The Tata Nexon has been one of the most popular cars in the compact SUV segment in India, and its high demand in the used car market is no surprise considering the level of durability associated with this gem of a car.
However, like any used car, the Tata Nexon is no exception to the risks associated with second hand cars and you should be careful before investing a hefty sum on the car. A thorough inspection of the vehicle’s condition, history, and paperwork can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Here are the seven important things that you should check before buying a used Tata Nexon, so that you can drive away with a car that meets your needs and expectations.
Pre-Owned Tata Nexon Generations
The car was first introduced in 2017 and since then, it has gone through several updates and upgrades. Initially the Nexon came with a relatively more rugged and bold design, had a fair lot of impressive segment-first features like a floating touchscreen infotainment system, drive modes for the market back then, and a decent engine. The car was available in both petrol and diesel engine options, and it had a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard.
In early 2020, Tata Motors launched a facelifted version of the first-generation Nexon. The car received significant design, features, and powertrain updates. The new Nexon gets a new front grille with tri-arrow pattern, sleeker headlamps, and LED DRLs. The interiors are also revamped with a new floating touchscreen infotainment system and new upholstery. Under the hood, the car is powered by a new 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine and a 1.5L diesel engine, both of which are mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Additionally, the car now offers segment-first features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a sunroof.
Suspension Issues in the First Generation Nexon
The suspension system is responsible for providing a comfortable ride quality and maintaining vehicle stability on uneven roads. However, some Tata Nexon customers reported issues with the suspension system, such as noise and rattling while driving over rough roads.
The suspension noise and rattling could be caused by various reasons, such as worn-out suspension components, improper installation, or poor quality components. Some customers reported that the issue was particularly noticeable when driving over speed bumps or uneven roads. In some cases, the issue could also be related to the shock absorbers, which play a crucial role in controlling the movement of the suspension system.
To address the suspension issues, Tata Motors proactively replaced suspension components on affected cars. However, if the Nexon you are considering has some suspension noise, a check at the service centre should give you more details.
Issues with Central Locking in the First Generation
Some of the common electrical issues reported by Tata Nexon customers in the first generation are:
- Central locking system issues: Some customers reported issues with the central locking system, such as the doors not locking or unlocking properly, or the system failing altogether.
Infotainment system issues: Some customers reported issues with the infotainment system, such as the screen freezing, restarting unexpectedly, or not responding to touch inputs. In some cases, customers reported that the Bluetooth connectivity or USB port also failed.
Power windows issues: Some customers reported issues with the power windows, such as slow or uneven operation, or failure to close or open properly.
- Other electrical issues: Some customers reported issues with other electrical components of the vehicle, such as the instrument cluster, headlights, or wipers.
When evaluating a used Nexon, check all electric systems for proper functioning. Most of the electrical issues are easy fixes at the service centre, so finding any electrical faults should not be a major problem.
Faulty AC Compressors and Reduced Cooling in Facelifted Nexon
The air conditioning system is an important component of any vehicle, especially in hot and humid climates, as it helps regulate the temperature and humidity levels inside the cabin. Some customers of the second generation Tata Nexon reported the following AC problems:
- Reduced cooling: Some customers reported that the AC was not providing sufficient cooling, even at maximum settings. This could be caused by various reasons, such as low refrigerant levels, a faulty compressor, or clogged filters.
- Faulty AC compressors: Some customers reported that the AC compressor failed, resulting in no cooling or reduced cooling. This could be caused by various reasons, such as a faulty clutch, a leak in the refrigerant circuit, or compressor failure.
- Other AC-related issues: Some customers reported other AC-related issues, such as unusual noises from the AC unit, bad odor, or a faulty blower motor.
Make sure you thoroughly check the functioning of the AC when considering a used Nexon. Any faults in the cooling of the car should be checked and repaired at the service centre.
Clutch And Gearbox Issues in the Facelifted Nexon
Clutch and gearbox issues are common problems faced by consumers when it comes to their vehicles. There have been some reported cases of gearbox and clutch issues faced by owners of the Tata Nexon second generation after use. Some common problems reported by customers include:
- Difficulty shifting gears: Some customers have reported difficulty shifting gears, especially when changing from lower gears to higher gears or vice versa. This issue can be caused by a worn-out clutch plate or a faulty synchronizer in the gearbox.
- Clutch slippage: Clutch slippage is a common problem faced by customers of the Tata Nexon second generation. This issue occurs when the clutch plate fails to engage properly with the flywheel, resulting in power loss and difficulty accelerating.
- Strange noises and vibrations: Some customers have reported strange noises and vibrations coming from the gearbox or clutch system. Worn-out bearings, damaged gears, or low transmission fluid levels can cause these noises and vibrations.
- Premature wear and tear: Some customers have reported premature wear and tear of the clutch and gearbox components, which can lead to expensive repairs and replacements.
The best way to evaluate the clutch and gearbox is to test drive the car. If changing gears or using the clutch feels difficult, a check by a mechanic will provide better answers.
Brake Pedal Noise in the Facelifted Nexon
The braking system is a critical safety component of any vehicle, and any issues with it can have serious consequences. Some customers of the third-generation Tata Nexon reported the following braking issues:
- Brake pedal vibration: Some customers reported that the brake pedal vibrates excessively while braking, especially at high speeds. Various reasons, such as warped rotors, uneven brake pad wear, or a faulty master cylinder could cause this.
- Reduced braking performance: Some customers reported that the brakes were not providing sufficient stopping power, even at maximum pedal pressure. Various reasons, such as worn-out brake pads or rotors, a faulty brake booster, or air in the brake lines could cause this. Be sure to take the car to a highway on your test drive to ensure these two broke-related issues are not prevalent.
- Other brake-related issues: Some customers reported other brake-related problems, such as noise from the brakes, a spongy brake pedal, or the brakes locking up or failing altogether.
Uneven Tire Wear In The Latest Nexon
Uneven tire wear: Some customers reported that their tires wore out unevenly, which could be caused by a misaligned suspension system. Misalignment can cause the tires to wear out quickly and unevenly, affecting the vehicle’s handling and stability.
Poor ride quality: Some customers reported that the ride quality of the vehicle was poor, especially when driving on rough or uneven roads. This could be caused by various reasons, such as worn-out shock absorbers or damaged springs.
Loud Engine Rattle And Crankshaft Issues In The Latest Nexon
Several users reported incidents of having engine issues within the first service with one user reportedly saying that his Nexon had to get an engine replacement in three months of its purchase. This issue was noticed by several other users of the Nexon who reported that there were loud rattles coming from the engine in a few months of use and the service centres giving high quotations for fixing them.
Another user reported that there were problems with the crankshaft of his Nexon within 25000 km of use and the service centre took too long to respond to the needs of the consumer and he didn’t receive any updates for weeks making the experience much more terrible.
Summary
Now that we have outlined the most common issues with a pre-owned Tata Nexon over its different generations, you may be rethinking about your decision to buy the car. However, we should tell you that these are just some of the issues you should look out for before making the purchase, so as to avoid any inconvenience later on.
These specific examples do not undermine the excellent features of the Tata Nexon that make it such a complete package of a car. We recommend having a diagnostic check before purchasing the car to ensure there are no issues during its use later on.
Great tips, I will use them next week. Thanks for sharing.