Top 5 Used Cars that are Recommended to Buy in 2024

The key factors driving the used car market include low insurance and registration costs, zero road taxes, and most importantly, the easy accessibility to funds for purchasing older cars. 

Here are some of the best-used cars you may want to consider buying this year.

Top Five Best Used Cars to Buy in India

1. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, a popular hatchback model, is also one of the best-used cars to buy in India. In March, it set a new sales record with 24,634 units sold, making it India's best-selling vehicle of the month. Despite such popularity, this car is readily available in the used car market. Presently, the car comes in four versions—VXi, LXi, ZXi, and ZXi.

Why Purchase This Car?

The new model of this car starts at around Rs 5.50 lakh. It means that you can easily find a used model for between Rs 2 and Rs 3.5 lakh. This model is also regarded as Maruti’s one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles. The ARAI claims that the petrol variant with automatic transmission gives a mileage of 25.19 kmpl.

Other Specifications:

Engine	4-cylinder in line with a displacement size of 1197 cc
Maximum Power	81 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque	113 Nm @ 4400 rpm
Transmission	Manual Transmission with 5 gears
Kerb Weight	835 kg

*The above specifications are for the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R ZXi 1.2.

2. Maruti Suzuki Swift

The Maruti Suzuki Swift made its debut in India 17 years ago. Since its launch in May 2005, the car has won the hearts of many. Maruti Suzuki Swift is a three-time winner of the 'Indian Car of the Year' title. The 2021 model of this car is available in four versions and nine different colours.

Why Purchase This Car?

The third-generation Swift is noted for its fuel economy, spacious cabin, and sporty looks. It has a 7.0-inch SmartPlay infotainment system, auto climate control system, rear defogger, and a reverse camera. The safety features of this car include rear parking sensors, anti-lock brakes, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and dual airbags.

You can easily find a pre-owned Swift in the price range of Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 5.25 lakh, depending on the number of kilometres driven and the year of manufacture.

Other Specifications:

Engine	Advanced K series, 4 cylinder engine with a capacity of 1197 cc
Maximum Power	66 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque	113 Nm @ 4400 rpm
Transmission	5 gears automated manual transmission (AMT)
Kerb Weight	905 kg

3. Toyota Innova 

Toyota Innova, which was launched in 2005, is without a doubt the market leader in the MPV sector. It has a long list of accolades to its credit. Some notable ones are the MUV of the Year award (Autocar 2017), Utility Vehicle of the Year award (16th Overdrive Awards), and Family Car of the year award (TopGear Awards).

Why Purchase This Car?

Toyota Innova is known for its driving comfort, superb performance, and most importantly—its low maintenance cost. It also has some dependable safety features such as seven airbags, vehicle stability control, brake assist, and an ABS and EBD braking system. The high-end features in the third-generation model include door-edge lighting, multi-terrain monitor, air ioniser, head-up display, and more.

If you are interested in purchasing a Toyota Innova, seek a second or third-generation model in the used car market. You may purchase a decent condition used Innova in the price range of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh depending on the manufacturing year.

Since Innova has a higher resale value, you may expect a lower second-hand car loan interest rate if purchased on a used car loan.

Other Specifications:

Engine	4 inline cylinder with an engine displacement size of 2,694 cc
Maximum Power	166 PS @ 5200 rpm
Maximum Output	245 NM @ 4000 rpm
Transmission	5-6 gears automatic and manual transmission (depending upon the version)
Kerb Weight	1820 kg - 1920 kg

Also Read: Tips to Retain your Car Resale Value

4. Honda City

If you are searching for the best old car to buy in the premium sedan category, Honda City is your car.

Why Purchase This Car?

Honda City boasts a powerful engine, impeccable safety features, and sharp design. The standard features of this car include an analogue instrument cluster, cruise control, rear AC vents, Android Auto compatibility and Apple CarPlay. Its safety features include a reverse parking camera, speed alert, brake assist, dual front airbags, and a few more.

You can easily get this car in the price range of Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 9 lakh. For the best driving experience, consider purchasing a Honda City with the manufacturing year ranging from 2015 to 2020.

Other Specifications:

Engine	4 cylindrical engine with an engine displacement of 1497 cc
Maximum Power	118 bhp @ 6,600 rpm
Maximum Torque	145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
Transmission	5 Speeds manual transmission
Kerb Weight	1063 kg

*The above specifications are for Honda City 2020 BSVI 4th Generation model.

5. Hyundai Verna

Hyundai Verna is the direct rival of Honda City. This iconic C-segment car debuted in 2006 and has since dominated the sedan market alongside Honda City. Verna is currently available in four different trims, with both petrol and diesel engine options.

Why Purchase This Car?

The futuristic design, high-tech features, and comfortable driving make Verna one of the best second-hand cars to buy. Verna is also loaded with many safety features. Some of them include four airbags, an emergency stop signal, vehicle stability management, TMPS, and electronic stability control. It also gets amazing mileage, ranging from 17.7 kmpl to 25 kmpl. If you can spend some extra on Verna, consider buying a third-generation model of Verna.

Hyundai Verna is available in the used car market within a range of Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 10.5 lakh.

Other Specifications:

Engine	4-cylinder in line with a displacement size of 1497 cc
Maximum Power	113 bhp @ 6300 rpm
Maximum Torque	144 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Transmission	Manual override, automatic CVT gears
Boot space capacity	480 litres

*The above specifications are for Honda Verna SX 1.5 VTVT IVT variant.

Also Read: Essential Guide for Buying a Used Car

Conclusion

The above-listed cars are both dependable and economical. If you have a habit of replacing cars every two years or so then the above-mentioned cars can help you fetch a better resale value. So, now that you have the list of best-used cars to buy, contact your nearest used car dealership and drive your dream car home.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which Used Car Is Best for a Learner Driver?

The best used car for a learner driver should be easy to handle, reliable, and affordable. Models like Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, or Hyundai Elantra are popular choices for their safety and user-friendly features.