A real report, anonymised
Used 2022 Maruti Ciaz Smart Hybrid inspection report
2022 Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Smart Hybrid Zeta petrol, 23,774 km (last service-book reading, July 2026), inspected September 2026, Bengaluru, 265 checkpoints
Verdict
A young car with a hard-used feel. Ask how it was used before you negotiate
72.5
overall score / 100
Four years old and under 24,000 km on the service book, yet the tyres are near the limit, the brakes are low, the steering has excessive free play and the exhaust smokes black. The paint is original; one bumper was replaced under an insurance claim.
The automated summary graded this car “Go ahead and buy it: Excellent” at 72.5. The wear below is out of step with the kilometres, which is the question to settle first.
4 mm
tread on all four tyres
0
panels repainted
Jan 2026
insurance body claim
2023
pollution certificate expired
What we found
In the order that matters.
The wear is ahead of the kilometres
The service book’s last reading is 23,774 km, which is light for a four-year-old car. But all four tyres are down to 4 mm, the brake pads are low, the steering has excessive free play, and the dealer recorded complaints of hard steering at 2,418 km and ineffective brakes at 21,345 km. The car is also under a loan with a car-rental company. Ask plainly how the car has been used, and check the odometer against the wear before you talk price.
Low brakes the dealer could not fix
At the July 2026 service the dealer found the brake pads, a disc and a caliper pin needed replacing and could not do it because the parts were unavailable. Our inspection found the pads still low. Ask for the work to be completed and invoiced before handover.
Black smoke on snap acceleration, and low coolant
On a petrol engine, black smoke under sudden throttle points to a rich mixture. The service book records injector cleaning twice after complaints of the engine not starting and losing power. The scan showed no fault codes today, but a mechanic should look at the fuel system. The coolant reservoir was low, and there is minor seepage underneath.
An insurance body claim in January 2026
The front bumper, its cap and a side holder were replaced and painted under an insurance claim. The bumper is plastic and not gauged; every metal panel reads factory, so the repair looks confined to the bumper.
Paperwork to settle
The pollution certificate expired in July 2023 and must be renewed. The car is under an open loan, which the seller must close before ownership can transfer.
What is genuinely good
Original paint on every measured panel, a clean interior, all electricals working, smooth gearbox, no fault codes, and a dealer record with no gaps.
Area ratings
| Area | What we saw | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | Every measured panel 122 to 162 µm, consistent. No repaint. | 5/5 |
| Exterior | Scratches on eight panels and a small dent on the bonnet. Fitment good. | 4/5 |
| Tyres | Four Goodyear Assurance, about four years old, all at 4 mm. | 3/5 |
| Brakes | Pads low. The dealer could not replace pads, disc and caliper pin in July 2026 (parts unavailable). | 3/5 |
| Steering | Excessive free play at rest. | 3/5 |
| Engine & emissions | No fault codes. Black smoke on snap acceleration. Coolant low. | 3.5/5 |
| Underbody | Minor seepage at the engine/gearbox; trace of an oxidation line underneath. | 4/5 |
| Interior | Clean and well kept; all adjustments work. | 5/5 |
| Electricals | Infotainment, HVAC and lighting fully operational. | 5/5 |
| Gear & transmission | Smooth shifts, normal clutch. | 5/5 |
| Paperwork | Insurance valid to 2027. Pollution certificate expired July 2023. Under an open loan. | 3/5 |
Paint assessment
Every measured panel reads 122 to 162 µm with no panel standing out. No repaint.
| Panel | Film thickness | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Door rear left | 162 µm | Factory |
| Door front right | 149 µm | Factory |
| Tailgate | 148 µm | Factory |
| Door front left | 145 µm | Factory |
| Quarter left | 142 µm | Factory |
| Fender right | 142 µm | Factory |
| Door rear right | 139 µm | Factory |
| Quarter right | 137 µm | Factory |
| Bonnet | 132 µm | Factory |
| Roof | 128 µm | Factory |
| Fender left | 122 µm | Factory |
The January 2026 repair was to the plastic front bumper, which a paint gauge does not read.
Tyres
Four Goodyear Assurance, about four years old, all at 4 mm with even wear and no sidewall damage. Plan a set soon.
