Cars With the Best Resale Value in India in 2024

When it comes to cars, the best resale value is an important consideration for buyers. It is a measure of how much money you can expect while selling a car. In India, there are a variety of cars that have excellent resale value.

If you plan on trading in your car for a new model in a few years, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best possible return on your investment. With that in mind, here is a list of the top 10 resale value cars in India.

Factors Influencing Resale Value

Several factors influence the resale value of cars in India. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions when buying a car. By considering these factors, you can choose a car that is likely to hold its value well over time.

Here are some key factors that impact the resale value:

• Brand and Model

Popular and reputable brands with a strong presence in the Indian market tend to have better resale value. Additionally, certain models within a brand may have higher demand, leading to better resale value.

• Condition

The overall condition of the car, including its mileage, maintenance history, and any wear and tear, plays a significant role in determining its resale value. Well-maintained cars with lower mileage generally have higher resale value.

• Market Demand

The demand for a particular car model in the used car market affects its resale value. Cars that are in high demand or have a loyal customer base tend to retain their value better.

• Features and Upgrades

Cars equipped with desirable features, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment systems, and fuel-efficient engines, tend to have better resale value compared to basic models.

• Year of Manufacture

The age of the car is an important factor. Newer cars generally have higher resale value compared to older models.

• Colour

While personal preference plays a role, certain colours are more popular in the used car market, which can impact the resale value.

Without further ado, let's get started on this journey and take a closer look at the cars with the best resale value in India in 2023!

1. Honda City

The Honda City comes with a powerful 1.5 L petrol engine which provides excellent performance. This vehicle boasts high-tech features that ensure safety, comfort, and convenience. The Honda City has an advanced anti-lock braking system (ABS), central locking, and electronic brake force distribution (EBD), among others. These features give the driver complete control and confidence on the road. The FWD and 6-speed manual transmission configurations further enhance the performance and fuel efficiency of this vehicle.

The Honda City has an impressive fuel economy, with a mileage of 17.8 km/l, making it a perfect choice for those who value cost-saving and efficiency. It is a spacious car, providing comfortable seating for up to five people. 

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹11.81 lakh-₹15.97 lakh

Honda City Key Specifications

Honda City Key Features

What’s Good:

• Great fuel economy
• Spacious and comfortable interiors

What’s Not Good: 

• No ventilated seats

Check out our collection of Used Honda City Cars in India

2. Mahindra Scorpio

Despite the release of the Mahindra Scorpio-N, the previous version of the Scorpio is still available for purchase and is known as the "Classic" model. This version has seen minor improvements and a more attractive price tag. The Scorpio has always been an integral part of Mahindra's success, and the Classic model continues to uphold that reputation. 

The updated 2.2L mHawk diesel motor offers an impressive 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque, while the previous 2.5L engine has been discontinued. The Classic model comes equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox and is available in a 2WD format only. Despite its lack of 4WD, the Scorpio Classic remains a reliable and affordable option for those in the market for a Mahindra car.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹12.64 lakh-₹16.14 lakh

Mahindra Scorpio Key Specifications

Mahindra Scorpio Key Features

What’s Good:

• Improved Suspension 
• Improved Performance

What’s Not Good:

• Feels Dated
• No Automatic option

Check out our collection of Used Mahindra Scorpio Cars in India

3. Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire

The Swift Dzire from Maruti Suzuki is a budget-friendly car that offers impressive performance. Equipped with a 1.2L petrol engine, this car combines power and efficiency seamlessly. Whether you choose petrol or CNG, the Swift Dzire delivers a commendable mileage of 22 km/l and 31 km/kg, respectively. With a maximum power of 88 bhp and a maximum torque of 113 Nm, the Swift Dzire ensures a thrilling and responsive driving experience.

You have the option to select either the 5-speed manual or automatic transmission, providing flexibility in your driving style. With a seating capacity of 5, the Swift Dzire offers comfort and convenience for all passengers. Embrace affordability without compromising on performance with the Swift Dzire.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹9.45 lakh onwards 

Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire Key Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire Key Features

What’s Good:

• Great fuel economy
• Widest in its segment
• Great after-sales support 

What’s Not Good: 

• No diesel or CNG-Automatic option

Check out our collection of Used Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire Cars in India

4. Toyota Innova Crysta

The Toyota Innova was first launched in India in 2005 and has dominated the segment since then, with no competitor coming close to dethroning the mighty Innova. Its popularity has made it a household name and a symbol of trust and dependability. The 2.7-litre petrol and a 2.4-litre diesel are the two engine choices on the Toyota Innova Crysta. The Innova Crysta is a roomy, reliable, and robust people carrier that can munch miles all day long without fuss. 

