15 Best Used Cars Sold in 2014

Used cars are creating a storm in the Indian automobile market in recent times. This is mainly attributed to the rising demand for low priced vehicles as compared to the steep prices of new vehicles in most markets. New cars come at unbelievably high prices these days and this has hindered their demand to a large extent. People now shy away from purchasing new cars owing to multiple reasons including higher taxes, component prices, insurance charges, registration charges, octroi and a multitude of other reasons. It has been seen that on road charges of up to a lakh or more can be expected for multiple new car models.

This is why used vehicles have attained immense popularity among urban individuals especially as cars are something of a necessity in today’s times. Why should you fork out a huge amount for a new car when you can purchase something in a much higher segment at a significantly lower price? Talking of the market for used cars in Mumbai or in other metro cities of India, there have been multiple car models that have attained huge popularity owing to various reasons. People have been seen to prefer used Hyundai cars, used Maruti cars and used Honda cars over other varieties. This can be attributed to the reliable image of these vehicles in comparison to other car makers.

The number of used cars in Delhi or basically anywhere in India is huge owing to the multiple segments and varieties made available in recent times. As a result, buyers are often confused with regard to choosing the right model. But these three brands usually pull in the crowds owing to their latent brand value and their high customer service standards over the years. People usually label Honda, Maruti or Hyundai cars as easily serviceable, reasonably priced, easy to maintain and aesthetically appealing. These brands have multiple models in almost every segment and some of the best ones are listed below:

Used Maruti cars

Maruti Suzuki has always been the numero uno brand in India owing to its position as the first ever mainstream manufacturer of contemporary vehicles. The Maruti 800 was a pioneer in many ways and introduced India to the wonders of the hatchback, something that stays even till today. The 800 created history and was a major milestone for the Indian automobile sector, paving the way for other manufacturers to follow suit with regard to wooing the urban Indian customer base with compact cars. The 800 continues to be immensely popular in the used car market with various models varying between INR 40, 000 to INR 1, 00, 000 in some cases.

Alongside, the Maruti Suzuki Alto has always been the darling of the masses, being the largest selling car in the country. The Alto is widely available in the country across multiple generations and platforms. The K10 model is currently very popular and was hugely sold in 2014 and people could snap up this high performance car at prices between INR 2, 00, 000 to INR 2, 50, 000 approximately. Other versions of the Alto continued to be sold heavily this year at prices ranging between even INR 1, 20, 000 to INR 2, 00, 000. Other Maruti Suzuki models sold heavily in 2014 including the Ritz, Wagon R (old model) and of course, the Swift Dzire. The Dzire has always been one of the most popular used cars owing to its decent features, good fuel economy and popularity as a commercial vehicle. Alongside, the Wagon R and Ritz also found takers in 2014, being well built, solid, value for money hatchbacks at immensely irresistible prices. The Maruti Suzuki SX4 is also selling in large numbers in the used car market owing to the launch of the new generation Ciaz model.

This car is selling between prices of INR 3, 00, 000 to INR 6, 00, 000 in most cases in metropolitan areas. Alongside, the Ertiga is another popular MUV that has been taking the used car market by storm in 2014. Overall, Maruti Suzuki continues to be the king of the market for used cars in Delhi and all other cities.

Used Hyundai cars

Hyundai cars were also highly favored by buyers in 2014 as far as the used car market is concerned. The Santro remained the most popular choice, retailing for anything between INR 1, 40, 000 to INR 2, 00, 000 in particular cases. In addition, the i10 and i20 also retained their huge fan followings in the used car market in India. These cars came at prices between INR 2, 00, 000 to INR 6, 00, 000, differing across models and generations. The Verna had also been another popular customer choice in this segment and continued to be so, much on the lines of the SX4. Hyundai cars were favored hugely by customers owing to their potent mix of good features and superb quality. Also, these cars are all revered as good driver’s cars.

Used Honda cars

Honda is another manufacturer who has managed to capture a substantial portion of both new and used car markets in the country. The Honda City still remains one of the top sellers in used car markets with prices usually ranging between INR 2, 50, 000 to INR 6, 50, 000 on an average. You can find multiple variants of the Honda City up for sale in most urban used car markets and all of these are equally popular with used car buyers. The City is an acronym for reliability and is steadily being rivaled by the Amaze in 2014. This compact sedan comes at prices between INR 4, 00, 000 and INR 5, 00, 000 in most cases and is increasingly been viewed as a fantastic urban driving solution that also incorporates the luxury of a sedan. Other used cars from Honda’s stable like the Jazz, Accord and Brio have also done reasonably well and the Accord, in particular, has seen multiple models being snapped up by customers at jaw dropping prices.

If Opting for Tata Zest, Which Used Car would fit in the Same Budget?

Tata Motors has created a resounding splash in the Indian car market with the launch of teh all new Zest. A compact sedan with decent features, the Zest has made headlines for its sub 5 lakh starting price and its spacious interiors. The Zest will compete with the Honda Amaze and the Swift Dzire. The Hyundai Xcent has also been launched pretty recently and makes for a good option in this segment as well. All in all, the compact sedan segment has been heating up with more and more manufacturers slated to bring in a slew of vehicles on the roads.

What may well work in the favour of the Tata Zest are its roomy cabin, powerful engine, decent build quality and decent features. The low price, of course, is the biggest USP in this regard and will definitely draw more buyers to this loveable compact sedan. Are you thinking of purchasing the Tata Zest? You might want to do a rethink on your purchase and opt for quality used car options instead. A Tata Zest would cost you upwards of 5.5 lakhs and may even go up to 6 lakhs depending on the model you opt for. This is mainly because of the additional charges that are levied on cars. Though taxes are lower owing to the Zest’s sub 4 mm category, you still have to shell out a high amount in insurance, taxes, and octroi and registration charges. As a result, your total investment may even cross 6 lakhs if you opt for the high end Zest model. Is this worth it?

