Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno in Chennai

— The 1st gen Baleno (2015-2019) is notorious for dashboard rattles, particularly from the passenger-side glovebox area and the center console. On rough roads, the entire dashboard can develop a persistent buzzing vibration. While individual rattles are fixable (₹500-1,500 at a service center), a car with multiple rattles suggests poor overall build quality that will keep returning. Test drive specifically on broken roads and speed breakers — if you hear more than one rattle source, the fix costs add up and the problem usually returns within months.

— Some CVT-equipped Balenos develop a shudder or vibration when accelerating from standstill or during slow-speed parking manoeuvres. This indicates CVT fluid degradation or early belt wear. Maruti recommends CVT fluid change every 40,000 km, and many owners skip this. A CVT fluid flush (₹8,000-10,000) may fix it, but if the judder persists, the CVT unit itself needs replacement (₹60,000-80,000). Test the CVT specifically in stop-and-go traffic and during tight parking turns.

— The DualJet 1.2L engine on facelift and 2nd gen models can throw check engine lights due to faulty oxygen sensors or issues with the mild-hybrid SHVS system (integrated starter-generator). If the MIL light is on and the engine hunts at idle, get an OBD-II scan immediately. O2 sensor replacement is ₹3,000-5,000, but SHVS battery/ISG issues can cost ₹8,000-15,000. Any seller who refuses an OBD scan is hiding something.