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹16.68 lakh-₹24.69 lakh

Toyota Innova Crysta Key Specifications

Toyota Innova Crysta Key Features

What's Good:

• Reliable and durable
• Comfortable and spacious

What's Not Good:

• Low fuel efficiency 

Check out our collection of Used Toyota Innova Crysta Cars in India

5. Hyundai i20

Hyundai ditched the ‘elite’ tag when it unveiled the latest-gen i20 hatchback in the Indian market in November 2020. The car is available in four trims: Magna, Sportz, Asta and Asta (O). There are two petrol engines and one diesel engine to choose from, while buyers have the option of four different transmissions. Despite measuring less than 4 metres, the i20 boasts an abundance of space, easily outclassing most of its rivals in the segment.

The i20’s exterior design is sleek and modern, with sporty elements that give the car a youthful and energetic vibe. It is loaded with creature comforts and features that add to the car’s overall convenience and appeal. The i20’s engines are powerful and refined, delivering a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. With its combination of style, space, and performance, the i20 is a worthy contender in the fiercely competitive hatchback market.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹7.07 lakh-₹11.62 lakh

Hyundai i20 Key Specifications

Hyundai i20 Key Features

What’s Good

• Improved interior
• Impressive fuel-efficiency
• Complete safety kit

What’s Not Good

• The top variants are expensive compared to other cars in its segment

Check out our collection of Used Hyundai i20 Cars in India

6. Maruti WagonR

The Maruti WagonR is a practical and spacious hatchback that balances fuel economy, affordability, and performance. Its 998 cc engine offers a maximum power output of 85 bhp and a torque of 114 Nm. The car comes with manual transmission for the CNG variant and automatic transmission for the petrol variant. This compact hatchback has a seating capacity of 5 and impresses with its superior fuel efficiency of 34.05 km/kg for the CNG variant.

The car is an ideal choice for families looking for a budget-friendly car that is spacious and reliable. The WagonR offers excellent and easy-to-use features, making it a great car for everyday use. 

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹5.52 lakh onwards

Key Specifications of Maruti WagonR

Key Features of Maruti Wagon R

What's Good:

• Spacious cabin and flexible seating options
• Affordable pricing and fuel-efficient engine

What's Not Good:

• Basic safety features and average ride quality
• Limited features compared to its rivals

Check out our collection of Used Maruti Wagon R Cars in India

7. Volkswagen Polo

The Polo, particularly the 1.0 turbo and the GT variants, has retained its value admirably due to its status as one of the remaining cars catering to enthusiasts. The strong emphasis on delivering an engaging driving experience has contributed to its appeal. Furthermore, Volkswagen's reliable service support and the widespread availability of its parts have bolstered its resale value. This combination of factors has solidified the Polo's reputation as a sought-after model, ensuring its continued desirability in the market.

Equipped with advanced technology, the Polo offers a range of features like a touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, and a multi-function steering wheel to add convenience and sophistication to the driving experience.

Whether you choose the petrol or diesel option, the Polo offers a smooth and responsive drive. The Polo is equipped with features like multiple airbags, ABS, ESC, and ISOFIX child seat anchors, ensuring a secure ride. Although the Polo is no longer on sale in India, there are plenty of used options available.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹8 lakh onwards

Volkswagen Polo Key Specifications

Volkswagen Polo Key Features 

What’s Good:

• Sporty design
• Smooth and powerful engine

What’s Not Good:

• Limited boot space

Check out our collection of Used Volkswagen Polo Cars in India

8. Maruti Swift

The Maruti Swift is a stylish and sporty hatchback that offers a perfect combination of comfort, performance, and economy. With its powerful 1.2 L engine, the Swift delivers a maximum power of 89 bhp (Petrol) and 76 bhp (CNG) along with a torque of 113 Nm (Petrol) and 98.5 Nm (CNG). It comes in both manual and automatic transmission options (Petrol) and manual (CNG). The vehicle is sturdy on the outside and quite spacious on the inside and can easily accommodate 5 people. 