While some would definitely answer positively in this regard, it is a fact that you can get a plethora of used car models at the price that you pay for the Zest. Used car markets are booming in India as customers are steadily relishing the prospect of having to pay substantially less for their favourite vehicles in addition to being able to avoid taxes, charges and all other financial levies. These act as a deterrent towards indulging in one’s favourite models and a quality used car can be yours at an unbelievable price in most cases as a result!

In addition, buying a used car means that you do not have to worry about registration, insurance or taxes for a particular period of time. Most used car owners already pay these charges in advance and you can save money on these as well. You can also get access to a wider selection of vehicles. You can even buy a quality SUV or luxury sedan at the price of the Tata Zest in the used car market. When it comes to sedans, at the price of a Zest, you may chance upon some fabulous models like the Volkswagen Vento and the Honda Civic if you are really lucky! There are multiple other sedans that are available at this price point including the Maruti Suzuki SX4, Honda City, Hyundai Verna and even the Skoda Rapid in some cases. If you are really lucky you might land models like the Honda Accord and Skoda Octavia within 6 lakhs as well if you are willing to stretch that far!

The Honda City is one of the most popular models in the used market for sedans in India with models usually available between 2.5 lakhs to 5 lakhs or a little more. The Verna is another stylish sedan that always finds takers in metropolitan cities. If it is a rugged sports utility vehicle that you want, you can find options like the Mahindra Xylo or even the Toyota Innova at a budget of 5-6 lakhs. The Xylo and Innova are tried and tested SUVs and will give you fabulous value for money on your investment. Ideal for large families, these vehicles can be yours at jaw dropping prices online!

Alongside, you can also take a look at the Mahindra Scorpio or Bolero. Both are fantastic vehicles and immensely popular in India. They are used on almost all terrains and this makes them fantastic bets for true blue SUV lovers. If you are really fortunate, you might also find the Renault Duster at the price point mentioned above in addition to vehicles like the Ford Eco Sport and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. These vehicles are almost akin to new cars and will give you years of countless service. They will be loved by your family members as well and will also help you enjoy countless driving trips with friends and family!

A decent used car will always be a better investment as compared to the Zest. The amount of money you spend for the Zest can always be invested in a vehicle that ranks at least two to three categories higher in comparison. You can indulge your love for a luxury sedan or rugged SUV without breaking the bank! This is the biggest benefit offered to you by online classifieds portals. These portals are a boon for customers looking for quality options at decent prices all over India. You are sure to find fabulous choices on classifieds portals and that too, in your nearest city location! You should go through the posted advertisements and pick the ones you find best. Get hold of the contact details of sellers and negotiate with them directly. You do not have to face any harassment on account of brokers or dealers in this case. You can also put up your own advertisement detailing your own requirements and ideal budget. Do not forget to mention your contact details as well. This will help you find your ideal vehicle without any hassles. Without buying an all new Tata Zest, you can actually spend on a luxury, premium vehicle that will definitely fulfil your long standing aspirations and delight your family immensely in the bargain. You can also get further discounts on asking prices if you negotiate wisely with used car sellers. Check out your car before finalizing the deal in question.

Why should you Buy the Honda Jazz?

Honda is a highly trusted brand in the Indian market because of its high fuel efficiency, attractive looks and performance on road. Honda is known for its iconic sedan, the Honda City although it has introduced cars in almost all segments now- hatchback, MPV and SUV. The hatchbacks available from the house of Honda are the Honda Jazz and the Brio. Both cars are quite popular among buyers because of the assurance of Honda that they bring to the table.

The Honda Jazz was introduced in the country in the second edition in the year 2009. It has a petrol engine which was 1.2L in capacity and ofi-VTEC type. The car did quite well the first year of its launch. However, rising price of petrol slowed down the sales of this car and then Honda had to reduce the price of the car for tackling rapid dieselisation. The Jazz was discontinued to make room for the compact sedan, Honda Amaze, which has been made available in both petrol and diesel versions.

The Jazz was always an appreciated car because of the space available within the cabin and the large boot space which was ideal for weekends away. The Jazz showed the refinement that Honda is so famous for. If you have wanted to buy the Jazz but were unable to for the steep price, then a pleasant surprise awaits you in the form of the Honda Jazz with diesel engine. The sixth edition of the vehicle shall be launched in India and its position would be just below the Honda Amaze.

The latest Honda Jazz has been put through a makeover and it now has an aggressive designing language. It has a completely remodelled facia which is along the design patterns of other Honda vehicles although the grille design is completely new. The bumpers and sides have a chiselled appearance while boldly defined creases wrap the car. The D pillar is wedge shaped which has been carried from the older editions of the Jazz whereas the tail part has a more compact and focussed design.

The latest Honda Jazz shall be a little longer compared to the previous editions to make it more comfortable and spacious. The length of the new car is expected to be around 3.96m which is almost 60mm more than the older edition. The boost space is also being bumped up to the leading 390L one and the wheelbase shall also be expanded to 2.58m. The handling and ride of the car should better with the revision in suspension along with a steering which shall be re-calibrated.

The engine powering the Indian edition of the Jazz is supposed to be the same as the one powering the Honda Amaze and it will be available in 2 different fuel options- the 1.5L diesel engine and the 1.2L petrol one. The engine that is fitted currently in the car produces a torque of 109Nm and 86PS in the petrol engine while the diesel engine produces power of 100PS and torque of 200Nm. Honda may detune this model’s diesel engine to be at the 90PS rating for extracting higher fuel efficiency and remain at part with competitors. The vehicle may also have the 5 speed automatic transmission gear box that is currently installed in the Brio and Amaze’s petrol version.

