Used Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 in Delhi

— The 1.0L K10B and K10C engines are simple and reliable, but on high-mileage units (60,000+ km), worn valve seals can cause blue smoke on cold start. White smoke that persists after warm-up indicates a head gasket issue. Start the car yourself after it's been sitting overnight (or at least 4+ hours). If you see smoke for more than 30 seconds, the repair is expensive relative to the car's value.

— The old Alto K10 (2015-2022) has thin underbody protection and rusts aggressively in coastal and humid cities (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata). The floor pan under the front seats and the boot floor are the worst spots. Lift the car or use a mirror — if you see structural rust (not just surface oxidation on bolts), walk away. The cost to fix structural rust often exceeds the car's resale value.

— A common issue on 2nd gen Alto K10s with 50,000+ km — difficulty engaging 2nd gear, or a grinding/crunching noise during the shift. This points to worn synchro rings inside the gearbox. The fix requires gearbox overhaul or replacement. On a car worth ₹2-3 lakh, a ₹12,000+ gearbox repair is disproportionately expensive.