Best Low Maintenance Sedan Cars in India

The iconic three-box is possibly the most recognisable shape of a car. The sedan will always be alluring for motoring aficionados but ask Gen Alpha to draw an image of a modern car and chances are that it might resemble an SUV. SUVs have become such a global phenomenon in recent times. While we park the SUV vs Sedan battle for another day, sedans have slowly and steadily made a comeback.

As compact sedans like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire gained popularity, mid-sized sedans like the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus brought in excitement to the segment. While there are manufacturers like Hyundai who never gave up on the idea and continuously improved the Verna. Still only a handful of affordable examples exist in the market and most of these are also very easy to maintain, and are light on the pocket. CARS24 lists out all the best low maintenance sedans on sale in India. If you have a nostalgic story with a sedan yourself, share it with the CARS24 auto community, AUTOVERSE where there are more interesting automotive discussions taking place.

What Makes a Sedan Car Low Maintenance?

A sedan is usually perceived as a premium product with a higher starting price than most hatchback of various categories. Thus, it’s easy to assume that they would also command higher maintenance costs. This however, is far from the truth. While the purchase price decides the initial affordability of the sedan, longer service intervals, high fuel efficiency as well as lower cost of spare parts and affordable serving costs will ensure that its affordability extends to the ownership cost factor too. These fixed elements of ownership makes a sedan truly low maintenance in the long run. For the same reasons a used sedan car can offer even greater monetary benefits with a lower purchasing cost along with being affordable to maintain.

Factors Influencing Low Maintenance of a Sedan Car

Various factors contribute towards determining the low maintenance costs of cars. Some essential aspects of this are worth considering before finalising a purchase –

1. Reliability - A dependable sedan with minimal breakdowns or repair needs helps reduce long-term maintenance expenses.
    
2. Fuel efficiency - Sedans often return excellent fuel economy due to their sleek aerodynamic shape aside from mechanical factors. This further helps lower fuel costs and overall running expenses over time.
    
3. Affordable spare parts - Servicing sedans is generally cost-effective, especially when spare parts like air filters, oil filters, and engine oils are reasonably priced. A well-established service network further enhances affordability and convenience.
    
4. Long service intervals - Many modern sedans now offer service intervals of at least 10,000 km, cutting down on frequent maintenance visits. However, neglecting these periodic services can lead to increased wear and higher repair costs over time.
    
5. Warranty coverage - Extended warranty options safeguard against unexpected repair expenses after the standard warranty expires. For example, some providers offer up to 12 months of extended coverage for added peace of mind. CARS24 offers 12 months of extended warranty on used cars too.
    
6. Driving style - Progressive and steady use of the accelerator, brake, and clutch reduces wear and tear, keeping maintenance needs minimal. On the other hand, aggressive driving can lead to higher fuel consumption and accelerated component wear.
    
7. Usage conditions - Regularly driving on poorly maintained roads or in harsh weather can lead to increased wear, requiring more frequent maintenance and potentially higher costs of service and ownership.
    
8. Smart technology - Modern sedans may come with connected features that allow drivers to monitor performance and detect issues early. These technologies send alerts for maintenance needs or potential malfunctions, ensuring timely upkeep and reducing unexpected expenses.

What Not to Consider as Regular Maintenance Costs

Certain car maintenance expenses occur irregularly rather than on a consistent schedule. While they contribute to overall upkeep costs, they shouldn’t be factored into routine maintenance calculations. These include –

1. Wear-and-tear components - Components such as tires, brake pads, wiper blades etc, wear out at varying rates depending on driving habits and conditions. As their replacement is unpredictable, these costs should be considered separately from routine maintenance.
    
2. Cleaning and detailing - Spending on car cleaning, detailing products, or professional washing services varies greatly based on personal preferences. These subjective expenses are not part of standard maintenance estimates.
    
3. Modifications and upgrades - Additions for enhanced comfort, convenience, performance or aesthetics fall outside routine maintenance costs.
    
4. Accidental repairs - Unexpected repairs from accidents or insurance-related expenses are unforeseen and should not be included in regular maintenance cost assessments.

Low Maintenance Sedan Cars in India

We’ve included eight of the most affordable sedans on sale in India right now. They range from compact to midsize sedans and we’ve omitted ones from the premium-end of the spectrum as their initial purchase cost as well as maintenance costs are much higher than the ones on the list.

1. Hyundai Aura | ₹ 18,500 for 5 years & 50,000km

Think of the Hyundai Aura as a sedan version of the Grand i10 Nios, featuring compact dimensions but retaining the same reliability and fuel efficiency. Its engine offers low running and maintenance costs, with 10,000 km service intervals that typically require just one annual visit to the service center. The average service cost is around ₹3,700 per year, or ₹308 per month, totaling ₹18,500 spent over five years or 50,000 km. With Hyundai’s extensive service network, affordable spare parts, and excellent fuel efficiency, the Aura stands out as a feature-rich, cost-effective compact sedan.