The Honda Jazz has been placed below the Honda Amaze as it is a hatchback and Honda Jazz price would begin from Rs 4.7 lakhs for the petrol version while the Honda Jazz price for the diesel engine would be around Rs 6.5 lakhs for the diesel model. The Honda Jazz price positioning would certainly make it a worthwhile competitor for the Volkswagen Polo and the Hyundai i20. The maintenance and ownership costs of the car would also be more economical compared to the European models which would make it a high value for money purchase.

If you need a car urgently, the Honda Jazz is not a bad option at all. For a budget of Rs 4 lakhs or so, you can buy a used Honda Jazz which is a good enough proposition as the car has been made available again and you can get spare parts quite easily in case there are some repair works that need to be undertaken. The used cars market abounds in Honda Jazz models and you can get them in a variety of colours. The used Honda Jazz price is around Rs 4.5 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs, for a car which is around 3 years or so old. You can find models which have covered less than 20,000kms which ensures fuel efficient performance of the car without any damage to the engine.

You can enquire at the certified used Honda car dealerships for this model. Buying a car from a certified used car dealership is a good idea because you get a warranty of one year or 20,000kms (whichever is earlier) and also two free servicing. You can also try looking up the car in the online market as many individual sellers advertise to sell their cars directly without having to go through a dealer. You can read up the specifications of the car such as the type of ownership, whether it was a first-hand vehicle, the numbers of kilometres driven and the year of make. You can also find out whether the vehicle was a manual or automatic GT one.

Before you buy the Honda Jazz, you should inspect it thoroughly for dents, scratches and other damages to the car. Check the engine to see if any part was newly fitted in the car. Test drive the car it on a stretch which is both within city limits and outside it. Observe whether the car starts up instantly or takes time to warm up. Alternate between different gears and speeds to see how the vehicle performs. Make sure the bottom of the car does not touch the surface of the road or speed breakers as it would indicate damage in the suspension. Finally, go over the papers to check their authenticity before making a deposit.

Top Car Accessories That You Must Own

Simply owning a car is not enough nowadays. To make your car as comfortable as your home, you have to install certain accessories. These accessories are not very expensive and you can get them at a standard store selling accessories for cars. Some of these accessories help improve the looks of your car while others help to make the car more comfortable. Accessorising your car in the right way can go a long way to making long drives pleasant. You would prefer taking your family out for road trips more often than what you usually do by equipping your cabin with these car accessories.

Having a few gadgets within the car is almost a necessity to make long trips interesting as you can only talk so much. Here are the top 5 accessories that should be there in your cabin to make long drives more pleasant and comfortable.

Car Mobile Holders

Often when we are engrossed when we drive, we misplace our phones. They are either on the floor of the car, having slipped off from the dashboard or have become lodged in a crack or side of the driver’s seat. There may be times when you need to refer to your cell phone to make a call or check the direction and you may just not find your phone at the right time. A universal vehicle mobile holder is the best solution to this problem as you can install it on your dashboard, close to your steering wheel where it is in front of your eyes at all times. You can see who is calling, ask for directions on maps and also call someone back when you need to. Car accessories such as these keep you from hunting for your mobile when you most need them. Your mobile will be protected from falling on the ground due to jerks and hairpin bends.

Neck Cushion

A car journey of 8 to 10 hours can be quite tiring especially for your neck. You may feel sleepy in the car and doze off which can give you a stiff neck or worse problems. To provide proper support for your neck, you should put on the neck cushion pillow meant for car seats. These cushions have got elastic belts which makes fitting them onto car seats very easy. They provide adequate support and cushion your neck from serious injury. You can get such a pillow for the passenger seat too for the comfort of your co-rider.

Car Vacuum cleaner with perfume

Long trips (and sometimes short ones) also entail a lot of eating and drinking. Food crumbs can not only ruin your carpets but also the seats and cause a stench in the car. You should buy a vacuum cleaner meant specifically for automobiles for removing these fine food particles along with stray candy wrappers and empty chips packets. You can buy car vacuum cleaners which also have perfume dispensers. These vacuum cleaners are capable of cleaning the hardest to reach corners of your car and are ideal for wet dust. At the same time, they dispense good fragrance such as that of poppy, rose or jasmine in your car. It would certainly reduce your expense of buying car fresheners.

Headrest Hook Hangers

Most of us shop at departmental stores nowadays and load our cars with innumerable shopping bags. Optimizing space between people to sit and the shopping bags becomes difficult and most people have to travel in cramped spaces to reach home. Car seat hook hangers are available that can be attached to head rests of the driver’s seat and the front seats. You can hang grocery bags, hand bags, water bottles with handles and even umbrellas from it. They are quite useful in making the car more spacious for rides.

Car Chargers for your Mobile

Car chargers are not a novelty and you can buy chargers which are compatible with different mobile makes such as those of iPhones, Samsung and Nokia phones. These chargers draw power from the car battery to recharge your phone. They are highly energy efficient, long lasting and portable. You can also buy iPod and tablet chargers of this make nowadays.

Luggage Carrier

You can now install a luggage carrier on the roof of your car to accommodate the extra baggage that you take on road trips. Luggage carriers depend on the make of the car. For instance, if you have a MUV such as the Toyota Innova then you can install a carrier made of steel where the luggage can be extraneously fitted in before tying up. For smaller cars such as the Hyundai Santro or Wagon R, you can buy two carrier rods that can be installed on the roof of the car. The difference would be that the luggage would be kept on the roof of the car directly and you would have to handle them carefully to prevent dents.