Service history
Eleven visits to an authorised dealer from 2022 to 2026, with the kilometres running forward. Selected entries:
| When | Odometer | What was done |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2022 | 2,418 km | Second free service; customer reported hard steering |
| Sep 2023 | 10,334 km | Paid service; engine occasionally not starting and loss of power; injectors cleaned |
| Jun 2025 | 21,345 km | Paid service; wheel alignment out and brakes ineffective reported; underbody anti-rust coating |
| Jan 2026 | 22,044 km | Insurance body claim: front bumper, cap and side holder replaced and painted |
| Jul 2026 | 23,774 km | Paid service: spark plugs, filters, fluids; brake pads, disc and caliper pin needed but parts unavailable |
Registration and records
Owner name, address, registration number and lender are held back from published samples.
| Record | Status |
|---|---|
| Registered | 2022, Bengaluru |
| Manufactured | June 2022, petrol hybrid, 1462 cc |
| Insurance | Valid to 2027 |
| Pollution certificate | Expired July 2023 |
| Finance | Under an open loan with a car-rental company |
| Blacklist / legal flags | None |
Periodic maintenance
Service every 10,000 km or 12 months. Ask for the pending brake parts to be fitted, and have the fuel system checked for the black smoke.
Every checkpoint (265)
211 passed, 14 findings, 40 measurements or not applicable to this car. Answers exactly as the inspector recorded them.
01. Baseline Photos & Documents7 checks
- ✓4 sides (Front, Sides, Back) capturedCaptured
- ✓Interior overview (front & rear)Captured
- ✓VIN plate & odometer close-upsCaptured
- ✓Cluster warning lamps photo (Ignition ON)Captured
- ○RC DetailsN/A
- ○PUC CerificateN/A
- ○Insurance CertificateN/A
02. Exterior Structure & Trim55 checks, 8 findings
- !Front Bumper: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Hood/Bonnet: Defects (multi-select)Dent
- !Door Front Left: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Quarter Left: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Rear Bumper: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Door Front Right: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Door Rear Right: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Quarter Right: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- ✓Front Bumper: FitmentOK
- ✓Hood/Bonnet: FitmentOK
- ✓Roof: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Roof: FitmentOK
- ✓Front grille conditionIntact
- ✓Emblems/Badges present & correctYes
- ✓VIN plate/rivets tamper signsNo signs
- ✓Fender Left: Defects (multi- select)None
- ✓Fender Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Door Front Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Front Left door handle: physicalOK
- ✓Front Left door handle: functionalityOK
- ✓Front Left door weather seals & beadingsOK
- ✓Front Left window run channel & outer beadingsOK
- ✓Door Rear Left: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Door Rear Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Rear Left door handle: physicalOK
- ✓Rear Left door handle: functionalityOK
- ✓Rear Left door weather seals & beadingsOK
- ✓Rear Left window run channel & outer beadingsOK
- ✓Sill/Rocker Left: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Sill/Rocker Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Quarter Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Left pillars (A/B/C): Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Left ORVM housing conditionOK
- ✓Rear Bumper: FitmentOK
- ✓Trunk/Tailgate: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Trunk/Tailgate: FitmentOK
- ✓Fuel lid/door conditionOK
- ✓Fuel lid/door fitment & hinge/springOK
- ✓Fender Right: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Fender Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Door Front Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Front Right door handle: physicalOK
- ○Front Right door handle: functionalityNot recorded
- ✓Front Right door weather seals & beadingsOK
- ✓Front Right window run channel & outer beadingsOK
- ✓Door Rear Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Rear Right door handle: physicalOK
- ✓Rear Right door handle: functionalityOK
- ✓Rear Right door weather seals & beadingsOK
- ✓Rear Right window run channel & outer beadingsOK
- ○Sill/Rocker Right: Defects (multi-select)N/A
- ✓Sill/Rocker Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Quarter Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Right pillars (A/B/C): Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Right ORVM housing conditionOK
