The Tata Safari has held a legendary status in India for years, known for its bold design, spacious interiors, and commanding road presence. With its relaunch in 2021, the Safari was reimagined as a modern, feature-rich, and safer SUV, without compromising its rugged appeal. It now comes with advanced diesel powertrains, a premium cabin experience, and a host of safety and tech features, making it a popular choice among SUV lovers.
If you’re planning to buy a used Tata Safari, you’re likely looking for a vehicle that offers comfort for large families, durability for long journeys, and impressive performance on highways or rough roads. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the best model years and variants to look for, to maintenance costs, smart upgrade options, and long-term ownership tips.
With the right research and a well-maintained model, a used Tata Safari can be a dependable, feature-packed SUV that offers great value without the price tag of a brand-new vehicle.
Best Age of Used Tata Safari to Buy
The new-generation Tata Safari was launched in early 2021 as a three-row SUV based on the Harrier platform. It brought with it a modern design, panoramic sunroof, premium cabin materials, and a reliable 2.0L diesel engine sourced from Fiat (Kryotec). Since launch, it has seen feature updates and special editions, with a major facelift arriving in late 2023.
Depreciation Trends
Like most premium SUVs in India, the Safari sees the highest depreciation within the first few years:
Year 1: 18-20% drop from ex-showroom value
Years 2-3: A further 10-15% drop annually
Year 4 onward: Slower depreciation, retaining around 55-60% of original value
A Tata Safari that originally cost ₹22-24 lakh (on-road) in 2021 may now be available for ₹15-17 lakh in 2024, depending on variant, mileage, and condition.
Ideal Model Years to Target
If you’re buying a used Tata Safari in 2024, the best options lie in the 2021 to 2022 models:
These include most of the essential features like panoramic sunroof, 6 airbags (in higher trims), and ventilated seats.
Depreciation has already brought prices to a more accessible level.
Most units still fall within the original warranty period (2 years standard, 5 years with extension).
Models from 2023 and newer are still priced close to new, while 2021-2022 models offer the best value-for-money sweet spot.
Best Used Tata Safari Variant to Buy
Tata offers the Safari in multiple trims, XE, XM, XT, XZ, and their feature-loaded “+” variants. Over the years, these have been joined by special editions like Adventure, Gold, and Dark Editions. Choosing the right variant is crucial to balancing price, features, and future resale value.
Best Value-for-Money Variant: XT+ or XZ (2021-2022)
If you’re buying a used Tata Safari from the first few production years (2021-2022), the XT+ and XZ variants hit the sweet spot.
Why XT+ Makes Sense:
Panoramic sunroof (a key buyer pull)
8.8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Rear camera and rear wiper/defogger
Automatic climate control and rear AC vents
18-inch alloy wheels
LED DRLs and projector headlamps
XZ Offers Additional Premium Features:
6 airbags, ESC, hill hold control
Ventilated front seats
JBL-tuned audio system
iRA connected car tech (limited in early versions)
Faux leather upholstery
Lower trims like XM or XT lack key features and are harder to resell without aftermarket upgrades. Top-end XZ+ Gold/Adventure/Dark editions come with more luxuries but also attract higher resale pricing, narrowing the value advantage.
If you’re aiming for balanced pricing and features, a used XT+ or XZ manual/automatic model from 2021 or 2022 is likely the most practical choice.
Used Tata Safari Manual vs Automatic: Which One to Buy?
The Tata Safari is powered exclusively by a 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine, but buyers can choose between two transmissions: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic (torque converter sourced from Hyundai). The right choice depends on your usage pattern and driving environment.
Manual Transmission (MT)
Standard across all variants
Offers better fuel efficiency (by ~1-2 kmpl compared to AT)
More engaging for highway driving or rural roads
Slightly lower maintenance and repair cost
Suitable for buyers who enjoy driving or do longer intercity travel
Automatic Transmission (AT)
Available from XM upwards
Provides smooth, hassle-free driving in city traffic
Slightly lower mileage than manual, but more convenient
Ideal for urban users or families seeking comfort and ease
Generally commands ₹1.2-₹1.5 lakh premium even in the used market
Verdict:
Choose Manual if you drive long distances, prefer better control, and want lower upfront and running costs.
Choose Automatic if you live in a city, frequently face stop-go traffic, or prioritize comfort over efficiency.
Used Tata Safari Ownership Calculator
Owning a used Tata Safari involves predictable annual costs, especially if you choose a well-maintained unit. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses beyond the purchase price.