There are quite a few car accessories that you need to install on your car’s exterior to keep it protected against every day wear and tear. Some of them have been discussed below:

Mud guards and flaps

Mud flaps and guards are one of the most important accessories that a car should have. They prevent mud and muck from damaging the lower part of your car. The flyaway mud from the wheels hit these flaps and guards first and protects the lower part of your car from damage.

Wheel Cover

Wheel covers are usually made of plastic. They can be fitted on the four wheels of the car to protect the interior metal from mud, sleet, puddle water and snow. You can buy car accessories for cheap online. Second hand car accessories are available on the internet which is in good condition. Choose the city you are in and you will be shown the options at your disposal. You can directly interact with the seller to find out the condition of the car accessory. A lot of people have resorted to this effective way of finding their ideal car accessories.

When Should You Buy Used Cars in Kerala?

A lot of people are buying used cars nowadays because you get a wider choice of cars to pick from and also get it at an affordable rate. Within a budget of Rs 3 lakhs or so, you can get sedans, premium hatchbacks, MPVs and SUVs and MUVs also in some cases. These cars are in good condition and dealers test them before selling them. Most youngsters who need cars to commute to work choose to buy used cars because they are convenient, less expensive to maintain in terms of insurance and road tax and the fear of getting the car scratched or stolen is minimal.

Nowadays a lot of youngsters move to Trivandrum, Kochi and other important cities of Kerala for working. Newer IT parks are coming up in these cities and Kochi is being developed as a smart city even. Since the hours of work have now become quite erratic, most youngsters prefer owning a mode of transport so that they do not have to rely on public transport. Not only is it cheaper but also convenient.

Used cars in Kerala are available all through the year and in different price ranges. You can buy cars which are less than Rs 1 lakh and also ones which are more than Rs 15 lakhs or so. The transfer of ownership title is seamless as the dealer gets it done for you. You need not make frequent trips to the RTO to get it done. A lot of people have bought cars from dealers in Kerala which perform well and are available at an affordable rate.

Dealers usually offer discounts and other freebies such as financial assistance, warranty and three free servicing sessions. However, special discounts are offered around the time of Onam and Diwali. These occasions are considered to be auspicious as most people sell off their old car to finance their new cars. These cars are usually in good condition as they do not have any glitch in the engine. Used car dealers have a lot of inventory around this time which need to off load soon. Dealers also offer good discounts and sales around this time.

You should also check in with car dealers around the time of March and April as many people want to buy new cars at the beginning of the new financial year. Car dealers also offer good discounts around this time. Even if discounts are not offered, dealers include freebies such as free service sessions, tax full of gas and reupholstered interiors. Even if you do not get discounts in terms of cash, these freebies are well worth it.

Before you visit a dealer to buy a used car, you need to research adequately to find out the flaws in a particular car and also the price being commanded for it. You can look up car selling websites to find out the best deals available in the market currently. Simply select your city and enter the specifications of the car that you are looking for. The website would show you the best possible options available within your budget and wants. You can also use the website to calculate the true price of the car by using the price calculator available on the website. The contact information of most dealers and sellers is available online and you can contact them directly to find out more. Almost half of the people looking to buy used cars in Kerala go online, even if they do not buy from the website. You can also look up online classifieds city wise because they have a lot of cars listed on the site. You can find cars being sold by both individuals and dealers on these websites. Addition of filters such as year of purchase, brand and fuel variant used is available on the website.

Once you know which car you want to buy, you can start enquiring about them from the nearest dealers. After you have found a suitable car, you should visit the dealer for a test drive. Upon seeing the car, inspect for dents and the interiors in case anything needs to be changed. Prior to visiting the dealership, you should contact a mechanic to accompany you for establishing the true condition of the car. The inspection should be particularly carried out for the engine of the car. A car with a damaged engine should be avoided at all costs because getting it repaired would be very difficult and expensive. You should also avoid cars which have electric shorts as locating them would be quite difficult.

After you have inspected the car thoroughly, you should take it out for a test drive. Select a route which covers both the highway and city roads as you can assess the performance of the car on both kinds of roads. Try accelerating the car to different speeds and carefully listen for knocking sounds and vibration. If you are satisfied with the car, you should proceed to look at the maintenance records, Blue Book, battery guarantee, insurance and tax papers. If the car was bought with financing, you should ensure that Form 35 and an NOC are obtained in the name of the car. No matter which used car you buy, you would have to get the air filters, engine oil, Mobil oil and coolant changed in the car. You should also add an engine additive to smoothen the performance of the car, in case of a low compression or petrol car. Used cars in Kerala hardly require you to spend more than Rs 5000 or so to get the car fixed and as good as new. The transfer of ownership would cost you anything between Rs 5000 and Rs 15,000 depending on the RTO. It is best to buy a car which is under the RTO in which you want your car registered otherwise you would have to pay more to get the car registered. A lot of young couples and singles are opting to buy used cars in Kerala and you should try it too.

Start off Your Small Business with the Mahindra Bolero Pick-up

Mahindra and Mahindra is one of the important car makers in India as they produce cars meant for rugged terrains and other tough jobs. Mahindra produces SUVs, jeeps, MUVs, pick-up trucks and other vehicles which are quite popular in mountainous regions and areas where transport vehicles are much needed. The company designs its range of cars and vehicles for aiding users drive them on smooth and off roads. The cars have high load carrying capability compared to other vehicles which makes them ideal for all terrains. The Mahindra Bolero Pick Up is a merger between the functionality of a pick-up truck and Bolero’s style. The plush interiors and tough exteriors make it a highly comfortable vehicle for both commercial and personal use. The large cargo truck can be used for carrying heavy goods which is why businessmen and transport carriers prefer using he car. The engine is very powerful which makes it ideal for all weathers and terrains.

