The automobile industry is thriving in India, and at the moment, all the 4-wheeler segments are rife with options. And this seems to be the perfect opportunity for people who are looking to buy used cars.
While buying a new car is a dream come true for many Indian car buyers, getting second-hand cars has its own share of advantages. First up, a used car offers a better value for money than a new car. Of course, you will get the shine and sheen with a new car, but second cars are half the price with a little less bling factor. I’ve also covered a list of mistakes that people often make while buying a new car.
Second, the depreciation rate for second-hand cars is far slower than for new cars. In fact, the value of a new car starts to depreciate the moment it is driven out of the showroom. Besides these, there are other factors also playing behind making old cars the go-to option for potential buyers, including lower insurance rates. And with these benefits up at the sleeves, the Indian car market was valued at USD 32.14 billion back in 2021.
With that out of the way, let’s now focus on talking about some of the most reliable cars in India that would fit the used car market perfectly. I also suggest reading about the world’s best auto wrecker brands and why they are the best.
I’ve covered the following car brands: Maruti Suzuki, Datsun, MG, Renault, Tata, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, Skoda, Ford, Mahindra, Kia, Jeep & Force.
| On this page: |
|---|
| Entry-level Hatchbacks |
| Premium Hatchbacks |
| Entry-level Sedan |
| Premium Sedans |
| Entry-level SUV |
| Premium SUVs |
| Multi-purpose SUVs |
Entry-level Hatchbacks
1. Maruti Suzuki Alto
Alto is one of the most popular budget-friendly small hatchbacks available in India. The efficient performance and wide service network make Alto, both 800 and K10, the most favourable option for used cars.
2. Datsun Go
Datsun Go is one of the most reliable cars in India when it comes to buying second-hand. It is affordable and saves a lot on the depreciation factor. Customers looking to buy used cars should consider this frugal 67-hp hatchback.
3. Renault Kwid
The Renault Kwid is among the best dependable cars with its muscular appeal and compact size. Being available in both 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre engine trims means buyers can choose between power and efficiency.
4. Tata Tiago
The Tata Tiago created a huge uproar in popularity when it was first introduced in the Indian market. The car continues to be one of the best-sellers in India.
5. Hyundai Santro
Be it the old model or the revised new generation, the Hyundai Santro has always been among the go-to affordable hatchbacks in the country. People looking to buy used cars still prefer the Santro over any other car model.
6. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
A relatively newer player in the market, the S-Presso is a great car for both affordability and value for money. Moreover, considering second-hand cars to be more VFM, it is always a great idea to buy a second-hand Maruti S-Presso.
7. Datsun Redi-Go
Being the slightly more cost-effective sibling of the Go, the Redi-Go is a great value for money in the second-hand car market. The base price of the car starts at just around INR 4 lakhs, making it a great deal as a used car too.
8. Maruti Suzuki Celerio
The introduction of the AMT in the Maruti Celerio was a genius move from the Indo-Japanese automaker. So, people looking to buy used AMT cars can choose the Celerio for its fuel efficiency, pocket-friendliness, and competitive features in the price range.
9. Maruti Suzuki WagonR
The newest generation of the Maruti Suzuki WagonR has been a revelation for the brand after the old one occupied the position for a long period of time. That said, the car promises to be just as efficient and pocket-friendly, both new and used.
10. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is stylish, no doubt about that. The value of the hatchback shoots up more when it’s a used car at around half the initial price but with the same design, power, and features.
Premium Hatchbacks
1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno
There is no denying the fact that the Baleno is one of the most stylish hatchbacks available in the Indian market. The 88-hp engine is fun to drive, and the design is extremely attractive.
2. Maruti Suzuki Swift
The current model of the Maruti Swift is crazy popular, both in the new and old markets. However, if buyers make the right bargain and choose the best available second car, it could be an even better value for money.
3. Tata Altroz
The Tata Altroz is a new player in the Indian automobile market. However, given its value-for-money proposition and popularity, it should be an obvious choice for people looking to buy second-hand cars.
4. Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Coming out of the Nexa dealerships, the Ignis may have a controversial design, but a sure-footed premium feature set and easy maintenance, something that used car buyers love.
5. Hyundai i20
The Hyundai i20 has always been a spacious and comfortable car. So, quite naturally, the popularity of this sporty small hatchback in the second-hand car market is huge.
6. Toyota Glanza
Designed much like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the Glanza is one of the best dependable cars in the second-hand car market.
7. Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz is big and premium hatchback with loads of space in the two rows and the boot area. People prefer the user car version given its competencies as a touring vehicle.
8. Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo needs a little more care-taking compared to the Indian brands. Despite that, the car remains a hot favourite among people looking to buy a spacious hatchback.
Entry-level Sedan
1. Honda Amaze
The first generation of Honda Amaze was pitted against the Dzire but lacked the flair. However, the current generation model is both more reliable and better designed than before.
2. Tata Tigor
At the time of launch, the Tata Tigor wooed potential buyers with its design and huge boot space. Even after multiple updates, the car remains a favourite among people looking to buy an old and a new car.
3. Hyundai Aura
The Hyundai Aura is a new car to enter the Indian market and replaces the Xcent in the lineup. The car is known to be extremely frugal, with an efficiency of over 20 kmpl along with its 82 hp power output.
4. Maruti Suzuki Dzire
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is the leader in the subcompact sedan segment, and no new car since its launch has been able to match its sales and popularity. The reason behind this is the incredible 1.2-litre 82 hp engine and Maruti’s trust.
