If you own a car and know how to drive, you can go to new places and check famous sights in a city without having to rely on others driving you around. However, when you are learning to drive, it might not be best to use an expensive first-hand car because your lack of driving skills can easily result in the car getting physical and mechanical damages. Pre-owned, or used, cars are a better alternative when learning to drive.
Let's look at some of the best second hand cars for learner drivers available in India for learning to drive.
| Model | Body Type | Fuel Type | Mileage | Ex-Showroom Price (approx.) | Used Car Price (approx.) |
| Maruti Suzuki Alto | Hatchback | Petrol | 22-24 km/l | ₹ 3.50 - 4.70 lakh | ₹ 1.50 - 4.00 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | Hatchback | Petrol | 21-23 km/l | ₹ 5.85 - 8.67 lakh | ₹ 3.50 - 7.50 lakh |
| Hyundai Grand i10 | Hatchback | Petrol | 18-20 km/l | ₹ 5.91 - 6.05 lakh | ₹ 3.50 - 6.50 lakh |
| Tata Tiago | Hatchback | Petrol | 23-27 km/l | ₹ 4.99 - 6.95 lakh | ₹ 3.00 - 5.50 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki WagonR | Hatchback | Petrol | 20-22 km/l | ₹ 5.40 - 7.00 lakh | ₹ 3.00 - 5.50 lakh |
Top 5 Used Cars For Beginners and Learner Drivers
Here are the top 5 best used cars for beginner drivers, ideal for beginners and learner drivers, offering reliability, affordability, and ease of handling:
1. Maruti Suzuki Alto
Alto debuted in India 20 years ago and has since become one of the most popular cars for small families. Presently, the newer model of this car is available in both CNG and petrol versions. The Alto is known for its fuel efficiency, with a reported mileage of 22.05 kmpl (petrol versions). Even if you purchase an Alto that is ten years old, you will not be disappointed.
Features & Specifications of Maruti Suzuki Alto
| Feature | Details |
| Engine Options | 0.8L Petrol / 1.0L Petrol |
| Maximum Power | 48 kW @ 6000 rpm (0.8L) / 50 kW @ 6000 rpm (1.0L) |
| Maximum Torque | 69 Nm @ 3500 rpm (0.8L) / 90 Nm @ 3500 rpm (1.0L) |
| Transmission Options | 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT |
| Fuel Efficiency | Around 22-24 km/l depending on variant |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 liters |
| Brakes | Front Discs, Rear Drums |
| Safety Features | ABS with EBD, Driver Airbag (optional), Reverse Parking Sensors, Seat Belt Reminder, Speed Alert System |
| Price Range | Starts from approximately ₹3.5 lakhs (ex-showroom) |
If you are going for an Alto that is seven to eight years old, you may easily find one available for less than Rs 1 lakh.
Also Read: 5 Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car
2. Maruti Suzuki Swift
The Maruti Suzuki Swift is hard to ignore if you are looking for the best cars for beginners in India. On Indian roads, it is one of the most dependable hatchbacks in the market. You can easily buy a five-year-old Swift for less than Rs 1.5 lakh. Check out the following table to get an idea of the specifications for the older version of Swift.
Features & Specifications of Maruti Suzuki Swift
| Feature | Details |
| Engine Options | 1.2L K-Series Petrol / 1.2L DualJet Petrol |
| | 1.3L DDiS 190 Diesel |
| Maximum Power | 61 kW @ 6000 rpm (1.2L Petrol) / 66 kW @ 6000 rpm (1.2L DualJet Petrol) |
| | 55.2 kW @ 4000 rpm (1.3L Diesel) |
| Maximum Torque | 113 Nm @ 4200 rpm (1.2L Petrol) / 113 Nm @ 4400 rpm (1.2L DualJet Petrol) |
| | 190 Nm @ 2000 rpm (1.3L Diesel) |
| Transmission Options | 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT |
| Fuel Efficiency | Petrol: Around 21-23 km/l |
| | Diesel: Around 23-25 km/l |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 liters |
| Brakes | Front Discs, Rear Drums |
| Safety Features | Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, Rear Parking Sensors, Seat Belt Reminder, Speed Alert System |
| Price Range | Starts from approximately ₹5.85 lakhs (ex-showroom) |
3. Hyundai Grand i10
Hyundai Grand i10 debuted in September 2013. Since then, it’s been considered the best car for new drivers in India. The newer versions of this car come with various high-tech features, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 7-inch infotainment system with a touchscreen, etc. Another fantastic thing about this budget-friendly car is the large cabin.
The second-hand model of the Hyundai Grand i10 is easily available within the price range of 1.5 lakhs to 3 lakhs rupees. If you believe the prices are too high, you can consider taking out a used car loan.