The car has a tough styling which looks classy with the signature grille, stylized front bumpers and tough fenders attached on the wheel arch. The multi reflector lamps allow driving in all conditions. The interiors look quite elegant with the dual tones used on them. The gear knob is quite elegant which allows smooth handling of the gear.

The engine is a powerful MDI one which produces a peak power of 63bhp and torque of 195Nm. The top speed of the pick-up truck is 110 kmph. The cargo box is among the largest at 2.54mX1.7mX0.56m while the payload is around 1250 kilos. The truck has been provided LSPV brakes which are quite useful when it comes to emergency braking.

Both the rear and front suspension of the car is the leaf spring type and the body is a solid built one. The car has been given a warranty of 3 years or unlimited kilometres while the engine oil shall be changed every 10,000kms. In terms of passenger convenience, the seats are quite comfortable that allow you to recline and restrain your head. Both the co-driver and driver have been provided with ELR seatbelts. A magazine holder, bottle holder and mobile holder have been provided for allowing riders to keep their things safely. Mobile charging points have also been provided for charging mobiles whenever needed. The floor mats are easy to wash which makes everyday maintenance less hassling.

The Mahindra Bolero Pick Up is available in a CNG version as well. The CNG engine has been embedded with the latest Gas injection technology which offers a high mileage of more than 300kms for every filling, which makes the car highly economical. The CNG kit embedded is tested and proven internationally and is BS IV compliant. The speed box governor built in helps to save around Rs 15,000. The fuel tank has a capacity of 1401cc which offers the mileage as stated above. For a smooth drive, a 5 speed gear box has been built in.

The starting price of the Bolero Pick Up is around Rs 4.73 lakhs and it can go up to Rs 5.79 lakhs. The car is highly useful for being driven around on different terrains and lugging heavy loads. There are many people who opt for this vehicle especially living in semi urban areas where the need to travel to the city is high. A lot of small businessmen own this truck because it is handy when it comes to transferring goods from one place to another.

If you are a small business owner and need to own a truck for transportation of goods, then you can certainly opt to buy it. In case of paucity of funds, you can opt for a used pick-up truck from Bolero. The used Mahindra Bolero Pick up price is around Rs 3 to Rs 3.5 lakhs although it could be lower depending upon its age.

Before buying the car, you should ensure that the car is in proper order. Get a mechanic to have a look at the car for determining whether all its parts are ok or not. In all likeliness, you may not get a vehicle which is in perfect working condition and spending a little on the vehicle is inevitable. Changing the Mobil or engine oil and air filters are some of the most common expenditures. You may also have to change the clutch plate in case it is much damaged. However, steer clear of a model with the suspension shot as it would be very expensive to do so and would not be worthy of a second hand car.

When you inspect a second hand Bolero on sale, make sure you go for a long drive to see how the car performs on roads. Ensure that you take a few hairpin bends and sudden turns to determine how the car performs along these glitches. Pay close attention to the breaking mechanism of the car as it is one of the most important aspects to it.

To find the perfect Bolero pick up for yourself, you should look up car selling websites because they offer a number of models at affordable rates. Most of these websites cater to semi-urban crowds and finding your city listed on the website shouldn’t be a problem. If it is not there on the site, you can always select the nearest urban center to find the best deal for you. Specify your budget, preference for colour, year and other details to find cars that suit your needs the best. Prior to negotiating with a dealer, you should calculate the price of the car otherwise you may overpay for it. Most of these websites have a calculator present on them and you may use them for your purpose. Many people have bought the pickup truck because used Mahindra Bolero Pick up price is much affordable and it performs very well on roads. If you are concerned about mileage, then opt for the CNG version which offers unbeatable fuel efficiency in its class of cars. It is indeed a boon for small and medium business owners.

Customizing Your Open Jeep Perfectly

Are you a fan of rugged jeeps? Want to buy an open jeep for your adventure trips or cross country expeditions? You can take your pick from a plethora of options in this regard. The Mahindra Thar is a great option if you have the budget for the same along with traditional icons like the Willys jeep, Mahindra Classic and Maruti Suzuki Gypsy. However, most jeeps have to be customized properly in order to fit your needs to the T. Confused about customization? The process is not that difficult if you do your homework in advance.

First up, you need to find a good open jeep for yourself. There are many jeeps available within the INR 1 lakh and INR 5 lakhs bracket including the ones mentioned above. The Gypsy and Classic are good options if you want to spend a limited amount of money on the actual used car purchase itself. The Thar may cost you more money as it is a new model in comparison. Always use online classifieds to find your desired jeep in your preferred location. Classifieds portal will help you find the jeep of your dreams in your city, neighbourhood and area if you wish.

You need to use the search listings to find the manufacturer and jeep of your choice. You will then be shown the recent advertisements posted by sellers of the same. Take a good look at the pictures and details in advertisements before narrowing down a few. Talk to these sellers directly if contact details are provided. Otherwise, you can directly reply to the advertisement with your contact details and desired budget. This process is hassle free and will help you find your jeep in super quick time!

Alongside, you can think of posting your own advertisement in case there is a dearth of tangible options in this vehicle category. You can add your contact details, budgetary requirements and desired features to your advertisement. This will help sellers contact you at the earliest and is another viable method for finding the jeep you want. Thereafter, you can think of a plethora of customization options for your beloved jeep. Buying it second hand will give you the chance to actually spend comprehensively on the customization process and this will make your car stand out for sheer uniqueness alone!

