One of the largest markets for two-wheelers, India has been the epicentre for the ever-changing automotive industry. In the last fifteen years, we've witnessed a massive increase in car purchases, thanks to the increase in per capita income of the working-class population, rise in options of entry-level & mid-segment cars in the market, affordable pre-owned cars, and easy car loans. The ones who opted for a two-wheeler a few years ago are adding a family car to their list as well.
A car is undoubtedly the safest mode of transportation in the post-Covid world when compared to public transport like buses, metros, and taxis, as per a research study, 42 Percent of Indians will buy a family car, likely a pre-owned after lockdown.
The cheapest new car In India, a Tata Nano will cost you more than 2.5 Lakhs with registration and taxes while the other entry-level cars like Alto, Kwid, Redi-go, cost more than 3 Lakhs. Not everyone is opting for a new car, the used car segment has seen a steady rise and is 1.5 times bigger than the new car industry. And good used cars with vehicle history, inspection report, and warranty (in some cases) are available for bargain prices across the country.
We've listed out the best second-hand cars to buy under 1 lakh in India. These are the models which have made it to this list based on aspects such as reliability, cost of maintenance, passenger comfort-level, and brand value. So, here’s our list of the best-used cars you can purchase under a lakh.
Also read - CNG Kit Price in India
Maruti 800
India’s people car and what caught worldwide attention, 800 was a game-changer in the car market and had a cult following. The Maruti 800 was discontinued in the year 2014 to make way for Alto which can also be called its predecessor with updated features and aesthetics. The Maruti 800 was the family car of the '90s, its driver-friendly, handles well, and can be a good choice for learner drivers. As for the features, most 800s in the used car market have features like central locking, air conditioning, and a music system. Only a limited of them came with a power steering, even the non-power steering option doesn't strain the driver much due to the size of the car. The 800 is known to deliver good mileage and can comfortably fit four average-sized Indian adults. The regular maintenance of the Maruti 800 will not cost you more than Rs.3000 to Rs.5000 for 1 year.
ARAI Mileage - 16.1kmpl
Engine Displacement (cc)- 796cc
Max Power (bhp@rpm)- 37bhp@5000rpm
Max Torque (nm@rpm)- 59Nm@2500rpm
Maruti Zen
Maruti Zen
Zen stands for "Zero Engine Noise'. The Maruti Zen was a premium hatchback compared to the 800, one of the best sellers in its era. The Zen is still a sought after car in the used car market. With a peppy engine and go-kart-like handling, the car can fit four medium built Indian adults and kid. The Zen also was known for its incredible mileage, the butter smooth engine, and offered the best class in handling. It is a good choice for learners drivers and small Indian families. The regular maintenance of the Zen should cost anywhere between Rs.3000 to Rs.5000 for 1 year. You can find a Zen or a Zen Estilo under a lakh in the used car market.
ARAI Mileage - 17.3kmpl
Engine Displacement (cc)- 993
Max Power (bhp@rpm)- 60 PS @ 6000 rpm
Max Torque (nm@rpm)- 78 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Maruti Suzuki Esteem
Also called the ‘the king of power/weight ratio’, Maruti Suzuki Esteem was a beloved car for both fathers and sons. Loaded with up to the date features, Esteem had an image of an executive car for the working class, it was also massively popular among car enthusiasts, as it was well suited for motoracing purposes. The sedan handles effortlessly with sufficient power produced by its 1.3 litre engine. The car has good boot space, offers comfortable seating for five Indian adults. Things to keep in mind before buying a used Esteem to stay away from diesel variants as they are quite loud and chugs diesel like a fish. We would suggest you go for a petrol MPFI (fuel-injected) version. The regular maintenance of the esteem should cost anywhere between Rs.3000 to Rs.5000 for 1 year.
ARAI Mileage - 15.9 kmpl
Engine Displacement (cc)- 1298
Max Power (bhp@rpm)- 85 PS @ 6000 rpm
Max Torque (nm@rpm)- 110 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Honda City
The first generation Honda City was offered with a 1.3 & 1.5 non-vtec engines, while the later introduced 1.5 Vtec city became India’s first car to cross the 100bhp marker. Being a perfectly built car for its time, the City made the base for Honda motors in the Indian market. Maintenance is costlier than Maruti cars but the driving experience it offers is far too better. The city comes with a powerful engine that offers good mileage, other features include air-conditioning, power steering, music system, comfortable legroom, and good boot space. You could either first-generation or second-generation Honda city in used car market for under a lakh. The regular maintenance of the City should cost anywhere between Rs.5000 to Rs.7000 for 1 year. .