03. Glass & Mirrors22 checks
- ✓Front windshield: chips/ cracksNone
- ✓RL door window glass conditionClear
- ✓Front windshield: wiper-arc scratches/hazeNone
- ✓Front windshield seal/ garnish conditionOK
- ✓Front windshield marking & date (DOT/AIS/ISI)Match (±12m)
- ✓Windshield sensor housing (ADAS/rain-light) mountSecure
- ✓Left ORVM mirror glassOK
- ✓FL door window glass conditionClear
- ✓FL door glass marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ✓RL door glass marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ✓Rear windshield: chips/ cracksNone
- ✓Rear defogger lines (continuity visual)Intact
- ✓Rear windshield seal/ garnish conditionOK
- ✓Rear windshield marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ✓Rear defogger functional testHeats evenly
- ✓Right ORVM mirror glassOK
- ✓FR door window glass conditionClear
- ✓FR door glass marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ✓RR door window glass conditionClear
- ✓RR door glass marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ○Sunroof glass conditionN/A
- ✓Sunroof marking & dateMatch (±12m)
04. Paint Assessment32 checks
- ✓Pillars Right (A/B/C): Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ✓Front Bumper: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Hood/Bonnet: Paint thickness132
- ○Roof: Paint thickness128
- ✓Roof: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Fender Left: Paint thickness122
- ○Fender Left: Colour varianceNot recorded
- ○Door Front Left: Paint thickness145
- ✓Door Front Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Door Rear Left: Paint thickness162
- ✓Door Rear Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Sill/Rocker Left: Paint thicknessNot recorded
- ○Sill/Rocker Left: Colour varianceN/A
- ○Quarter Left: Paint thickness142
- ✓Quarter Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Pillars Left (A/B/C): Paint thickness103
- ✓Pillars Left (A/B/C): Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Rear Bumper: Paint thicknessNot recorded
- ✓Rear Bumper: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Trunk/Tailgate: Paint thickness148
- ○Trunk/Tailgate: Colour varianceNot recorded
- ○Fender Right: Paint thickness142
- ✓Fender Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Door Front Right: Paint thickness149
- ✓Door Front Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Door Rear Right: Paint thickness139
- ✓Door Rear Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Sill/Rocker Right: Paint thicknessNot recorded
- ✓Sill/Rocker Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Quarter Right: Paint thickness137
- ✓Quarter Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Pillars Right (A/B/C): Paint thickness109
05. Tyres, Wheels & Brakes19 checks, 1 finding
- ✓Mud/silt under carpets (front footwells)None
- ✓Tyre valve/nozzle (FL)Good
- ✓Mud/silt under carpets (rear footwells)None
- ✓Tyre sidewall/tread defects (FL)None
- ✓Seat rail rust/pittingNone
- ✓Wheel rim condition (FL, bends/cracks)OK
- ✓Tyre valve/nozzle (FR)Good
- ✓Under-dash wiring oxidation/green patinaNone
- ✓Tyre sidewall/tread defects (FR)None
- ✓Wheel rim condition (FR, bends/cracks)OK
- ✓Tyre valve/nozzle (RL)Good
- ✓Tyre sidewall/tread defects (RL)None
- ✓Wheel rim condition (RL, bends/cracks)OK
- ✓Tyre valve/nozzle (RR)Good
- ✓Tyre sidewall/tread defects (RR)None
- ✓Wheel rim condition (RR, bends/cracks)OK
- ✓Spare tyre conditionGood
- ✓Brake rotor visual (lip/ scoring)Normal
- !Brake pad visual (thickness)Low
06. Water / Accident Exposure9 checks, 1 finding
- !Underbody waterline/ oxidation patternsTrace
- ✓Trunk/spare well moisture or smellDry
- ✓Door drain holes clearClear
- ✓Headlamp/taillamp condensationNone
- ✓Engine bay mud/rust at lower membersNone
- ✓Wiring/fusebox water marksNone
- ✓Structural welds/overspray/ signs of panel replacementFactory-like
- ✓Seat mount bolts & seat base waterlineClean
- ✓Trunk side cavities/quarter pockets moistureDry
07. Underbody25 checks, 1 finding
- !Leaks (engine/gearbox/diff)Seepage
- ✓Exhaust condition (hangers/shields)OK
- ✓Floor/frame corrosionNone
- ✓Suspension arms/bushings visualOK
- ✓Brake lines/hoses (rust/ leak/chafe)Good
- ✓Underbody shields / aero panels presence & securityAll present
- ✓Jacking points & floor pan deformationOK
- ✓Seam sealer & undercoat integrityUniform
- ✓Subframe / crossmember condition & bushingsOK
- ✓Ball joint & tie-rod end dust bootsIntact
- ✓Steering rack housing & boots (leaks/play)Dry
- ✓Front CV axle boots (inner/ outer)Intact
- ○Prop shaft / center bearing / giubo (RWD/AWD)N/A