Hyundai has taken the strengths of the Grand i10 Nios hatchback and added a more premium and desirable sedan format for Indian customers. The Aura also features modern styling and well-equipped interiors. For those seeking even greater value, numerous used Hyundai Aura models are available through CARS24, offering an attractive option at a reduced price.

Hyundai Aura Key Specifications

Hyundai Aura Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 3,700 per year
• Service cost per kilometre - Approx. 37 paise/km

2. Maruti Suzuki Dzire | ₹ 19,000 for 5 years & 50,000km

One of India’s best-selling cars has been revamped with a new engine and enhanced fuel efficiency, making it even more appealing. The new Maruti Suzuki Dzire features the brand’s latest Z-series engine that claims to deliver exceptional mileage, significantly cutting running costs over five years. Based on the service costs of the previous Dzire, the new model is expected to cost approximately ₹19,000 for maintenance over 50,000 km, averaging ₹3,800 annually. This makes the updated Maruti Suzuki Dzire one of the most affordable and low-maintenance family sedans in India today.

Maruti Suzuki’s engines have a long-standing reputation for reliability, and the new engine is expected to uphold that standard. Alongside its affordability, the refreshed Dzire features updated exterior and interior designs, as well as premium additions like LED lighting, a sunroof, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, six airbags, and a 5-star GNCAP safety rating, making it a well-rounded choice for families.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Key Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 3,800 per year
• Service cost per kilometre - Approx. 38 paise/km

3. Hyundai Verna | ₹ 19,700 for 5 years & 50,000km

In its latest generation the Hyundai Verna has made vast improvements all around making it look and feel as a premium offering. Despite this, its maintenance cost remains reasonably affordable over a period of five years or 50,000km of ownership. At approximately ₹ 19,700 spent in that time span, the Verna works out to approximately ₹ 3,940 per month in scheduled maintenance cost. The first two services benefit from a lower cost due to labour charges free service.

The latest Verna packs top features like heated and cooled seats, Android and Apple connectivity through its 10.25-inch infotainment and six airbags for safety. The engine options are powerful and Hyundai is renowned for their reliable builds. The Verna also comes with options of CVT or DCT automatics. Hyundai’s extensive service network further enhances the sedan’s ease of maintenance. Used Hyundai Verna cars make for even better value for money.

Hyundai Verna Key Specifications

Hyundai Verna Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 3,940 per year
• Service cost per kilometre - Approx. 40 paise/km

4. Tata Tigor | ₹ 23,600 for 5 years & 75,000km

Although not as popular as the other examples on this list, Tata manages to sell a decent number of units of the Tigor every month. Its service cost may seem more at first glance at approximately ₹ 23,600 for five years but Tata offers 15,000 km service intervals instead of the industry standard 10,000km. This means that the cost can be divided for 75,000km, making for cost-effective running for high mileage users, costing just 31 paise per kilometre in maintenance.

The Tigor is effectively the Tiago with a boot thus it carries the same features and benefits as the hatchback. Features like a robust and fuel-efficient 1.2-litre engine, high fuel-efficiency and a 4-star GNCAP safety rating makes the compact sedan a great low maintenance car. Even older Tata Tigor cars hold high resale value in the used market.

Tata Tigor Key Specifications

Tata Tigor Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 15,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 4,720 per year
• Service cost per kilometre - Approx. 31 paise/km

5. Honda Amaze | ₹ 27,500 for 5 years & 50,000km

One of the attractive aspects of the Honda Amaze is that it distinguishes itself from competitors like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Aura by being less commonly used in fleet operations. These cars are very attractive as low maintenance sedans albeit the Honda costing higher than the other two at ₹ 27,500 for 50,000km over a period of five years, in scheduled maintenance. Renowned globally for reliability, Honda delivers the same standard with the Amaze. With 10,000 km service intervals and a labor-free first service, the Amaze has an average annual service cost of ₹5,500, adding to its appeal as a dependable and cost-effective sedan.

The Amaze offers a stylish design, a more conventional sedan appearance compared to sub-4m alternatives, a reliable and efficient 1.2-litre petrol engine, making it a strong value proposition. At the time of writing this article, late in 2024, Honda is already preparing to launch an updated version of the Amaze for 2025, which should continue its positive traits with a refreshed look. To better benefit from its relatively low maintenance and reliability benefits, check out used Honda Amaze cars for a better cost effective package.  