Mileage- 17.4kmpl
Engine Displacement- 1497 cc
Power - 117 bhp @ 6600 RPM
Torque- 145 Nm @ 4600 RPM
Maruti Suzuki Baleno
For many good reasons, you wouldn’t find the second generation Baleno under 1 lakh but you can find the 1st gen under this mark. The first generation Baleno was a boon for enthusiasts and was preferred by executives, the more than sufficient headroom and legroom was its selling point. What also attracted customers was the engine, which produced 94bhp and had a top speed of 185kmph. Apart from the performance aspect, Baleno had a commendable mileage, best-in-class, so to say. With Maruti’s spare part market and ease of maintenance, Baleno is one of the best choices if one is looking for both creature comforts and performance. The regular maintenance of the Baleno should cost anywhere between Rs.5000 to Rs.8000 for 1 year.
ARAI Mileage- 21.97kmpl
Engine Displacement(cc)- 1590cc
Max RPM(bhp@rpm)- 94Ps@5500rpm
Max Torque(Nm@rpm)- 130Nm@3000rpm
Maruti Suzuki Alto
Alto
The baby 800, Alto has been a staple diet for Indians. The success Alto received was primarily due to its ease of maintenance and affordability coupled with a peppy engine. Alto is one of the highest sellers in the used car market given its low maintenance cost. The Alto is a perfect choice for small families and learner drivers. The Alto comes equipped with air-conditioning, power windows, and in-built music system. The regular maintenance of the Alto should cost anywhere between Rs.3000 to Rs.5000 for 1 year.
ARAI Mileage - 19.7 kmpl
Engine Displacement (cc)- 796
Max Power (bhp@rpm)- 46.3bhp@6200rpm
Max Torque (nm@rpm)- 62Nm@3000rpm
Maruti Suzuki Swift Generation 1
Maruti Suzuki Swift has been inside the Indian youth’s mind for a long time now. With both practicality and performance, it remains one of the most selling used cars in the Indian market. For first-time drivers, Swift is friendly and intuitive and can be used a daily commute vehicle pretty much anywhere. Making its name in the rally circuit, Swift is also a good option for beginner rally drivers. The first generation Swift can be bought for less than a lakh in India, the regular maintenance should cost you in the range of Rs 3000 to Rs 5000 for 1 year.
ARAI Mileage- 21.12kmpl
Engine Displacement- 1197 cc
Power - 83 bhp @ 6000 RPM
Torque- 115 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Maruti Suzuki WagonR
Wagon-R
The original Kei car of India, WagonR is loved by all. It’s like everyone owns it and if there is a day where you don’t see a WagonR on road, you are either not in India or the lockdown is still in effect. Even in the used car segment, WagonR has been the common man’s first choice. Equipped with every necessary features like air-conditioning, music system, power steering, this car is easy to maintain and will keep your wallet intact even after years of abuse. The regular maintenance of the Wagon-R should cost anywhere between Rs.3000 to Rs.5000 for 1 year.
ARAI Mileage- 21.97kmpl
Engine Displacement- 1197 cc
Power - 81.80 bhp @ 6000 RPM
Torque- 113 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Maruti Suzuki SX4
SX-4
What comes as a surprise in this list is the SX4, a much luxurious option among the rest. You might be able to find a used SX4 for cheap, as the car was not a big hit among consumers in spite of impressive specifications. The car is a great family car with features like ABS, airbags, air-conditioning, power steering, etc.The mileage is decent while CNG version works wonder. SX4 is a great option for youngsters looking for a hot ride under budget. The regular maintenance of the SX4 should cost anywhere between Rs.8000 to Rs.10000 for 1 year.
ARAI Mileage- 16.51kmpl
Engine Displacement- 1586cc
Power - 103.2 bhp @ 5600 RPM
Torque- 145 Nm @ 4100 RPM
Maruti Suzuki Omni
Omni
For many of us, the first interaction we had with an Omni was either in a private school transport or at our uncle’s family reunion. The older version lacked air-conditioning and sometimes became an oven in summers but this was sorted in the future generations. With LPG options and a decent fuel economy, Omni is still revered by many. Not many features were available but this was compensated with plenty of boot space and passenger capacity. The regular maintenance of the Omni should cost anywhere between Rs.3000 to Rs.5000 for 1 year.
ARAI Mileage- 17kmpl
Engine Displacement- 796 cc
Power- 34 bhp @ 5000 RPM
Torque- 59 Nm @ 2500 RPM
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