The first thing that you can actually do is invest in larger tyres for your jeep. Why is this so? This will actually be beneficial for the entire driving and usage experience as it enables superior traction and better ground clearance. Alongside, this will make your jeep look more aggressive and powerful and that definitely counts for a lot! There are multiple modification processes that you can opt for. Make sure you choose the right professional or team for the job. You can also choose to opt for fibreglass bodywork and can also beef up your petrol or diesel engine.

The end result will always be a stronger, more powerful and more attractive jeep that will be the darling of the masses! Jeeps have always occupied an iconic place in Indian society and automobile industries. Films have always depicted cult heroes driving these rugged beauties and this has made them attractive choices for the mainstream customer base as well. The army has done its fair bit to popularize these jeeps and many of them are used by forces posted in the remotest of locations. You must remember, however, that customization is a labor of love and can actually end up costing you more time and money. Passion counts in this regard and you should be willing to go the extra mile for tweaking your vehicle into something spectacular!

Other options you can look at include enhanced suspension systems which can be installed into your jeep. This will offer better handling and will give you a superior off roading experience than before. Additionally, you can make use of superior air filters, shock absorber and implements like a winch that help pull these monsters out of huge ditches! Snorkels are popular options for modification enthusiasts as they keep the engine humming even under water up to five feet. A roll cage can be a potent option in addition to tweaking the front grilles. There are instances of Gypsy vehicles being modified to look like huge trucks and even Hummers!

You can even look at changing the rear of your jeep and flaring the arches. Many owners have gone in for exciting new angles created by cutting off the rear and front portions considerably along with installing newer long range shockers. This is also reckoned to be helpful with regard to climbing up steep hills or cliffs. If rallying or cross country trails are what you are interested in, you can opt for a transformed roll cage, belts, rally lamps, changed seats and a modified fuel tank.

Alongside, as mentioned, newer alloys can be installed in addition to huge tyre and the dashboard can be upgraded through the incorporation of padded leather. In addition, you can look at changing the entire front fascia altogether. Modification expenses can work out to anything between INR 1 lakh to INR 10 lakhs and above. It all depends on your own specific requirements and expectations and the kind of activity you are interested in with your jeep. Open jeeps are the best bargains in the used car market and you can very well land one at a suitable price. This will leave you with more cash in hand to spend on modifications and upgrades. Customize your jeep to suit your personality and it will become a symbol of all that you stand for. A properly modified, rugged jeep will always turn heads wherever you go and put even luxury cars to shame with its performance, off roading abilities and unique appeal. Look for used open jeeps and you may well land a fabulous deal for yourself! Jeeps are the rulers of the road and it is high time you indulged in one!

What Affordable Hatchback Should You Opt for under Rs. 3 Lakhs?

Hatchbacks are perhaps the vehicle that most Indians have to settle for because of space constraints. Most city roads are congested and parking spaces are limited which is why more numbers of people have to settle for these hatchbacks. Car makers too have understood the needs of the people and cities of India which is why they are producing more numbers of hatchbacks. If you are thinking of buying a car but have a limited budget of Rs 3 lakhs, then you should opt for a hatchback because you would get better maintained cars and latest models for your budget. From Maruti Alto 800 to Hyundai i10, you can get a wide range of cars within this budget. However, one car that you should definitely opt for within a budget of Rs 3 lakhs is the Fiat Palio.

Fiat is a renowned brand which has been producing cars for the Indian market for quite some time. Who can forget the iconic Fiat Padmini that is still used as a taxi in some areas of Mumbai? Fiat was one of the most iconic companies back in the ‘80s and ‘90s. However, in the face of competition from Japanese and South Korean car makers, this brand fell a little behind. In recent times, the company is trying to make a comeback with models such as Fiat Linea and the Fiat Punto. The Fiat Palio was launched by the company in 2005 and it was continued till 2011. The car was one of the best diesel cars available in the market and its engine was quite powerful.

The Fiat Palio was available in two variants- the NV and the Stile. The NV was made available between 2005 and 2007 while the Stile was sold between 2007 and 2011. The NV was launched with an engine of 1242cc and it produced a maximum torque of 72PS at 6000rpm while the maximum torque produced was 102Nm at 3250rpm. The wheel base of the car is around 2383mm which makes the seating very comfortable in the car. The head space and leg space available in the car is ideal for all people, irrespective of their height. The ground clearance of 170mm is high enough for allowing easy entry and exit into the car. The top speed of the vehicle is around 152 kmph while the car could go from 0 to 100kmph within 16.9 seconds. The next model that was launched of the Palio was the Stile. The engine was slightly heavier set at 1248cc which produced a maximum torque of 184Nm available at 2000rpm while the maximum power was around 75PS available at 4000rpm. The availability of the maximum torque at a lower revolution per minute indicates that the car can perform very well at stop-and-go traffic as well. Both the cars were available with diesel engines which ensured that they were highly fuel efficient and were inexpensive to operate as price of diesel in India is lesser than that of diesel.

Even though you cannot get the latest models of the Fiat Palio in the market, you can still get cars which are less than 5 years old and have travelled fewer than 40,000kms. Usually the Fiat Palio is available under Rs 2 lakhs although for certain trims and specs such as age and kilometres travelled, you may have to pay a little more. The car is a good bargain because of its space efficiency and high performance on road. Moreover, you can buy the car under Rs 2 lakhs and then spend some money to get the car repaired and in top order. Therefore, you can get a good deal without spending your entire budget.

To buy a Fiat Palio, you can go online and look up the models available in your city. On car selling websites, complete details regarding a particular car such as its year of make, fuel variant, kilometres covered, gear operation and type of ownership (first owner or second owner) are specified. You can further narrow down the results by including your own list of wants such as your budget, colour of the car, fuel variant, year of make etc. Contact information of sellers is usually included in the listing and you can get in touch with them accordingly.