Honda Amaze Key Specifications

Honda Amaze Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 5,500 per year
• Service cost per kilometre - Approx. 55 paise/km

6. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz | ₹ 27,600 for 5 years & 50,000km

Last updated in 2018, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz desperately warrants an update to match its competition. Even then, the design remains fairly attractive while its dimensions help you choose it over a sub-4m compact sedan. At ₹ 27,600, the Ciaz demands over ₹ 5,000 annually in scheduled maintenance costs but its highly efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine more than makes up for that in lowering effective running costs.

The engine and mechanicals have proven reliable as most Maruti Suzuki cars and the brand’s wide service network ensure easy maintenance even in remote areas. The Ciaz isn’t big on features like its competition but boasts of a comfortable ride quality and spacious interiors. A used Maruti Suzuki Ciaz makes more sense as a low maintenance sedan as it beats most compact sedans in many aspects including initial purchase cost.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Key Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 5,520 per year
• Service cost per kilometre - Approx. 55 paise/km

7. Honda City | ₹ 28,200 for 5 years & 50,000km

The City has been Honda’s best-selling offering to date and has been around for many generations with periodic updates. In its latest generation too, it remains as a reliable and cost-effective low maintenance sedan. With 10,000 km service intervals and the first service being labor-free, the City has an average annual service cost of approximately ₹5,640, adding up to roughly ₹ 28,200 for an ownership over five years and 50,000km. This further adds to its appeal as a dependable and cost-effective sedan.

Now in its fifth generation, the Honda City offers a classy design complete with modern features and even a strong hybrid option in the form of the City eHEV. The sedan is powered by a proven 1.5-litre engine that’s powerful as well as fuel efficient while Honda’s renowned reliability comes as part of the package. The previous generations of the sedan carry the same positive aspects so old Honda City cars make for tremendous value offerings as low maintenance sedans.  

Honda City Key Specifications

Honda City Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 5,640 per year
• Service cost per kilometre - Approx. 56 paise/km

8. Volkswagen Virtus | ₹ 37,000 for 5 years & 75,000km

The Volkswagen Virtus closely followed the launch of its sibling, the Skoda Slavia. Although identical cars under the skin, the latter demands a higher annual service cost. The Virtus on the other hand, costs approximately ₹ 37,000 in scheduled maintenance costs for an ownership period of five years and 75,000km. VW recommends a service interval of 15,000km thus the annual cost in scheduled maintenance works out to ₹ 7,400. This of course, seems higher than its competitors listed here but VW allows for using the Virtus for 50 per cent more mileage per year, justifying the premium charged in servicing cost. This reduces the VW’s effective service costs per kilometre to 49 paise. 

Despite carrying the highest maintenance cost in this list, the Virtus is still relatively affordable as a low maintenance sedan due to its high recommended service intervals. It brings along most contemporary features expected from cars of its category today as well as European dynamics and build quality that set it apart from the rest in this list. Both 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre engines are turbocharged thus commanding higher servicing cost in spares. The former delivers a high claimed fuel efficiency while remaining powerful and reliable. Since the sedan is fairly new, used Volkswagen Virtus cars may be rare but a good example will save you a fair amount from the initial purchase cost of a new car.

Volkswagen Virtus Key Specifications

Volkswagen Virtus Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 15,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 7,400 per year
• Service cost per kilometre - Approx. 49 paise/km

Tips to Maintain Your Hatchback for Lower Costs

Aside from buying a sedan with low maintenance costs, a few practices can ensure that you reap the maximum savings in maintenance. This in turn, will also fetch you good resale value when you decide to sell the sedan.

1. Adhere to service schedules - Always follow the manufacturer-recommended service intervals to keep your sedan running efficiently and prevent unexpected, costly repairs.
    
2. Drive smoothly - Practice good driving habits to reduce strain on your car’s components and maximize fuel efficiency. Your car’s manual often provides helpful tips for efficient driving.
    
3. Inspect tyres and fluids - Regularly check tyre pressure, monitor tyre wear, and ensure proper levels of engine oil and coolant to prevent unexpected failures and consequent repairs.
    
4. Use genuine parts - Opt for manufacturer-approved spare parts to ensure better durability and optimal performance of your sedan’s components.

List of Low Maintenance Sedans in India

Here’s a snapshot of the mentioned sedans, including their starting ex-showroom prices and estimated service costs over five years, to help you plan your ownership expenses effectively. While many manufacturers provide online service cost calculators, use them cautiously as they may not account for labor charges and taxes. For a more precise estimate specific to your sedan model, consulting the service center directly is always recommended.

Summary

If a low-maintenance car is a priority and a sedan is what you’re looking for, then opting for a low-maintenance sedan can greatly lessen long-term ownership costs, making it a wise financial choice. Most sedans on our list are supported by a widespread service network from their respective manufacturers. They stand out as cost-effective options that offer premium features, dependable performance, and distinct value. By maintaining a regular service schedule and practicing efficient driving habits, you can ensure your sedan remains economical and dependable year-on-year.