Good used cars under Rs. 3 lakh
If you have budget of up to Rs. 3 lakh and are looking for the best cars your money can get, there are some good deals on sedans whose resale value has dropped considerably. Of course, you will get relatively newer hatchbacks too for that price, but considering there are sedans available, let’s look at the best deals you can get for your money.
If you are the adventurous type there are some rare finds as well at that price, but of course, unless you are an enthusiast, we wouldn’t recommend you pick these up. For instance, you can get a Mercedes Benz (W124 model) of 1996-1997 vintage for about Rs. 2 lakh for the petrol variants. These cars are all about status, but will burn a hole in your wallet in terms of maintenance. Then you also get the older Honda City, Maruti Esteem and Maruti Baleno, which are all about 5-7 years old. Three used cars to avoid in the used car market
However, if you are looking for cars that are up to 5 years old and within Rs. 3 lakh, it does narrow down the range available. Here are some of the best cars to pick in that budget.
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent is still in production, even though it was launched in 1999. The present Accent comes in only one trim level – Accent Executive – with either a petrol or dual-fuel petrol-LPG 1.5 litre engine. However, till early 2008, the Accent was available in multiple trims – GLS, GLE, GVS etc. A good 2007 model Accent with about 50,000 km on the odometer will cost about Rs. 2.5 lakh. Cars that have driven more than this would be a lot cheaper.
The benefits of a Hyundai Accent are that the car is easy to maintain with parts being easily available. However, being only a petrol model (the diesel model Accent is more expensive even in the used car market), its resale value has taken a hit. The car can seat four comfortable and five at a squeeze, but it is rather low. Great used sedans under Rs. 1.5 lakh
Ford Fiesta (now Classic)
The Ford Fiesta is also still in production today as the Classic and is a car that can picked up quite easily in the used car market. The Fiesta came in both petrol and diesel. The 1.6 litre petrol engine in the Fiesta puts out 100 bhp of power and is a good car for those who love driving. Because of the fuel price differential the 1.6 petrol’s resale value has dropped. It also came with a 1.4 litre petrol engine putting out 91 bhp of power. A 2007 model 1.4 Fiesta can be bought for about Rs. 2.5 lakh with about 50,000 – 60,000 km on the odometer, while a 1.6 will cost about Rs. 2.8 lakh. The diesel 1.4 Fiesta is costs slightly over Rs. 3 lakh in the used car market as well.
The Fiesta is a spacious sedan and is a pleasure to drive. The steering feel, gear shifts and the pick up will satisfy and enthusiastic driver. The downside is that spares for this car were expensive, but now with the Classic Ford has reduced spares prices, which even older Fiesta owners can benefit from. Used Ford Fiesta buyers guide
Mahindra Renault Logan (now Verito)
If you want a relatively new spacious sedan, one car to look for in the used car market is a Mahindra Renault Logan, now called the Mahindra Verito. The car came with three engine choices – a 1.6 petrol, a 1.4 petrol and a 1.5 litre diesel engine. The 1.6 petrol engine was discontinued a year after its launch and the car is available quite readily in the used car market. The engine wasn’t too powerful – putting out only 85 bhp of power, while the 1.4 litre petrol put out 75 bhp of power. Many of these cars now have been converted to run with CNG kits, and still retaining plenty of space for passengers and luggage.
The 1.5 diesel Logan, now Verito is still not available below Rs. 3 lakh in the used car market, as it is one of the most fuel-efficient cars around and has good demand. The petrol Logan though is available for between Rs. 2 lakh and Rs. 2.5 lakh for a 2009 model. Good used cars under Rs. 2 lakh