Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 has been quite a popular choice among Indian buyers for its affordability and ease of maintenance. Its small size makes it a great pick for commuting in the city, while the uncomplicated design, low maintenance costs and good service coverage help it retain its appeal. It had a 796cc petrol engine on offer with a CNG option available as standard, both paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The model was discontinued in 2024 and can be considered as a used car purchase only from now on.
Buying a pre-owned Alto 800 is a great value option for many who only want a basic car for commuting. But it is important to note that the age, variant, fuel type, maintenance history, and general state of the vehicle are crucial in such a purchase. This guide will walk you through all the considerations you have to make before buying such a car, including your expected annual costs and expenses on servicing and upgrades.
Table of Contents
Best Age of Used Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 to Buy
A 3-5 year old model is the best choice for buyers willing to get a pre-owned Alto 800. By this stage, the car has already gone through its steepest depreciation and is reasonably priced compared to a relatively new used vehicle. It also doesn’t have such a substantial age that it would require several expensive ageing-related maintenance costs.
A car can depreciate anywhere between 10-15% on average yearly; this can vary between variants, years, and the condition of the car. For example, a ₹4 Lakh car, on average, would cost you anywhere between ₹1.9-2.4 Lakh after five years, excluding the car’s condition, mileage, and demand in the region.
In short, the best age of a used Maruti Alto 800 to buy would be between 4-5 years, as anything older would have to be thoroughly inspected for any possible maintenance costs that may arise soon.
Recommended age
3-5 years old: Best overall choice. You get a relatively modern car without paying the premium attached to a very recent used car.
5-7 years old: Worth considering if the service record is complete and the asking price is attractive. Inspect the clutch, suspension, tyres, battery, AC and rubber components carefully.
7+ years old: Buy only after a thorough mechanical inspection. A low purchase price can be offset by replacement costs if several components are near the end of their usable life.
The model year should not be the only deciding factor. A well-maintained five-year-old Alto can be a much better purchase than a poorly maintained three-year-old car. Always verify the registration details, insurance history, service records, ownership count and accident history before paying.
Also Read: Five Things to Check Before Buying a Pre-Owned Maruti Alto 800
Best Used Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 Variant to Buy
The Alto 800 LXI (O) is the most recommended choice among all the variants for a majority of cases. It offers a good set of features at an affordable price as opposed to the top-spec models. It is also a good value-for-money proposition for the majority of buyers who wish to use their car primarily for commuting purposes within the city.
The entry-level STD variant was extremely basic, and depending on the year, it could also miss out on features like air-conditioning, power-steering, music system, and remote central locking. The LXI and LXI (O) had slightly more features, making them more competitive in the used car market.
The VXI and VXI Plus variants offered comfort-focused features over their predecessors, with the latter having additional features over the former. The VXI is recommended for buyers who prioritise comfort, while the VXI Plus sits just above it in terms of equipment. However, these two variants are not recommended for the majority of buyers searching for a used Alto 800.
As established earlier, the LXI (O) offers the best combination of price and equipment. However, it is crucial to note that the variant should not be the sole deciding factor while purchasing a used Alto 800. For instance, a well-maintained LXI (O) will always be preferred over a VXI or VXI Plus that has been poorly maintained or involved in any sort of accident.
Used Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 Petrol vs Used Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 CNG
The Alto 800 was available with petrol and CNG options, but CNG was available only with certain variants. In the later lineup, the Alto 800 CNG was offered with LXI (O), and petrol was available with VXI and VXI Plus variants. Your decision between petrol and CNG ultimately boils down to your requirements and the availability of CNG refuelling stations in your area. There are also considerations concerning the state of used cars for sale in your area.
Petrol
The petrol variant is a preferable option for those with low usage requirements. It is also a good option if CNG refuelling stations are not easily available in your area. Petrol cars are also a good option for low- to occasionally used cars.
It is always a good idea to pay attention to the overall condition of the car before you buy a used petrol variant. Things like engine condition, clutch, gearbox, AC, and service records are all important factors. The car’s engine should be able to idle smoothly without hesitation.
CNG
CNG is a greener option and is good for long-distance travel as it gives better mileage. It is a preferable option for people with high usage requirements. However, it is only a good option if one has regular access to CNG fueling stations.
If you are buying a used CNG car, it is important to ensure that the CNG system and components are in good working order. Valves, cylinders, and connections must be checked for cracks and leaks. It is also important to ensure that the CNG system is factory fitted. Always ensure that you buy a used CNG car that has undergone regular maintenance.
Which should you buy?
It is always a good idea to go for petrol if you have low to moderate usage requirements. If you have high usage requirements and access to CNG fueling stations, it would make more sense to go for the CNG option. However, a well-maintained petrol car is always a better option than a poorly maintained CNG car and vice versa.
Also Read: Why India loves the Alto 800
Used Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 Ownership Calculator
The purchase price is only part of the equation when it comes to buying a used car. Set money aside for servicing, tyres, battery, brakes, clutch and other parts that are likely to be due for replacement as the car ages.