Buying cars online has become a common trend as almost one out of two people consult the internet before buying a used car, even if they do not buy one. Car selling websites vouch that the traffic that arrives from smart phones is around 30 percent of the total traffic, which is up from 10 percent in the past couple of years. Before calling a seller, you can also consult the price calculator for old cars on the website. Simply enter the specs of the car and the website will show you the true price of it.

You may also read up the reviews available for the car online before deciding to buy it. User and expert reviews are both available along with live chat options that you may consult. The cost of maintenance and the nearby Fiat garages have also been listed by the website.

When you go to check the car out, make sure you take a mechanic with you as he would be able to tell you exactly what is wrong with the vehicle and how you should get it fixed. He would also be able to provide you with an estimate for getting the car repaired. If the cost of repair and the total price payable exceed Rs 2.3 lakhs or so, it would be better you forgo that car. You should also test drive the car to assess its driveability. Make sure you choose a path which is partially on the highway and the city so that you know what it feels like to drive the car in both scenarios. Listen closely for sounds made by the brakes and engines along with vibration.

The Fiat Palio is a great vehicle to purchase and you won’t be disappointed with its quality.

Is Buying a Luxury Car worth it?

India is no stranger to luxury cars. During the British Era, when there were no Indian car manufacturing companies, foreign companies such as Morris and Rolls Royce were the suppliers of cars in the Indian market. With the Swadeshi movement and thereafter independence of India, the importance of foreign made cars reduced. However, when the Indian economy was thrown open and made a part of globalization, foreign cars such as Honda, Ford, Toyota, Hyundai and Chevrolet made a foray into the Indian car market. Foreign car makers too started treating India as a growing and formidable market and they too started supplying cars to the India’s car market. Today, a large number of luxury foreign car brands are available in the country such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Range Rover, Jaguar and Bentley. These cars not only perform well but are also a class apart from others in terms of comfort and looks.

Undoubtedly, the Indian market is one of the largest for Indian car makers. Mercedes Benz treats the Indian car market as the second highest growing market even though it sells only 10000 or so units in a year. Such is the potential of used luxury cars that the top luxury car brands of the country have already started their certified used car lines. The trend was started by Mercedes Benz with the Proven Exclusivity line in June of 2010 and it was followed by BMW with the Premium Selection and Audi as well. These lines offer warranty for the cars sold for 2 years and 100,000kms whichever is lesser. Some of the certified used car lines offer different warranty conditions as well. BMW used cars buyers can also avail of the BMW India Road Assistance which is available 24X7 and 365 days of the year. The cars that are sold by these companies are not more than 5 years old and they are also refurbished and checked prior to sales. The used car dealerships were started with the intention of enticing people to trade-in their old cars for premium quality ones.

If you have a budget of Rs 20 lakhs or so for buying a car and are confused between brand new C segment cars or luxury cars, then it would be best if you opt for used luxury cars. For this budget, you can buy good quality Mercedes Benz and BMW used cars which cost around Rs 25 lakhs to Rs 30 lakhs. The value of cars depreciate once they are out of the showroom and hence upon losing their value, these cars become lucrative deals for those with a budget of Rs 20 lakhs for buying a car. Not only does owning a Mercedes Benz a status symbol but also it is a better performing car. Compared to a Toyota Camry or a Skoda Superb, a Mercedes Benz would provide your better performance and last longer. Moreover, if you opt for purchasing the car from a certified luxury car dealer, then you would not have to worry about the quality of the car also because it has been ascertained by the dealer. Expensive luxury cars are not usually chauffeur driven and owners take a lot of care when they drive around these cars.

The luxury used car market is increasing at a lightning pace and it is evident that the market would become an important one in the coming future. Luxury cars currently form only 5 percent of the used car market, but their growth has been pegged at 35 percent which shows that it is slated to become important in the coming future.

Financing options for these cars are also quite a few. Financing companies are quite eager to offer loans to customers of used luxury cars because they are usually ones with good credit history and loan repayment records. Most of the buyers of used luxury cars are those who want to upgrade from C segment cars such as Skoda Octavia or the Honda Civic. The interest rate at which financiers offer loans to used luxury car buyers is around 11 percent which is comparable to the rate that they would be offered to buy a car of similar price. Usually, financiers offer loans for affordable used cars at 15 percent or so. Because of the faith they have in used car buyers, they offer them at lower prices.

BMW used cars can not only be bought from the certified luxury used car showroom but also from online car selling websites. These sites have listed on them not only the popular used cars but also brands such as Porsche, Mini Cooper, Land Rover etc. The price bracket in which these cars are available is around Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 35 lakhs. The contact information of the seller is also made available on the website so can get in touch with the seller to find out more.

Prior to buying used luxury cars, buyers must ascertain the condition of the car by driving it around. Test driving the car on both highway and city roads would allow you to assess how the car performs. Listen for sounds when you fire up the engine, suddenly brake the car or go over speed breakers. If you here vibration from the engine or noise, then you should avoid these cars as they may have some problem with their engine.

You can also use the online price calculators for cars in order to find out the true price of a luxury car. All you have to do is enter the specs and the website would show you the best price for the car.

Buying used luxury cars can be quite beneficial because they shall perform well and last longer than other less premium brands. They are a status symbol and most of these cars have been maintained well, which is why you need not worry about a noisy engine or a shot suspension. With careful selection, you can get the best possible BMW used cars for yourself.