Features & Specifications of Hyundai Grand i10
| Feature | Details |
| Engine Options | 1.2L Kappa Dual VTVT Petrol / 1.2L U2 CRDi Diesel |
| Maximum Power | 83 PS @ 6000 rpm (Petrol) / 75 PS @ 4000 rpm (Diesel) |
| Maximum Torque | 114 Nm @ 4000 rpm (Petrol) / 190 Nm @ 1750-2250 rpm (Diesel) |
| Transmission Options | 5-speed Manual / 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) |
| Fuel Efficiency | Petrol: Around 18.9 km/l (MT) / Diesel: Around 24 km/l (MT) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 liters |
| Brakes | Front Discs, Rear Drums |
| Safety Features | ABS with EBD, Dual Airbags, Rear Parking Sensors, Seat Belt Reminder, Speed Alert System |
| Price Range | Starts from approximately ₹6 lakhs (ex-showroom) |
4. Tata Tiago
In the last few years, Tata Tiago has won multiple honours in the compact car category. This car is well-known for its performance and safety features. The automobile is available with both manual and automatic transmissions. At present, this car comes in three versions: Tiago, Tiago iCNG, and Tiago NRG.
You can easily find the used car model of this car anywhere between 2 lakhs to 3.5 lakh rupees.
Features & Specifications of Tata Tiago
| Feature | Details |
| Engine Options | 1.2L Revotron Petrol |
| Maximum Power | 86 PS @ 6000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 113 Nm @ 3300 rpm |
| Transmission Options | 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT |
| Fuel Efficiency | Around 23-24 km/l depending on variant |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 liters |
| Brakes | Front Discs, Rear Drums |
| Safety Features | Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, Corner Stability Control, Rear Parking Sensors, Speed Sensing Auto Door Lock, Engine Immobilizer |
| Price Range | Starts from approximately ₹5.5 lakhs (ex-showroom) |
5. Maruti Suzuki WagonR
It is not justifiable to conclude the list of best cars for beginners without mentioning the WagonR. The first model of this car was released in 1999, and it has been ruling millions of hearts ever since. This Maruti model offers a great mileage of 24.35 kmpl according to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
The pre-owned model of this car can be easily found within the price range of Rs. 1.5 to 3.5 lakhs.
Features & Specifications of Maruti Suzuki WagonR
| Feature | Details |
| Engine Options | 1.0L Petrol / 1.2L Petrol |
| Maximum Power | 50 kW @ 5500 rpm (1.0L) / 61 kW @ 6000 rpm (1.2L) |
| Maximum Torque | 90 Nm @ 3500 rpm (1.0L) / 113 Nm @ 4200 rpm (1.2L) |
| Transmission Options | 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT |
| Fuel Efficiency | Around 21-23 km/l depending on variant |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 liters |
| Brakes | Front Discs, Rear Drums |
| Safety Features | ABS with EBD, Driver Airbag, Reverse Parking Sensors, Seat Belt Reminder, Speed Alert System |
| Price Range | Starts from approximately ₹4.8 lakhs (ex-showroom) |
Also Read: Getting The Best Interest Rate On A Used Car Loan-Everything You Need To Know
How Can a Used Car Loan Help You Buy the Best Used Cars for Beginner Drivers?
A used car loan can significantly help you purchase the best used cars for beginner drivers by providing the necessary financial support. Here’s how:
- Affordability: A used car loan allows you to spread the cost of the car over a period of time, making it easier to afford a better quality used car without paying the full amount upfront.
- Better Options: With a loan, you can consider higher-quality cars that might be more reliable and safer for beginner drivers, which might be out of budget if you were paying cash.
- Building Credit: Regular and timely repayments on a car loan can help build a good credit history, which is beneficial for future financial endeavors.
- Lower Initial Financial Strain: By taking a loan, you can avoid depleting your savings, which can be reserved for emergencies or other essential expenses.
- Availability of Offers: Many lenders offer special financing deals for used cars, such as lower interest rates or extended payment terms, making it more financially viable.
- Additional Features: Some used car loans come with added benefits like free servicing, insurance, and warranty packages which can be very helpful for beginner drivers.
- Flexibility: Loans often come with flexible repayment options, allowing you to choose a plan that best fits your financial situation.
How To Apply for a Used Car Loan Online?
Follow this stepwise procedure to apply for a Used Car Loan online:
- Visit the Hero FinCorp website, go to the Used Car Loan section and click Apply Now.
- Enter the necessary details in the application form and submit the required documents.
- After verification, you will receive approval and the loan amount within a few hours.
Before applying, use a Used Car Loan EMI Calculator to select a suitable repayment tenure with budget-friendly EMIs.
Conclusion
It might not be a great idea to invest in an expensive first-hand car when you are just learning to drive because the new car may easily get bumps, scratches, and even mechanical problems because of driver inexperience. In this case, it is better to opt for a pre-owned car. These days, you can find a wide variety of pre-owned cars in the Indian market within your budget. Just ensure you consider the following things before buying a used car: the mileage, car documentation, and interior and exterior conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Car Is Best for Learning Driving?
A small, reliable car with good visibility, easy controls, and safety features like the Hyundai i10 or Ford Fiesta can be ideal for learning to drive.
2. What should I look for when inspecting a used car?
Check the vehicle's mileage, service history, condition of tyres, brakes, engine, and interior.
3. Is it safe to buy a used car?
Yes, if you conduct thorough inspections and verify the vehicle's history through documents like service records and vehicle history reports.
4. Should I get a used car inspected by a mechanic?
It's highly recommended to have a used car inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify potential issues before purchase.
5. What should I look for during a test drive?
During a test drive, turn off the radio to listen for any unusual sounds, drive over potholes to check the suspension, and test the car's acceleration, braking, and handling.