- ○Differential housing & axle seals (RWD/AWD)N/A
- ○Transfer case leaks (AWD/ 4×4)N/A
- ✓Shock absorber lower mounts & bushingsOK
- ✓Sway bar links & bushings (front/rear)OK
- ✓Brake calipers & flex hoses at banjo/union (seep/leak)Dry
- ✓Fuel tank straps / guards corrosion & securityOK
- ✓Fuel hardlines & EVAP canister/hoses (routing/ clips/leaks)OK
- ✓Exhaust flex joint & catalytic converter shieldsOK
- ✓O₂ sensor wiring & connectors (routing/heat damage)OK
- ✓Parking brake cables (routing/corrosion/free play)OK
- ○Radiator/condenser & hose lower area (leak traces/ dye/oil)Not recorded
- ✓Rear diff/torque mount bushings (where applicable)OK
08. Under the Hood: Engine OFF9 checks, 1 finding
- ✓Battery terminals & hold- downClean/Tight
- ✓Belts visual (cracks/fray)Good
- !Coolant reservoir levelLow
- ✓Brake fluid levelBetween MIN and MAX
- ✓Washer fluid levelOK
- ○Engine oil level (dipstick)Not recorded
- ○Air filter elementNot recorded
- ✓Visible wiring/hoses conditionGood
- ✓Engine mounts visual conditionGood
09. Interior Trim & Fixtures24 checks
- ✓Driver seat (FR): Cushioning & upholsteryGood
- ✓Driver seat (FR): Adjustments (slide/recline/ height)All OK
- ✓Driver seat (FR): Seatbelt & buckleOK
- ✓Driver seat (FR): Headrest conditionOK
- ✓Front passenger seat (FL): Cushioning & upholsteryGood
- ✓Front passenger seat (FL): Adjustments (slide/recline/ height)All OK
- ✓Front passenger seat (FL): Seatbelt & buckleOK
- ✓Front passenger seat (FL): Headrest conditionOK
- ✓2nd row: Cushioning & upholsteryGood
- ✓2nd row: Fold/Slide/Tumble (access)Smooth
- ✓2nd row: Seatbelts & bucklesAll OK
- ○2nd row: ISOFIX anchors (L/ R)N/A
- ○3rd row: Fold/Slide/Tumble (access)N/A
- ○3rd row: Seatbelts & bucklesN/A
- ✓Dashboard panels conditionGood
- ✓Instrument cluster lens & shroudClear
- ✓Carpet fitment (edges/ clips)Correct
- ✓Carpet cleanlinessClean
- ✓Roof lining conditionGood
- ✓Sunshades/vanity mirrorsOK
- ✓Glovebox hinge/lock/ damperOK
- ✓Center console & armrest storageOK
- ✓Door pockets & hidden compartmentsOK
- ✓Interior rear-view mirror (mount/flip)OK
10. Interior Electricals, Infotainment & HVAC21 checks
- ✓Front row cabin lightsAll OK
- ✓Rear/2nd-3rd row cabin lightsAll OK
- ✓Driver door: window & lock switchesAll OK
- ✓Passenger doors: window & lock switchesAll OK
- ✓ORVM adjust switchOK
- ✓ORVM fold switchOK
- ○ORVM heaterN/A
- ✓Head unit power & bootOK
- ✓Touchscreen & buttonsOK
- ✓Audio output L/R/F/RAll OK
- ✓Bluetooth/USB/FMAll OK
- ✓Reverse camera/parking sensorsOK
- ✓AC cooling at center ventsCold (<10°C)
- ✓Heater outputHot
- ✓Blower speeds & vent directionAll speeds OK
- ✓AC odour on startNone
- ✓Rear/roof AC vents airflowGood
- ✓Wiper controls (all speeds + wash)OK
- ✓HornOK
- ✓Hazard/defogger switchesOK
- ✓Cluster warning lamps status (Ignition ON)None
11. Driving Controls & Driver Aids11 checks, 1 finding
- ✓Steering wheel condition (rim/stitching)Good
- !Steering free play (static)Excessive
- ✓Steering adjust (tilt/ telescope)OK
- ✓Gear selector movement (PRND/pattern)Smooth
- ✓Clutch pedal feel (MT only)Normal
- ✓Hand/parking brakeHolds well
- ○Drive mode switch (Eco/ Normal/Sport)N/A
- ○Traction/Stability control buttonN/A
- ✓Pedal rubbers condition (A/ B/C)Good
- ✓Steering-mounted controlsAll OK
- ✓Brake pedal feel (static)Normal
12. Lighting6 checks
- ✓Headlamps (low/high)Both OK
- ✓DRL / Parking lightsOK
- ✓Indicators/hazardsALL OK
- ✓Brake lights (incl. CHMSL)ALL OK
- ✓Reverse lightsALL OK
- ✓Fog lamps (front/rear)OK
13. Under the Hood: Engine ON5 checks
- ✓Idle quality / vibrationSmooth
- ○Idle RPM (spec)800
- ✓Cooling fan operationNormal
- ✓Accessory belt noisesNone
- ✓Visible leaks at idleNone
14. Fluids & Emissions5 checks, 1 finding
- ✓Exhaust smoke at idleNone
- ✓Exhaust sound (abnormal noises)Normal
- ✓Oil condition (dipstick)Clean
- ✓Coolant condition (visual)Clean
- !Exhaust smoke on snap accelerationBlack
15. Modifications & Non‑OEM3 checks
- ✓Exterior non‑OEM parts observedNone
- ✓Electrical/infotainment modificationsNone
- ✓Suspension/performance modsNone
16. Road Test12 checks
- ✓Cold start behaviourNormal
- ✓Engine performance/ accelerationNormal
- ✓Transmission shift qualitySmooth
- ✓Clutch operation (MT)Normal
- ✓Steering pull/free playStraight
- ✓Braking performance/noiseNormal
- ✓Suspension noise/ harshnessNormal
- ✓AC performance while drivingStable cold
- ✓Cruise controlOK
- ○ADAS aids (if equipped) brief checkN/A
- ○4×4/AWD engagement (if equipped)N/A
- ✓Wheel alignment/pull confirmation (straight road)Tracks straight
Your car, the same depth