Top Selling Used Cars in Chennai in 2024

The used car market in Chennai, much like the rest of the country, has always been in a state of constant evolution. Factors like affordability, fuel efficiency, brand reputation, overall reliability and prioritising a powerful air conditioner played a big role in determining what were the best-selling used cars in Chennai in 2024. 

CARS24’s used car sales report for 2024 found Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Honda as the most popular brands in the market. We decided to take a closer look at the used car sales in Chennai, Tamil Nadu to find the five best-selling models in 2024.

Five Best-Selling Used Cars in Chennai in 2024

In 2024, the best-selling used cars in Chennai saw Maruti Suzuki’s Swift come out on top with a 6% market share. It was immediately evident that the five best-sellers list was dominated by hatchbacks. But the Honda City remained the best-selling used sedan in Chennai, accounting for 3% of sales. 

The Swift Dzire and Wagon R are among the five best selling used cars in India. However, the Hyundai Grand i10 and Maruti Suzuki Alto recorded better demand in Chennai. Furthermore, a majority of second hand car buyers in Chennai in 2024 preferred used petrol cars and manual transmissions.

1. Maruti Suzuki Swift | 6% Used Market Share in Chennai

The Maruti Suzuki Swift was the top-selling used car in Chennai in 2024, capturing a 6% market share. Known for its peppy performance, excellent fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs, the Swift was a preferred choice for families and first-time drivers alike. Of all the used Maruti Suzuki Swifts sold in Chennai in 2024, our internal data reveals that 76% were petrol, while nearly a quarter accounted for diesel Swifts.

Also, 94% of all used Swifts sold were equipped with a manual transmission, with only 6% of buyers opting for an automatic, despite its convenience. The compact size of a used Maruti Swift made it ideal for Chennai’s traffic conditions, while its strong resale value ensured a good return on investment. 

2. Hyundai i10 | 4% Used Market Share in Chennai

The second best-selling used car in Chennai last year was the Hyundai i10, with a 4% market share. This goes to show that, despite the newer Grand i10 also being available in the used market, the regular i10 has a lasting appeal among budget-conscious buyers. This hatchback was favoured for its refined engine, manual and automatic transmission options. 

As per our internal data, 100% of all buyers in Chennai preferred a second hand Hyundai i10 with a petrol engine. Also, i10s equipped with a manual transmission were decidedly more in demand, with 89% of buyers deciding the automatic wasn’t worth the convenience it offered. Hyundai’s strong service presence in Chennai and the i10’s reputation for being a dependable city car made it a hot pick in the second hand market.

3. Honda City | 3% Used Market Share in Chennai

The Honda City was the third-highest selling used car in Chennai in 2024, with sales accounting for a 3% market share. The City is known for its spacious interiors, premium feel, and refined petrol engine, allowing it to become the best-selling used sedan in Chennai. The Japanese sedan holds over 3.5% of all used cars sold in India. Buyers looking for a comfortable daily driver with a touch of elegance often opted for a second hand Honda City, given its strong reputation for reliability. 

Its manual variant, in particular, was in high demand, with our data showing that 81% of all used City models sold in Chennai last year were equipped with a manual transmission. Similarly, 90% of used City buyers in Chennai opted for a petrol engine, instead of the noisy-but-efficient diesel. The fact that the Honda City is the only sedan among the top five best-sellers is testament to its appeal in the used car space.

4. Hyundai Grand i10 | 3% Used Market Share in Chennai

The Hyundai Grand i10 slots into this list as the fourth-best selling used car in 2024 in Chennai, with a 3% market share on the whole. Slightly larger and more refined than the regular i10, the Grand i10 appealed to those who wanted a balance between compact dimensions and a feature-rich cabin. Its fuel-efficient engine, smooth ride quality, modern features, and the fact that it’s one of the most affordable cars in India made it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. 

In particular, 96% of old Hyundai Grand i10 buyers in Chennai preferred the petrol engine, with 78% opting for one equipped with a manual transmission, as per CARS24’s internal data. The Grand i10’s strong build quality and Hyundai’s trusted after-sales service added to its resale value, ensuring it remained a popular choice in the pre-owned segment.

5. Maruti Suzuki Alto | 3% Used Market Share in Chennai

Rounding out this list is the Maruti Suzuki Alto, with a 3% market share in Chennai’s used car market in 2024. As one of the most affordable and fuel-efficient hatchbacks, the Alto was widely preferred by first-time car buyers and those looking for a secondary city car. 100% of used Alto buyers preferred the petrol engine, leaving CNG-equipped used Alto sales to nil. 

What also made the pre owned Maruti Suzuki Alto a best-seller last year was its compact size, which made parking in Chennai’s congested areas a breeze, while its low running costs ensured budget-friendly ownership. With Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network and easy availability of spare parts, the Alto remained a reliable and cost-effective choice for used car buyers in Chennai.

Conclusion

Overall, Chennai’s used car market has seen a preference for practical and fuel-efficient models, with Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai continuing to dominate the space. Buyers leaned towards cars that offered a good mix of reliability, affordability, and easy maintenance, with hatchbacks leading the pack. 

The Maruti Suzuki Swift led the segment, but the ever-reliable Honda City continues strong against hatchbacks and SUVs.

Market trends over the past few years indicate that while newer models gain traction, tried-and-tested options from Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai continue to dominate due to their strong resale value and reliability. With the rising cost of new cars and the growing trust in certified used cars, Chennai’s pre-owned car market is likely to remain strong in the coming years, offering buyers a wide range of value-for-money options.