Manual vs. Automatic: What Bangalore’s Used Car Buyers Preferred in 2024

Deciding between a manual and an automatic transmission in a used car has gained more importance in recent years, especially in popular urban markets like Bangalore. Thanks to unavoidable factors like the ever-increasing traffic congestion, scores of buyers are shifting toward automatics for the added convenience it affords.

The overall used automatic market in India was only 11.8% in 2022, but this figure rose to 14.66% in 2024. Bangalore has witnessed a similar rise in preference towards used automatics in recent years, but as it stands, our used car sales report reveals that manuals still dominate used car sales in Karnataka’s capital city. In this article, we will take a closer look at the factors that influence the decision for buyers, which transmission appeals the most and why, and the overall emerging trends.

Transmission Preference in Used Cars in Bangalore

While a significant shift is occurring, second hand manual cars still dominate in Bangalore. The following is a breakdown of transmission preferences.

Key Takeaways

• Automatics have grown slightly, from 15.11% in 2023 to 16.15% in 2024, reflecting a slow but steady shift.
• Despite this increase, over 80% of used cars in Bangalore still have manual transmissions, showing the market’s strong preference.
• Manual cars remain dominant due to their affordability, better control on Bangalore’s hilly terrains, and higher fuel efficiency in budget models.
• Buyers still view manual cars as easier to maintain and repair, leading to their consistent demand.

What Market Trends from 2023-2024 Reveal

Analysing market trends helps us understand how buyer preferences are shifting over time. The data below shows a marginal but important shift toward automatic transmissions.

Key Takeaways

• Automatic transmission-equipped vehicles are steadily increasing in preference, albeit at a slow pace.
• The share of manuals dropped slightly by just over 1%, indicating that Bangalore is gradually warming up to automatics.
• Rising fuel efficiency in modern automatics is making them more competitive against manuals, addressing one of the biggest concerns of Bangalore’s buyers.
• Automatic vehicles, especially budget-friendly AMTs, are making an impact, but manual cars continue to hold the majority share due to cost-conscious buyers.

How Transmission Type Affects Resale Value in Bangalore

Resale value plays a crucial role in buyer decisions. Bangalore’s market continues to favour manual transmissions due to several key factors.

• Higher demand: Manuals continue to dominate used car sales, ensuring better resale prices.
• Affordability: Manuals cost less upfront, making them attractive for resale buyers looking for budget-friendly options.
• Depreciation concerns: Pre owned automatic cars depreciate faster, as older automatic models are perceived as costly to maintain and repair.
• Consumer perception: While automatics are easier to drive, they are still associated with higher repair costs, leading many buyers to avoid them in the used market.
• Long-term value: Buyers in Bangalore tend to hold onto vehicles longer, making manual cars a safer bet in terms of maintenance and resale.

The Link Between Body Type and Transmission Choice in Bangalore

Body type preference plays a significant role in transmission choices. Here’s how Bangalore’s used car buyers prefer their vehicles.

Key Takeaways

Hatchbacks

• Still the most popular choice, making up nearly 60% of Bangalore’s used car market.
• Manual transmissions dominate this segment due to the cost-conscious nature of buyers.
• While AMTs are growing, they still make up a small fraction of total hatchback sales.

• Hatchbacks remain the go-to option for first-time car buyers, further supporting the dominance of manuals.

   

Sedans

• Second hand sedans in Bangalore account for around 22% of used sales.
• A slightly higher share of automatics can be seen in this segment, as sedan buyers prioritise driving comfort.
• Manual sedans still outsell automatics, largely because of fuel efficiency concerns and lower maintenance costs.

• Automatic sedans are mostly found in premium models, limiting their widespread adoption.

   

SUVs

• Used SUVs in Bangalore have gained significant popularity, rising from 17.36% in 2023 to 20.56% in 2024.
• More automatics appear in this category due to premium and mid-range models featuring automatic transmissions.
• Buyers looking for convenience and better highway driving experiences prefer automatics in this segment.
• Manual SUVs are still widely available, especially in older models, which keeps their presence strong in the used market.

Why Manual or Automatic Vehicles Are More Popular in Bangalore

Choosing between a manual or automatic used car depends on a lot of factors for an individual buyer. It’s important to consider these factors and recognise what your individual needs are before committing to a purchase.

• Traffic Congestion: Bangalore’s dense traffic favours automatics for convenience, but manuals remain dominant due to affordability.
• Affordability Factor: Budget-conscious buyers still prefer manuals for their lower price and maintenance costs.
• Resale Concerns: Manual cars hold their value better, making them more attractive in the second hand market.
• Fuel Efficiency: With improvements in automatic transmission technology, the fuel efficiency gap is narrowing, encouraging more buyers to consider automatics.
• Preference in Entry-Level Models: Manual transmissions are standard in most budget cars, limiting automatic options.
• Growing SUV Market: SUVs are driving automatic transmission sales as they become more mainstream in Bangalore.

Conclusion

Bangalore’s used car market remains dominated by manual transmissions, but automatics are slowly gaining acceptance. The shift is driven by increasing traffic congestion, better fuel efficiency in newer automatics, and a growing preference for SUVs and premium models. However, manuals continue to hold strong due to their lower cost, higher resale value, and long-standing preference among budget-conscious buyers.

While the market is evolving, manuals will likely continue to be the dominant choice for the foreseeable future. However, as automatic technology improves and fuel efficiency concerns fade, Bangalore’s used car market may gradually see a stronger tilt toward automatics in the coming years.