, reliable hatchbacks. A well-maintained unit with full service history can fetch a good resale price even after 3-4 years of ownership.
