Since car sales have been on a high in the past year, moving up briskly since the 2008 economic downturn, it has directly affected the used car market. Now, more cars are ending up for resale at a much faster pace, which is why it's the right time to haggle for the best bargains.
With car prices set to soar in the new year, it's a good time to scrounge around for discounts and deals. If, however, you are driven by the desire for higher savings, you can opt for a pre-owned car. You will not only have the satisfaction of owning a vehicle but, more importantly, at a much lesser price.
Since car sales have been on a high in the past year, moving up briskly since the 2008 economic downturn, it has directly affected the used car market. Now, more cars are ending up for resale at a much faster pace, which is why it's the right time to haggle for the best bargains. Here's a look at cars in different segments, all under Rs. 10 lakh, to help you decide which one to pick. You can get an even lower price depending on the mileage and car's condition.
1. Hyundai Santro
The best small car not to sport a Maruti badge. A perfect combination of fuel efficiency, reliability and enough torque for driving around the city.
Why should I buy? Because everyone has a Maruti and you don't want one. It has a better build and features than other cars in this price segment and the Korean manufacturer has proved itself on reliability over the past decade.
Is it fuel-efficient? In one word, yes. It gives a mileage of about 14 km per litre (kmpl) in the city. The Hyundai service network is second only to Maruti's and the spare parts are cheap too.
How is the ride? The ride quality isn't the best, but is par for the course. It has ample headroom, though the rear seat isn't very comfortable.
Will it break the bank? Prices are on the lower side and you can easily find a two-year old model in good condition.
2. Hyundai i10
The second hatchback option also comes from Hyundai's stable. It was launched as Santro's replacement and is made in India for global usage.
Why should I buy? Because Santro is too old and the i10 looks sleeker. It also has a more powerful engine and comes loaded with accessories.
Is it fuel-efficient? Yes, again. The Kappa model will run about 16 km per litre, while the older 1.1 iRDE model will give you 14 km.
How is the ride? It has a good suspension, which ensures a smooth ride on bumpy roads. For a small car, it's also quite stable at high speeds.
Will it break the bank? It's a well-built car and offers value for money. The launch of the latest version of the 1.2 Kappa model means you might get the older one for even less.
3. Maruti Swift
The best big hatchback. It's fun to drive, good to look at and fuel-efficient. Though it has been five years since its launch, there's still a waiting period for the car.
Why should I buy? A good option if you want a spacious hatchback while sticking to the Maruti family.
Is it fuel-efficient? The petrol model offers a mileage of 12 kmpl, while for the diesel one, it is almost 16 kmpl. The Maruti service network is the most widespread and is known for the easily available, cheap spare parts.
How is the ride? It's a sporty car and comfortable to drive. Rear passengers may find the space a little constricted. Avoid buying a tuned or modified car as it could be rife with problems.
Will it break the bank? Maruti's star performer will give you good value for your money.
4. Maruti Alto
If words like 'fuel efficiency' and 'no frills' appear on your priority list, it's the car to go for.
Why should I buy? Because you want a reliable, timetested vehicle without straining your wallet.
Is it fuel-efficient? The puny engine's fuel requirement is lower compared with other cars and you can extract as much as 18 kmpl from it. Maintenance is Maruti's forte and the after-sales service is good.
How is the ride? The Alto isn't very spacious and its seats are not the most supportive. However, the small size is a boon in metros where parking hassles are aplenty.
Will it break the bank? Not at all. However, make sure you don't buy one which has clocked too many miles.
5. Chevrolet Spark
In 2007, Chevrolet resurrected the Daewoo Matiz as the Spark, retaining the same lines. The latter's USP has been its reasonable price.
Why should I buy? Because it's cheap, and if you buy a recent model, you could avail of the threeyear free maintenance package that Chevrolet offers on new cars.
Is it fuel-efficient? The Spark can run 15 km on a litre of petrol and the 'no maintenance charge' offer is also financially attractive. Spare parts are affordable too.
How is the ride? The peppy engine makes it easy to handle the car. However, the seats are cramped and can comfortably seat only four passengers.
Will it break the bank? Not if you buy a relatively new model. However, make sure that the car hasn't been abused by the previous owner. There is a tendency to drive a car hard and carelessly because it's cheap to buy and run.
6. Tata Indica
The first hatchback from Tata Motors captivated the audience when it was first shown at the 1998 Auto Expo and has witnessed a number of upgrades.
Why should I buy? Because you need a diesel vehicle for highways and don't have the money for a Swift. The Turbo has a turbocharged diesel engine, which provides more power.
Is it fuel-efficient? The Xeta petrol gives a mileage of almost 12 kmpl, the diesel version gives 14 kmpl, and for the Turbo, it is about 13 kmpl.
How is the ride? Opt for the diesel car if you can live with the cheap plastic and engine noise. It is very comfortable and the ride quality is good.
Will it break the bank? The diesel version won't.
7. Honda City
The best petrol-powered sedan in India, it's three generations old but shows no sign of slackening. The second generation car was launched in 2004 and is now easily available as a pre-owned vehicle.
Why should I buy? Because the Honda brand commands respect internationally. The second generation sedan is one of the most comfortable.
Is it fuel-efficient? The engine is powerful and frugal, giving about 12 kmpl in the city and 17 kmpl on the highway.
How is the ride? It is spacious, with a 500-litre boot, and the quality of plastic is very good.
Will it break the bank? If you drive more than 100 km a day, a diesel car would be a better buy.
8. Skoda Octavia
Skoda's first offering in India was launched in 2001 and gave it the luxury image and brand loyalty which rival that of a Honda.
Why should I buy? Because it leads the pack when it comes to smooth ride and handling.
Is it fuel-efficient? The 90 bhp, 1.9-litre TDI diesel engine is very efficient and gives a mileage of about 13 kmpl.
How is the ride? The build quality is one of the best and the ride and handling are smooth. It's very spacious with a 560-litre boot.
Will it break the bank? The diesel model offers more value than the petrol version due to the lower running cost. However, this version is more likely to have run a fair bit too.
9. Mahindra Scorpio
The first modern SUV from Mahindra was launched in 2002 and has been upgraded regularly.
Why should I buy? Because it's bigger than a sedan and seats more people in comfort than a three-box. The butch design has been selling well, even in the used car market.
Is it fuel-efficient? Diesel cost means that even a low efficiency of 7 kmpl with the old engine won't pinch. The mHawk is only a little more efficient at 8 kmpl. Buy a relatively recent model, if possible, and preferably the mHawk, which has an updated cabin.
How is the ride? The extra room is a boon, especially for long trips. There is also an automatic gearbox that you can install, but finding one is difficult.
Will it break the bank? Not if you opt for an older model, though even the oldest mHawk model costs more than the newer other versions.
10. Ford Endeavour
The XXXL SUV is among the few luxury diesel SUVs available in India. Its extra wide tyres make it one of the best vehicles for off-road driving.
Why should I buy? Opt for it only if you plan to go dune bashing or exploring jungles. Or if you want to intimidate others on the road.
Is it fuel-efficient? Again, the low cost of diesel helps to curb running costs. However, the 2.5-litre diesel version will barely run 8 kmpl, while the 3-litre one will give 7 kmpl.
How is the ride? The large proportions mean there is no dearth of space and seven people can fit in easily.
Will it break the bank? The older models will be cheaper, while the 4WD 3-litre SUV will be expensive.
Courtesy: Auto Build
Source: Money Today
