Top 5 Used Cars For Beginners and Learner Drivers

Are you looking for the best used cars in India? Your search ends here! In this blog, we present a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect ride in 2023. Whether you're seeking the best second-hand car, the most popular models in India, or the best pre-owned car worth your investment, we've got you covered. 

Even if you're considering an automatic car, learning to drive a manual brings valuable skills. It enhances your understanding of car mechanics, improves driving proficiency, and boosts adaptability to different vehicles. In short, learning how to drive a manual car broadens knowledge and builds confidence. 

From fuel efficiency to reliability, we'll explore the top contenders, ensuring you make an informed decision. Let's get started!

1: Maruti Suzuki Celerio

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is a compact hatchback that is perfect for city driving with its fuel-efficient engine and comfortable interior. The car comes with two engine options, petrol and CNG, and can generate a maximum power of 65 bhp and 55 bhp, respectively. It is available in both manual and automatic transmission options for petrol variants, while CNG variants only come in manual. 

The Celerio is loaded with features such as power steering, power windows front, anti-lock braking system, air conditioner, driver and passenger airbags, fog lights, alloy wheels, and a multi-function steering wheel. With a mileage of 26 km/l for petrol and 35 km/kg for CNG, the Maruti Celerio is an affordable and practical car for daily use that can comfortably accommodate 5 people.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹5.35 lakh onwards

Used Car Price: ₹3 lakh onwards

Key Specifications of Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Key Features of Maruti Suzuki Celerio

What's Good:

• Low maintenance cost
• Good value for money

What's Not Good:

• Outdated design and features

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Maruti Celerio Cars In India

2: Maruti WagonR

The Maruti WagonR is a spacious and practical hatchback that offers a perfect blend of performance, fuel economy, and affordability. The car comes with a choice of two engines: 1.0L and 1.2L, which deliver a maximum power of 88 bhp (1.2L petrol automatic), 66 bhp (1.0L petrol), and 56 bhp (CNG) along with a torque of 113 Nm @4,400 rpm (1.2L petrol automatic), 89 Nm @3,500 rpm (1.0 petrol), and 82 Nm (CNG). 

It offers a seating capacity of 5 and comes with both manual and automatic transmission options (Petrol) and manual CNG. The WagonR offers an impressive fuel efficiency of 25.19 km/l (petrol manual), 24.43 km/l (petrol automatic), and 34.05 km/kg (CNG). Key features of the car include ABS, EBD, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a 7-inch touchscreen display.

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

Used Car Price: ₹2 lakh onwards 

Key Specifications of Maruti WagonR

Key Features of Maruti WagonR

What's Good:

• Comfortable ride quality
• Affordable pricing

What's Not Good:

• Poor NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Maruti Wagon R 1.0 Cars In India

3: Maruti Alto K10 

The Maruti Alto K10 is a budget-friendly, high-performance car that offers excellent fuel economy. It boasts a powerful 1.0L engine that delivers a maximum power of 66 bhp (Petrol) and 56 bhp (CNG) along with a torque of 89 Nm (Petrol) and 82.1 Nm (CNG). The car comes with both manual and automatic transmission options (Petrol) and manual CNG. 

The Alto K10 offers a seating capacity of 5 and boasts an impressive mileage of 24.4 km/l (petrol manual), 24.9 km/l (petrol automatic), and 24.4 km/kg (CNG). It also comes equipped with key features such as ABS, EBD, two airbags, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch touchscreen display, and steering-mounted controls.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹3.99 lakh onwards

Used Car Price: ₹2 lakh onwards 

Key Specifications of Maruti Alto K10

Key Features of Maruti Alto K10 

What's Good:

• Low maintenance cost
• Good value for money

What's Not Good:

• Outdated design and features

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Maruti Alto K10 Cars In India

4: Maruti Dzire

The Maruti Dzire is a stylish and comfortable compact sedan powered by a 1.2L petrol engine that produces 89 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. The Dzire is available in both manual and automatic transmission options, making it a great choice for both city and highway driving for groups of up to 5 people. 

