Second Hand Ertiga: Avoid These 3 Mistakes Before Buying

Second Hand Ertiga has become one of the most preferred MPVs in India. Known for its 7-seater comfort, family-friendly design, and fuel efficiency, which is a practical choice for buyers who want value without overspending on a brand-new car. However, while a used vechile can save you lakhs, many buyers commit common mistakes that lead to unnecessary expenses and regret later.

Why Choose a Second Hand Ertiga?

Before diving into the mistakes, let’s understand why the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is one of the top-selling used cars in India:

  • 7-Seater Family Car – Perfect for joint families, road trips, or ride-sharing.
  •  Fuel Options – Available in Petrol, Diesel, CNG, and Automatic variants.
  •  Low Maintenance Costs – Compared to SUVs, its affordable to maintain.
  •  High Resale Value – Even older models hold decent market value.
  •  Trusted Brand – Maruti Suzuki has the widest service network in India.

Clearly, the Second Hand Ertiga ticks most boxes for Indian buyers. But the deal is only good if you know what to check before signing.

Mistake 1: Ignoring Service & Maintenance Records


One of the most overlooked but critical aspects of buying a used Ertiga is checking its service history. A car may look shiny and well-kept from outside, but without proper servicing, you may face repeated breakdowns, engine issues, or poor mileage.

  • Many owners skip periodic maintenance to save costs.
  •  Irregular oil changes, brake servicing, or clutch replacements can shorten the car’s life.
  •  In diesel models, neglecting timely service can lead to expensive engine repairs.

 Solution:
Always ask for the complete service record. Prefer cars that have been maintained at authorized Maruti Suzuki service centers. Cross-check bills for major replacements like clutch plates, tires, and battery.

Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Variant or Fuel Type

The Ertiga comes in multiple variants—VXI, ZXI, Diesel, CNG, and Automatic. Many buyers select a model without matching it to their actual usage, which leads to dissatisfaction later.

  • Ertiga VXI Used – Mid-variant with decent features; best for budget-conscious families.
  •  Ertiga ZXI Second Hand – Premium features like touchscreen infotainment and alloy wheels.
  •  Ertiga Diesel Used – Good mileage on highways, but check engine condition carefully as diesel repairs are costly.
  •  Ertiga CNG Second Hand – Perfect for city commutes with very low running cost, but boot space is reduced.
  •  Ertiga Automatic Used – Best for city traffic, but slightly lower mileage compared to manual.

 Solution:

Choose the variant based on your driving style and travel needs. For city drives, petrol or CNG works well. For highway trips, diesel is better (if in good condition). If you drive daily in heavy traffic, automatic is worth the investment.

Mistake 3: Skipping Legal & Insurance Checks


Another major mistake is failing to verify the car’s legal and financial documents. Some second hand cars come with pending loans, insurance lapses, or accident history, which can create trouble after purchase.

  • Cars involved in accidents may have hidden frame damage.
  •  Vehicles with loan defaults may get seized by banks.
  •  Expired insurance means extra cost and risk.

 Solution:

Check the car’s RC (Registration Certificate), insurance policy, and loan clearance papers. Use government portals like VAHAN to verify ownership details and ensure there are no pending challans.

Additional Tips Before Buying a Second Hand Ertiga

Beyond the 3 key mistakes, here are some quick checks to make your purchase safe and smart:

  1. Inspect the Odometer – Many sellers tamper with mileage. Compare service records with the odometer reading.
  2.  Test Drive Thoroughly – Listen for unusual engine sounds, check gear smoothness, brakes, and suspension.
  3.  Check Tyres & Battery – Replacement costs can add up to ₹30,000 if ignored.
  4.  Verify RTO Documents – Ensure chassis number and engine number match the RC.
  5.  Negotiate Smartly – Use minor issues (tyres, scratches, or missing accessories) to lower the final price.

Conclusion

A Second Hand Ertiga is an excellent choice for Indian families looking for a budget-friendly yet spacious MPV. However, to make it a smart purchase, you must avoid the 3 costly mistakes—ignoring service history, choosing the wrong variant, and skipping legal checks. By doing proper inspection, verifying documents, and picking the right fuel type, you can drive home a reliable Ertiga without regrets.