Annual Service Costs
Tata recommends servicing the Safari every 15,000 km or once a year.
Routine service: ₹12,000-₹15,000
Major service (every 30,000-45,000 km): ₹18,000-₹22,000 (includes fluid and filter replacements)
Tyre Replacement
The Safari rides on 18-inch wheels with wide-profile tyres.
Cost per tyre: ₹6,000-₹7,000
Total for all tyres: ₹24,000-₹28,000
Replacement interval: Every 40,000-50,000 km
Battery Replacement
Lifespan: 3-4 years
Replacement cost: ₹5,000-₹7,000 (depending on brand and capacity)
Common Wear-and-Tear Replacements
| Component | Approx. Cost | Replacement Frequency |
| Brake pads | ₹3,000-₹4,500 | Every 30,000-40,000 km |
| Wiper blades | ₹600-₹1,000 | Annually |
| Clutch (manual only) | ₹9,000-₹12,000 | After 60,000-80,000 km |
Insurance Renewal
Third-party cover: ₹3,000-₹5,000
Comprehensive policy: ₹10,000-₹15,000 (depending on variant and IDV)
Annual Ownership Estimate (Excluding Insurance)
Manual Safari: ₹22,000-₹26,000
Automatic Safari: ₹24,000-₹28,000
These figures assume regular usage and no major part failures. Extended warranties may further reduce unexpected costs.
Upgrades for Used Tata Safari
While the Safari comes well-equipped, especially in XT+ and XZ+ variants, a few upgrades can significantly improve its comfort, aesthetics, and long-term usability, particularly if you’re buying a mid-variant or an early 2021 model.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Upgrade older 8.8-inch touchscreens to a larger Android Auto/Apple CarPlay unit: ₹20,000-₹30,000
Install reverse camera or 360° camera kits: ₹5,000-₹12,000
Ensure compatibility with steering-mounted controls before upgrading head units
Tyres and Wheels
If the used Safari comes with worn tyres or steel wheels (rare in mid/high variants), consider:
Premium tyres (full set): ₹24,000-₹28,000
Alloy wheel replacement (if needed): ₹25,000-₹35,000
Cabin Enhancements
Seat covers (leatherette or fabric): ₹5,000-₹10,000
Ambient lighting, sunshades, or dashboard trim kits: ₹2,000-₹5,000
Safety and Convenience
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): ₹3,000-₹5,000
Dashcam setup (front/rear): ₹3,000-₹8,000
Blind spot mirrors, upgraded IRVM, or additional USB ports
Suggested Budget
For a noticeable upgrade in comfort and tech, budget ₹30,000-₹60,000, depending on the variant you’re buying and your priorities.
Summary
The Tata Safari offers a compelling package in the used SUV market, combining space, style, road presence, and proven diesel performance. Thanks to its updated features, strong build quality, and multiple variants, it serves both family and enthusiast buyers well.
Here’s what to keep in mind when buying a used Tata Safari:
Ideal model years: 2021-2022 models offer the best balance of price, depreciation, and features
Best variants: XT+ or XZ trims provide a solid feature set without stretching your budget
Manual vs automatic: Manual offers better control and slightly higher mileage; automatic is better for city driving and convenience
Annual ownership cost: ₹22,000-₹28,000 excluding insurance
Recommended upgrades: Infotainment system, new tyres, seat covers, TPMS, and a dashcam
With the right variant and a well-maintained unit, a used Safari can deliver premium SUV comfort and practicality without the new car price tag.
FAQs About Used Tata Safari
Is the Tata Safari a reliable used SUV?
Yes. The new-generation Tata Safari is built on the proven OmegaArc platform (derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture) and features a robust 2.0-litre diesel engine. With proper maintenance, it offers excellent reliability.
Which Tata Safari variant is the best to buy used?
The XT+ and XZ trims strike the best balance between features, price, and comfort. They offer essential equipment like panoramic sunroof, touchscreen infotainment, alloy wheels, and safety tech.
What’s the real-world mileage of a used Tata Safari?
In city conditions, expect around 12-13 kmpl. On highways, the mileage can go up to 16-17 kmpl for the manual and slightly lower for the automatic variant.
What should I check before buying a used Safari?
Inspect for tyre wear, clutch condition (for manual), infotainment responsiveness, past accident history, and any pending service or warranty claims. Always ask for a full service record.
Does the Tata Safari hold its resale value well?
Yes. While SUVs generally depreciate faster in the first 2-3 years, the Safari’s strong demand and brand appeal help it maintain competitive resale value, especially for top variants.
