Best-Selling Used Cars in India in 2024

The Indian automotive market is constantly in a state of evolution, and 2024 was no exception. Keeping aside the numerous new car launches that took place over the year, an unmissable trend is that there was a marked rise in demand for used cars. It’s understandable why, too – the rising need for cost-effective personal transportation, and rapid urbanisation, among other key factors, are unmissable. 

What also undeniably helped is that platforms like CARS24 came to the fore owing to their ability to make the process of acquiring a used vehicle an easy and smooth process. So which used cars found the most new homes? The models that appealed the most, unsurprisingly, were the ones that combined affordability, reliability, and low running costs. In this article, we’ll run through the used cars that were most favoured by our buyers and, more critically, why they were popular.

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6. Hyundai Grand i10

The Hyundai Grand i10 has consistently been a popular choice in India’s used car market. Specifically speaking, the second generation of the hatchback (produced between 2013 and 2018) was preferred by buyers in 2024, as per CARS24’s internal data. This should come as no surprise, considering its compact design, coupled with a feature-rich interior and excellent build quality made it a favourite among urban buyers in 2024. Additionally, the Grand i10’s affordable pricing in the used car segment made it a value-for-money proposition.

Standout Features

The Grand i10’s standout features include a spacious and premium cabin, advanced infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, and a robust air conditioning system. It also offered dual airbags and ABS as standard in most variants, appealing to safety-conscious buyers. Over and above that, features like rear AC vents, keyless entry, a cooled glove box, and a touchscreen infotainment system all helped seal the second hand buyers’ vote.

Engine and Transmission Options

The Grand i10 was available with both petrol and diesel engine options. The 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine and the 1.2-litre diesel engine offered a smooth driving experience. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox. However, the used buying data indicates that the 1.2-litre petrol paired to the 5-speed manual transmission was the overwhelming favourite for used car buyers in 2024.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency was another strong suit of the Grand i10. The petrol variant offered a mileage of around 19 kmpl, while the diesel variant delivered an impressive 24 kmpl (ARAI-rated), making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Reliability

Known for its reliability, the Grand i10 requires minimal maintenance and has a reputation for longevity. Its sturdy build quality and dependable performance made it a trusted choice for used car buyers. The estimated maintenance cost of the Hyundai Grand i10 for five years is about ₹13,600, working out to just under ₹3,000 per year in maintenance for the Grand i10.

Dealer Network

Hyundai’s extensive dealer and service network further boosted the Grand i10’s appeal. Buyers could easily find authorised service centers and spare parts, ensuring hassle-free ownership, which is especially important for a used car.

5. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R 1.0

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R has been a household name in India for decades, and its 1.0-liter variant continued to dominate the used car market in 2024. Its tall-boy design, spacious interiors, and practicality made it a favourite among families and first-time car buyers.

Standout Features

The Wagon R offered great headroom and legroom, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a well-thought-out boot space. The practicality of its foldable rear seats further enhanced its appeal.

Engine and Transmission Options

Powered by the tried-and-tested 1.0-liter K10B petrol engine, the Wagon R delivered a peppy performance. It came with a 5-speed manual and AMT (automated manual transmission) options, ensuring ease of driving in urban areas. However, it was the manual transmission-equipped Wagon R that was the overwhelming favourite for used car buyers in 2024, as per CARS24’s internal data.

Fuel Efficiency

With a mileage of around 21 kmpl, the Wagon R offered good fuel efficiency for a city runabout. Its low running costs made it an economical choice for budget-conscious buyers. On average, over a five-year period, owners would have to spend about ₹15,800 (or about ₹3,100 per year) on maintenance, making it very affordable to run.

Reliability

Maruti Suzuki’s reputation for reliability was a significant factor in the Wagon R’s popularity. The car’s solid build and minimal maintenance requirements ensured long-term dependability.

Dealer Network

The extensive Maruti Suzuki service network across India made the Wagon R a worry-free choice. Buyers could easily access spare parts and servicing, even in remote locations.

4. Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire

The Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire compact sedan, struck the perfect balance between style, comfort, and affordability. It was a top choice among buyers seeking a reliable family car with a touch of elegance. In particular, buyers preferred the second generation Swift Dzire in 2024. It was on sale from 2012, up until the third-generation Swift Dzire launched in 2017.

Standout Features

The second-generation Dzire’s standout features included a spacious and comfortable cabin, a modern (for the time) infotainment system, and advanced safety features like dual airbags and ABS. Its design and good ride quality added to its appeal.

Engine and Transmission Options

The Swift Dzire was powered by a 1.2-litre K Series petrol engine and a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine. Both engines were known for their refined performance and efficiency. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. However, internal data reveals that while there was no particular preference between the engine options, buyers preferred the manual transmission-equipped Swift Dzire by a long shot.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency was a strong selling point for the Dzire, with up to 25 kmpl on offer (ARAI-rated), making it an impressively efficient compact sedan.

Reliability

The Dzire’s proven reliability, coupled with Maruti Suzuki’s reputation, made it a trustworthy choice in the used car market. It required minimal maintenance and offered consistent performance over the years.

Dealer Network

Maruti Suzuki’s widespread dealer and service network ensured easy access to after-sales support, enhancing the Dzire’s appeal among used car buyers.

3. Honda City

The Honda City has been synonymous with comfort and refinement in the midsize sedan segment. In 2024, the City remained a sought-after choice in the used car market, thanks to its premium build quality and advanced features. In particular, it was the third- and fourth-generation Honda City that was the preferred used purchase in 2024, as per CARS24’s internal data.

Standout Features

The City’s standout features included a spacious and plush interior, a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and advanced safety features. Its elegant design and comfortable ride further added to its allure.