Premium Sedans
1. Honda City
It cannot be denied that Honda City has always been ahead of its time. The same goes with the current model as well. And stats say it is one of India’s most reliable car brands.
2. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
The Maruti Ciaz is one of the most reliable sedans to compete against the Honda City and Hyundai Verna. And though it did not manage to achieve the same sales figures as the City, it still manages to be popular.
3. Hyundai Verna
The Fluidic 2.0 design language launch in the Hyundai Verna in 2017 was a revelation. The sedan is presently one of the most sought-after cars in the segment and starts at a price of around INR 9 lakhs new.
4. Skoda Rapid
The Skoda Rapid is premium and is placed in the same segment as the Honda City. It is powered by a 1.0-litre engine that makes 103 hp power and 175 Nm torque.
5. Hyundai Elantra
Being the elder sibling to the Hyundai Verna, the Elantra follows the same architectural language and looks blissful. It counts among India’s most premium and reliable cars in the INR 20 lakhs segment.
Entry-level SUV
1. Tata Punch
Talk about small SUVs, and you will find Tata up there at all times. The punch holds a muscular build with a compact design to make it count among entry-level SUVs.
2. Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue is new but has been immensely popular since its launch. With an ex-showroom price of around INR 7-7.5 lakhs. The car is decently powerful and would make a great used car option.
3. Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon is an extremely reliable car with high sales figures. The popularity shot so high that the automate even introduced an EV version of the car too. You can also explore all EV companies in India to take an idea about other brands and vehicle types.
4. Maruti Suzuki Brezza
The Maruti Brezza is more than half a decade old in the Indian automobile circuit and started with the 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced diesel engine. However, half a decade later, the petrol engine replacing the diesel is still making statements.
5. Ford EcoSport
There is no word that could actually describe how much of an impact the EcoSport had on Indian car buyers. The muscular presence and powerful engine continue to woo new and used car buyers even today.
6. Mahindra XUV300
The small replica of the XUV500, the XUV300, is both comfortable and worthy of all the hype. It is capable of taking on all types of roads with its power.
7. Kia Sonet
Kia cars are becoming very popular these days, and the same is true for Sonet. The car is compact but packs a punch, thanks to the Hyundai engine powering it.
Premium SUVs
1. Mahindra Thar
The Thar is one of the most appealing dual-purpose SUVs in the country and connects to a lot of buyers emotionally. The knobby tyres and the gypsy-like design impresses millions of people across the country.
In addition, if you are into sports or adventure, Thar also offers a wide range of customization, which can help to tackle challenges, that’s why users call Thar a true 4×4 camping vehicle in India.
2. Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta has always been the most popular option in the 5-seater SUV segment. The car is gaining popularity even in the second-hand car market, especially post the massive design overhaul.
3. MG Hector
Morris Garages has made quite an impression in the premium SUV segment in the country. The Hector is amazingly designed, powerful & offers excellent voice commands as a standard feature. And guess what? It is among the most requested or searched cars in India for used car buyers.
4. Jeep Compass
Launched back in 2017, the Jeep Compass has really made a name for itself. The SUV has a great power-to-weight ratio, an amazing performance, and is truly made for high speeds on the expressways.
5. Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner has always been an outstanding 7-seater SUV and boasts of high performance and a super comfortable cabin. You should also check the list of the best modified Fortuners in India.
6. Ford Endeavour
Ford Endeavour is old and classy. It holds a very muscular size and proportion, much like the Fortuner and has tried-and-tested 2.2-litre, 2.0-litre, and 3.2-litre engine trims in its portfolio, all of which provide a completely different feel. I also suggest checking a list of modified Endeavour.
7. Tata Harrier
Tata Harrier is one of the few premium offerings from the Indian automobile giant and boasts on premium features and superior build quality. The SUV is aesthetically pleasing & priced around INR 16 lakhs ex-showroom.
8. Tata Safari
The Tata Safari has always been a very capable car, though the latest iteration takes the benchmark a bit forward. The 2.0-litre diesel engine produces 168 hp and 350 Nm of torque.
9. Force Gurkha
The Force Gurkha is an excellent replica of the Jeep Wrangler for the Indian market. The car comes in a single diesel engine option and a 4×4 drivetrain.
Multi-purpose SUVs
1. Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is one of the most premium MPVs and looks like a big utility van. It boasts of a powerful engine and a classy design. Inside, the cabin, it is very plush and comfortable.
2. Datsun Go+
The Datsun Go+ is a mimic of the hatchback Go but with an extended boot to accommodate the third row. Presently, the car is the cheapest MPV in the Indian market.
3. Renault Triber
The Renault Triber is one of the newest cars in the MPV segment and has both style and utility simultaneously. All three rows have ample headroom and legroom.
4. Mahindra Marazzo
The Marazzo looks a lot like the Toyota Innova but in a toned-down budget-friendly body. It also makes it one of the most value-for-money cars in the used car market.
5. Toyota Innova Crysta
The Toyota Innova Crysta sits between the Mahindra Marazzo and Kia Carnival in terms of price and features. The Crysta has a powerful engine, and the captain’s chair variant imparts a luxurious feel.
6. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
The Ertiga comes with the trust of Maruti Suzuki and the comfort of a premium car. The MPV is very spacious and excels in its touring capabilities as it can achieve triple-digit speeds within a short period of time.
Conclusion
If you are looking to buy used cars, this seems to be a perfect time. Most brands have updated their car models & types, and the old ones are available at a more effective cost.
Plus, if this is your first car, going for a second-hand option is recommended. So, don’t wait up; check out the huge fleet of used cars in the Indian market.
