Buyers’ checklist for used Maruti Wagon-R

The Maruti Wagon-R is a relatively trouble-free practical car and it holds its value quite well in the used car market. If you are looking to buy a used Wagon-R here are some pointers that will help you.

The Maruti Wagon-R was introduced in India in 2000 and has since seen continuous cosmetic product updates and some functional changes, with a major change taking place in 2010, when the all-new “blue-eyed boy” Wagon-R was introduced, with a body shell and engine change.

The first generation Wagon-R in India came with a 4-cylinder, 1061 cc petrol engine that put out 64 bhp of power and 86 Nm of torque. This 16-valve engine got an update in 2002 with distributor-less ignition, 32-bit ECU and other minor changes, including addition of electronic power steering, along with digital odometer and dual trip meters, making it quite good car for its time. The 2003 Wagon-R came with changes to the headlamps, tail-lamps and grille, which was further revised in 2006. Also see:Future WagonR!

In 2010, the Wagon-R was fully revised with a new body shell and new front-end and rear-end design, with a new 3-cylinder, 1 litre K-Series petrol engine putting out 67 bhp of power and 90 Nm of torque.

Prices of used Wagon-R

Model 2001-2002: Rs. 75,000-Rs.1 lakh

Model 2003-2004: Rs. 1 lakh – Rs. 1.30 lakh

Model 2005-2006: Rs. 1.40 lakh – Rs. 1.75 lakh

Model 2007-2008: Rs. 1.75 lakh – Rs. 2 lakh

Model 2009-2010: Rs. 2.25 lakh – Rs. 3 lakh

Model 2011-2012: Rs. 3.25 lakh – Rs. 4 lakh

Maruti Wagon-Rs are pretty sturdy cars although they are prone to rattles and suspension trouble as they age. Here are some things to check for in the car.

Engine

The older Wagon-R came with a 4-cylinder 1.1 litre engine which was pretty trouble-free as long as regular oil changes were carried out. The car was quite fuel efficient as well. The engine required a timing belt change at about 100,000 km. Check if this has been done. Ask for a service history of the car. Start the engine and listen for any loud clicking or whirring sounds from the engine. Any such sounds would indicate worn valves (that can be adjusted) or a main bearing going bad. Also check that the car’s idling is constant as any sudden changes would need an ECU check.

The K-series 1-litre three cylinder engine comes with the new Wagon-R that was introduced in 2010. This engine is more fuel efficient. Maruti also had a dual-fuel engine option – offering the new Wagon-R with LPG or CNG kits. Check if these kits have been inspected and updated (ask for a record).

Suspension

The older Wagon-R is prone to suspension rattles, especially with the McPherson struts up front. Check for signs of wheel wear as that is indicative of bent lower suspension arms, a common-issue with the Wagon-R, but not expensive to replace. Also check the boots of the drive shaft as they tend to get cut and develop oil leaks. Turn the steering wheel and move the car and listen for clicking sounds from the drive shaft, which means it’s time to replace it. This is slightly expensive.

Gearbox

The Wagon-R has a very light clutch which can wear off with constant city driving. The gear shift is cable operated and sometimes does not slot in properly. If you have difficulty in engaging gears or if the clutch shudders when releasing it, it may be time to replace the clutch. A clutch replacement for the Wagon R would cost about Rs. 6,500.

Peripheral parts

The bumper is held together with flimsy locking clips which tend to break with age. Check for loose or sagging bumpers. The clips are not expensive to replace, and neither are the bumpers. Check the door pads and plastics by driving over some bad roads – listen for rattles. Some minor rattles can be fixed, but others you may need to live with as the plastics tend to warp with age. Also check the combination switches and electrical parts as they tend to wear with age and malfunction.

The Maruti Wagon-R has good resale value in the market, but don’t pick up a car that is too old. The engine is good for about 150,000 km, but after that it will call for some attention, depending on how it has been used in the past. Research the Maruti WagonR

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