The Swift boasts an impressive mileage of 23 km/l (Petrol) and 31 km/kg (CNG). The Swift offers a seating capacity of 5 and comes with key features such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ABS and EBD, AC with automatic climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen, and child seat anchor points, making it a perfect family car.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹6.7 lakh onwards

Used Car Price: ₹6.2 lakh onwards

Maruti Swift Key Specifications

Maruti Swift Key Features

What's Good:

• Quick and responsive engine
• Good ride and handling balance

What's Not Good:

• Poor rear seat comfort

Check out our collection of Used Maruti Swift Cars in India

9. Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner is a majestic full-size SUV ready to conquer the Indian roads with its powerful engines and top-notch features. Under the hood, the Fortuner offers a 2.7-litre petrol engine or a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine. While the petrol engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the diesel engine, on the other hand, comes with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. 

The Fortuner comes loaded with an 8-inch infotainment system, a 360-degree parking camera, wireless phone charging, and ambient lighting. Safety is also a top priority in the Fortuner, with up to seven airbags, vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control, hill assist, and ABS with EBD.

It's safe to suggest that the Fortuner is here to take on the likes of the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and Skoda Kodiaq.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹32.59 lakh-₹50.34 lakh 

Toyota Fortuner Key Specifications

Toyota Fortuner Key Features

What's Good:

• Powerful engine 
• Rugged build quality

What's Not Good:

• Low fuel efficiency

Check out our collection of Used Toyota Cars in India

10. Hyundai Creta

The Indian market is abuzz with the arrival of the upcoming compact SUVs in 2023. Among the lineup, the Hyundai Creta facelift is the talk of the town. This mid-life refresh has brought substantial changes to the popular SUV's exterior and interior. The new Creta comes with a magnificent ground clearance of 190 mm.

Hyundai has taken inspiration from its Tucson for the Creta's updated front fascia, sporting a new parametric grille and LED daytime running lamps that stretch right to the edges of the SUV. The cabin of the 2023 Hyundai Creta facelift will feature a 10.25-inch digital cluster, as seen on the Alcazar, and ADAS technology borrowed from the Tucson. The SUV will make its grand entrance in May/June 2023, offering the same powertrain and transmission options as the current model.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹10.87 lakh-₹19.20 lakh

Hyundai Creta Key Specifications

Hyundai Creta Key Features

What's Good:

• Spacious cabin with excellent build quality and premium features
• Good ride quality, handling, and braking performance on both city and highway drives

What's Not Good:

• The base model lacks some important features that are present in the higher variants
• The diesel engine can be noisy, and the steering wheel feels a bit disconnected

Check out our collection of Used Hyundai Creta Cars in India

Best Practices for Maximising Resale Value

Here are some best practices to follow to maximise the resale value of cars in India:

• Regular Maintenance - Maintain a regular service schedule and keep all service records. Ensure your car is in good condition on the inside and out. This demonstrates that the car has been well cared for and can positively impact its resale value.
• Keep Mileage in Check - Limit excessive mileage, as high mileage can negatively affect the resale value. If possible, avoid unnecessary long-distance trips or consider alternative transportation options for frequent commutes.
• Avoid Modifications - While personalising your car might be appealing, extensive modifications can deter potential buyers. Stick to modifications that enhance safety or convenience without compromising the car's originality.
• Choose Popular Features - Opt for features and upgrades that are in demand and add value to the car. Popular features like advanced safety systems, touchscreen infotainment systems, and alloy wheels can boost the resale value.
• Maintain Documentation - Keep all the vehicle's documentation, including the owner's manual, service records, insurance papers, and pollution control certificates. Complete paperwork helps establish the car's authenticity and maintenance history.
• Time the Sale - Consider market trends and timing when selling the car. Selling during a period of high demand or before a new model launch can help maximise resale value.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, adopting certain practices can significantly enhance the resale value of your car in India. Regular maintenance, mindful mileage management, preservation of the car's exterior and interior, avoiding excessive modifications, opting for popular features, and keeping proper documentation are all key factors.

Additionally, timing the sale can make a notable difference. Remember that a well-maintained car with an appealing blend of features and a clean history is more likely to fetch a higher resale value. By implementing these practices, you can make the most of your investment and ensure a rewarding resale experience when the time comes.

FAQs

Q. What is resale value, and why is it important?

Resale value is important because it can affect the overall cost of owning a car. If you buy a car with a high resale value, you will likely be able to sell it for more money when you are ready to upgrade.

Q. How is the resale value calculated?

Resale value is calculated by several factors, including the make and model of the car, the year it was made, the mileage it has on it, the condition it is in, and the current market conditions.