Engine and Transmission Options

The Honda City was available with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine only in the third generation, with a 1.5-liter i-DTEC diesel engine joining the fray for the fourth generation. These engines offered a potent blend of performance and efficiency. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, and a CVT automatic gearbox. As per CARS24’s internal data, the petrol/diesel split was more or less even, but buyers in 2024 preferred getting a manual transmission-equipped City.

Fuel Efficiency

The petrol variant of the City delivered a mileage of around 17 kmpl, while the diesel variant offered in excess of 22 kmpl, making it a cost-effective choice for long-distance commuters.

Reliability

Honda’s reputation for reliability and engineering excellence was a major factor in the City’s popularity. Its robust build quality and low maintenance costs ensured a hassle-free ownership experience.

Dealer Network

Honda’s extensive service network across major cities and towns in India made the City a convenient choice for buyers seeking reliable after-sales support. The Japanese carmaker has in excess of 400 showrooms spread across 271 cities in India.

2. Hyundai i10

Interestingly, the ageing Hyundai i10 remained a popular choice in the used car market in 2024 due to its compact size, user-friendly features, and affordability. Its successor, the Grand i10, has also made this list, which goes to show just how long a well-engineered product can last in India. The first generation Grand i10, for reference, was launched in 2007, received a facelift in 2010, and was retired before the Grand i10’s launch in 2013.

Standout Features

The i10 offered a well-designed and functional interior, comfortable seating, and a responsive steering system. Its compact dimensions made it ideal for city driving, while features like power windows and an efficient AC system added to its practicality.

Engine and Transmission Options

The i10 was equipped with a 1.1-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engine, offering a smooth and peppy performance. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4-speed automatic, with the manual being preferred more than the automatic as per CARS24’s internal data.

Fuel Efficiency

The i10 delivered a mileage of around 19 kmpl, making it an economical choice for daily commutes and city driving.

Reliability

Hyundai’s reputation for reliability was evident in the i10. The car’s sturdy build and minimal maintenance requirements made it a trusted option in the used car market.

Dealer Network

The availability of Hyundai’s widespread service network and genuine spare parts made the i10 an easy choice for buyers seeking long-term convenience.

1. Maruti Suzuki Swift

The Maruti Suzuki Swift has been a consistent bestseller in the Indian market, and its popularity extended to the used car segment in 2024. Its sporty design, reliable performance, and affordable pricing made it a favorite among young buyers and families alike. In particular, the second and third generations of the immensely popular hatchback were in demand by used car buyers in 2024, according to CARS24’s internal data.

Standout Features

The Swift offered a well-appointed cabin, an intuitive infotainment system, and sporty aesthetics. Its comfortable ride quality and nimble handling further enhanced its appeal.

Engine and Transmission Options

The second and third generation Swift was available with a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine and a 1.3-liter DDiS diesel engine. Both engines were known for their refined performance. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT, ensuring flexibility for different driving preferences. However, buying trends indicate that an overwhelming majority opted for a manual transmission-equipped Swift in 2024, as per internal data from CARS24.

Fuel Efficiency

With a mileage of up to around 25 kmpl, the Swift offered excellent fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Reliability

The Swift’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs made it a trusted option in the used car market. It delivered consistent performance over the years.

Dealer Network

Maruti Suzuki’s extensive dealer and service network ensured easy access to after-sales support, enhancing the Swift’s popularity among used car buyers.

Factors Driving the Popularity of Used Cars in India in 2024

Several factors contributed to the growing popularity of used cars in India in 2024.
 

• Affordability: Used cars offered a cost-effective alternative to new vehicles, making personal transportation accessible to a wider audience.
   
• Improved quality: The availability of certified pre-owned cars with warranties and quality checks boosted buyer confidence.
   
• Changing consumer mindset: Increasing awareness about the value proposition of used cars encouraged more buyers to explore this segment.
   
• Widespread availability: The expansion of organised players like CARS24 made it easier to buy and sell used cars.
   
• Economic uncertainty: Rising inflation and economic uncertainty prompted buyers to opt for more economical vehicle options.

Tips for Buying a Used Car in 2025

If you’re planning to buy a used car in 2025, here are some tips to keep in mind.
 

• Set a budget: Determine your budget and stick to it. Consider additional costs like insurance and maintenance.
   
• Research models: Research the models that suit your needs and check their market reputation for reliability and performance.
   
• Inspect the car: Conduct a thorough inspection of the car’s condition, including the engine, tyres, and interiors. Look for signs of wear and tear.
   
• Check service records: Review the vehicle’s service history to ensure regular maintenance.
   
• Verify ownership: Check the car’s registration certificate and ensure there are no pending loans or legal issues.
   
• Take a test drive: Test drive the car to assess its performance and comfort.
   
• Buy from trusted sources: Prefer certified used car dealers or platforms like CARS24 with transparent processes and warranties.

The Top Six Best-Selling Used Cars in India in 2024

Conclusion

The used car market in India in 2024 reflected a growing trend of value-conscious buying, driven by factors such as affordability, reliability, and widespread availability. Models like the Hyundai Grand i10, Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Swift Dzire, Honda City, Hyundai i10, and Maruti Suzuki Swift stood out as top choices, catering to diverse buyer preferences and needs. In fact, as per internal data, the Swift has consistently been the top-selling used car since 2021, with the i10 backing it up over the same time period. Unsurprisingly, the Wagon R is also a consistent seller in the used market since 2021, with this trio being consistently in demand. As the market continues to grow, consumers are encouraged to stay informed and make well-researched decisions to maximise the benefits of their purchase.