The car also has a CNG variant that produces 76 bhp and 98.5 Nm of torque. It comes loaded with features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ABS and EBD, AC with automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The Dzire has a mileage of 24 km/l (Petrol) and 31.5 km/kg (CNG), making it an economical option for long drives or city commutes

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

Used Car Price: ₹4 lakh onwards

Key Specifications of Maruti Dzire

Key Features of Maruti Dzire

What's Good:

• Smooth and refined engine
• Good ride quality

What's Not Good:

• Overpriced compared to rivals

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Maruti Dzire Cars In India

5: 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: ₹5 lakh onwards

Key Specifications of Maruti Swift

Key Features of Maruti Swift

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

6: Tata Altroz

The Tata Altroz is an affordable car that brings together power and efficiency. The Altroz is available with two engine options: a 1.2L petrol engine and a 1.5L diesel engine. Whether you prefer petrol or diesel, this car delivers an impressive mileage of 19 km/l and 24 km/l respectively. With a maximum power output of 108 bhp and a maximum torque of 200 Nm, the Altroz offers a thrilling driving experience. 

You can choose between the 6-speed manual or automatic transmission for smooth gear shifts. With a seating capacity of 5, the Altroz provides ample space for all passengers. Discover the perfect balance of performance and affordability with the Tata Altroz.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹6.45 lakh

Used car price: ₹5.5 lakh onwards

Tata Altroz Key Specifications

Tata Altroz Key Features

What’s Good:

• One of the safest hatchbacks in India
• Spacious and practical car
• Diesel option availability 

What’s Not Good:

• No automatic option in the turbo petrol and diesel variants
• Six-month service interval is lower than competitors

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Tata Altroz Cars In India

7: 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

Used car price: ₹4 lakh onwards

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

8: Maruti S-Presso

The Maruti S-Presso is a trendy-looking 5-seater hatchback that comes with modern features and excellent fuel efficiency. The car is available in both petrol and CNG variants, generating maximum power of 66 bhp and 56 bhp, respectively. It comes in both manual and automatic transmission options for petrol variants, while CNG variants only come in manual. 

The S-Presso is loaded with features such as an integrated music system, Bluetooth, AUX, two airbags, overspeed warning, ABS, and EBD. With a mileage of 24.1 km/l for the petrol manual, 25.3 km/l for the petrol automatic, and 32.73 km/kg for CNG, the Maruti S-Presso is an affordable and stylish car that is perfect for city driving.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹4.25 lakh onwards

Used Car Price: ₹4 lakh onwards

Key Specifications of Maruti S-Presso

Key Features of Maruti S-Presso

What's Good:

• Unique and modern design
• Good ground clearance

What's Not Good:

• Lack of space and comfort
• Poor NVH levels

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Maruti S Presso Cars In India

9: 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 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): No longer on sale

Used car price: ₹3 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

10: 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

Used car price: ₹7 lakh onwards

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

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Indian market offers a wide range of reliable and affordable used cars. The Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Wagon R, Alto K10, and Swift stand out as fuel-efficient hatchbacks, providing excellent mileage and budget-friendly options. For those seeking a sedan, the Maruti Dzire and Honda City offer style, comfort, and impressive fuel efficiency. 

The Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20 present solid choices in the hatchback segment, combining fuel efficiency with modern features. Additionally, the Maruti S-Presso and Volkswagen Polo offer value for money with their fuel-efficient engines. Whether you prioritise mileage, affordability, or brand reputation, these top contenders provide excellent options when looking for the best used cars to buy in India.

FAQs

Q: How do I determine the right budget for buying a used car?

A: To determine the right budget for buying a used car, you need to consider your financial situation, your needs, and the current market. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10-15% of your monthly income for car payments. You should also factor in the cost of insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

Q: What should I check during a test drive of a used car?

A: When test-driving a used car, you should check the engine, transmission, brakes, tyres, suspension, interior, and exterior. You should also take the car on a variety of roads to test its performance in different conditions.

Q: Should I buy a used car from a dealer or an individual seller?

A: There are pros and cons to buying a used car from a dealer or an individual seller. Dealers typically have a wider selection of cars, but they may also be more expensive. Individual sellers may be willing to negotiate on the price, but they may not be as knowledgeable about the car's history.