While the rough estimate for a five-year-old car is ₹16,935, you have to consider the car’s age, its overall condition, the place of purchase and the repairs needed before finalising the estimate. Note that these figures do not include GST, extra labour charges and repairs, so it is best to have a separate budget for those.
| Ownership Expense | Approximate Cost |
| Routine Service | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per year* |
| Four Tyres | ₹8,500 – ₹11,000* |
| Battery Replacement | ₹4,000 – ₹6,000* |
| Brake Repairs | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000* |
| Clutch Replacement | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000* |
| Minor Repairs & Consumables | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per year* |
*Budgeting estimates only. Actual costs vary based on model year, parts used, workshop selection, and vehicle condition.
Tyres & Initial Reserve
- Tyre Specifications: The Alto 800 uses 145/80 R12 tyres. Individual replacement prices range between ₹2,100 – ₹2,700 depending on the brand and model line.
- Initial Reserve Fund: When buying a 4- to 5-year-old car, set aside ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 as an immediate contingency fund. This covers potential age-related wear items like tyres, battery, brakes, suspension, or clutch components.
Exclusions
Fuel, insurance, parking, tolls, and financing costs are not included in these estimates. Total annual expenditure will depend heavily on your driving distance.
Upgrades for Used Maruti Suzuki Alto 800
A used Alto 800 can have some thoughtful modifications done to it to make it more comfortable and convenient to use. It is important to prioritize the modifications based on their value and impact on the driving experience. In general, modifications that add to the comfort and convenience while maintaining the reliability and safety of the vehicle should be prioritized.
Infotainment system
The Alto 800 can be modified to include an infotainment system that has a touchscreen display. The display can include features such as Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone projection, and navigation. It is important to ensure that the touchscreen is mounted properly and the installation does not result in wiring issues in the car.
Reverse parking camera
A reverse camera can be useful because it improves visibility while parking. If the car already has an aftermarket screen, a compatible camera can usually be integrated with it.
Seat covers and floor mats
The interior seats and floor of the Alto 800 can be covered with brand new seat covers and mats. It is important to prioritize comfort while choosing materials for these covers and mats. The cover should not interfere with the proper working of other safety devices installed in the car.
Better tyres
It is a good idea to replace the existing tyre with a new one if the existing tyre is severely worn out. It is best to stick to the manufacturer-suggested size, 145/80 R12, rather than go for unnecessarily larger tyre sizes for the Alto 800. Replacing the worn-out tyre with a good-quality tyre will improve the comfort and performance of the Alto 800.
Headlight upgrade
If the headlights are not working up to the mark, it is advisable to replace the old and worn-out light bulbs with new ones. It is best to go for high-end but road-legal light bulbs that do not cause discomfort to the drivers using the opposite lane.
Basic detailing
A professional interior cleaning, paint correction or polishing can make an older Alto look significantly fresher. These cosmetic improvements are generally more sensible than expensive body modifications.
It is best to avoid modifications that add extra weight to the car, such as huge alloy wheels, exhaust tips, and sound systems. Such modifications can also hurt the overall resale value of the car.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 Real World Mileage
Summary
The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is a great value option if someone wishes to buy an old vehicle with low mileage in the city. This is a small car that is easy to drive in traffic and has a simple engine that is easy to service and maintain.
When buying such a vehicle, it is best to go for a 3-5 year-old car. It will have a decent engine and will cost a reasonable price. When it comes to the variant, it is best to go with the LXI/LXI (O) as it offers the most value. If someone wants to use it for low to moderate usage, petrol would be the best option. However, if one wishes to use it for high usage, the CNG option, which comes pre-installed in the factory, is the best one.
Once the variant has been decided, it is necessary to go through the car’s service records, ownership history, and check over its condition. A good mechanic will be able to look over the engine, clutch, gearbox, suspension, brakes, tyres, AC, electricals, bodywork and chassis. This way, any potential costly repairs can be taken into account beforehand and their costs can be factored into the final decision.
In the end, it is best not to go for the cheapest car available. Instead, look for a car with a good maintenance and ownership history, low mileage and a good asking price.
FAQ About Used Maruti Suzuki Alto 800
Q. What is the best age of a used Alto 800 to buy?
A 3- to 5-year-old Alto 800 is generally the best balance between purchase price and condition. Older examples can also be good purchases if they have been maintained properly.
Q. Which Alto 800 variant is best to buy used?
The LXI/LXI (O) is the most sensible choice for most buyers because it offers more useful everyday equipment than the base variant without the additional cost of the higher trims.
Q. Is a used Alto 800 CNG better than petrol?
It depends on your usage. A CNG Alto 800 is better for buyers with high annual running and easy access to CNG stations. Petrol is more suitable for occasional or low-to-medium usage.
Q. How much should I keep aside for maintenance after buying a used Alto 800?
Keeping around ₹15,000-₹25,000 as an initial repair reserve is sensible for a 4- or 5-year-old example. The actual amount can be much lower or higher depending on the condition of the car.
Q. What should I check before buying a used Alto 800?
Check the service history, ownership documents, accident history, engine, clutch, gearbox, suspension, brakes, tyres, battery, AC and electrical equipment. For CNG versions, also inspect the factory CNG system and related documentation. A professional pre-purchase inspection is strongly recommended.