Top Selling Second Hand Cars in Mumbai

The sales of second hand cars are increasing not only in top tier cities such as Mumbai but also tier II cities. The elevating price of first hand cars and the high interest rates along with the need to jump segments and own multiple vehicles are making families turn to the second hand cars market. In the fiscal year 2012-13, the used car market grew by 17 percent, while in 2013-14, the growth was around 19 percent. In 2014-15, the current growth has been slated at 15 percent and it will continue to be in double digits according to second hand car sellers. Maruti Suzuki has sold almost 1.9 million cars, which makes True Value the fourth largest car company in the country, had it not been a Maruti Suzuki subsidiary.

Most car manufacturers have entered the second hand cars market with the certified used cars dealerships. Maruti Suzuki began this trend with the True Value. Now, Hyundai, Toyota, Ford, Mahindra and Mahindra have their used car lines in the country, spread across different cities and semi-urban areas. These dealerships stock cars of all makes and brands and they are offer lucrative offers such as warranties and free servicing sessions. Buying used cars from these dealerships is an advantage because you can be assured of the quality of the cars. The cars sold by these dealerships are inspected on a number of grounds. For example, Maruti Suzuki conducts its inspections on 120 different points. These companies also handle the transfer of ownership title of the cars.

The used cars market functions in a similar manner to the new cars market. For example, the demand for light coloured hatchbacks is more than that of sedans. Most buyers feel hatchbacks are most fuel efficient and they are also easy to park and maneuver. Their affordability is also another factor which influences buyers in their favour. The number of hatchbacks available in the second hand cars in Mumbai market is numerous and you have a wide range to pick from.

The top hatchbacks that you can choose from have been listed here.

Maruti Alto 800

The car was launched in October 2012, after Maruti Suzuki withdrew the Maruti 800 after a long run of 28 years. The Alto 800 has been selling very well since its launch and in 2013; almost 1.7 lakh units were sold which made it the most selling car of 2013.

The Maruti Alto has a 796cc engine hooked to a 5 speed manual transmission gear box. It can seat five people, although in a cramped fashion. The car has been given sharp edges in order to make it look sleek and appealing. It is available in petrol, CNG and LPG variants.

In order to buy the top trim of the Alto 800, you would have to spend around Rs 3.8 lakhs. However, in the used car maket, you would get the same car for Rs 2.5 lakhs or so. It would be quite advantageous for you to opt for this model because it has not been in circulation for too long and hence you would find a car in mint condition quite easily.

Hyundai Eon

The car has been created by Hyundai exclusively for the Indian market. It looks sleek and is in direct competition with the Alto 800. The car has almost 8 trims available in the market and in order to buy the best trim, you would have to spend around Rs 4 lakhs. However, in the used car market, it would be available for Rs 2.8 lakhs only. Buying the Eon would be quite profitable for the same reason as the Alto 800.

Wagon R

The Maruti Wagon R has been around for more than a decade and the tall boy design of the car has been well appreciated by the Indian drivers. The car’s design was borrowed from a car produced by Suzuki in Japan. It has an engine of 998 cc which has been hooked to a manual transmission 5 speed gearbox. The car comes in petrol, CNG and LPG variants. A Duo variant is also available which makes use of both petrol and LPG. Maruti is slated to launch a diesel version of the Wagon R later in 2014 for Rs 5.5 lakhs.

In order to buy a Wagon R, you would have to spend at least Rs 2 lakhs. You may have to spend more depending on the year of manufacture of the car and also the number of kilometers covered. Since the Wagon R has been around for some time, you may have to research adequately into the second hand cars in Mumbai background (year of make, number of kilometers traveled, service history etc.) of the car before buying it.

Sedans are the next pop pick in the second hand cars in Mumbai market. The popular sedans in the market are:

Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire

The Swift Dzire is the best selling compact sedan in the Indian market. In recent times, it has been facing tough competition from the Honda Amaze and the Hyundai Xcent. The car was launched in 2008 and looks a lot like an elongated Maruti Swift. The car has a big enough boot space and comfortable seating. It is ideal for both city and highway driving.

To buy a first hand Swift Dzire in Mumbai, you would have to pay at least Rs 7.5 lakhs, for the best trim. However, by spending only Rs 5 lakhs, you can get it in the used car market.

Honda City

Considered to be one of the most iconic sedans of the Indian automobile market, the Honda City is available in a number of trims, including a diesel engine. The 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine car can seat five people at ease and is a pleasure to drive both on highways and city roads. The car has been launched with an i-DTEC diesel engine as well.

A Honda City which is around 5 years old is available in the pre-owned cars market for Rs 7 lakhs or so. You should research adequately into the model of Honda City that you choose to buy because Honda City models are upgraded every five years or so.

Reliable Used cars to Buy in 2014

Used cars are one of the best buys currently in India especially with the economic downturn, high rates of interest on car loans and elevating price levels. With the increase in the standard deduction of the income tax slabs, it has become easier for people to stretch their budgets to buy their favourite cars. Most companies have reported that their sales of used cars is rising every year and they are selling second hand cars mostly to first time buyers. Earlier, the trend was that people who needed a second car for their families would resort to buying second hand cars. However, a lot of people are choosing to buy used cars because it is cheaper and also allows them to skip segments. For instance, if a person could afford an entry level hatchback for Rs 4 lakhs as budget, he could afford a good quality sedan for the same amount in the used cars in India market. This is making many first time buyers turn to the used cars market.

Like the new cars market, the used cars market also exhibits some trends. For example, the more popular cars in the market are available more in the used car market and they would fit into most buyers’ budgets seamlessly. The used cars in India market also have a large stock of those kinds of cars which are no more available in the new car market. These cars are mostly those that car manufacturers have withdrawn from the market. The cost of these cars may be very low, but buying them could mean trouble for you as you would not get original parts to fit them with when there is some problem with the car. Some of these cars as the Maruti 800, Honda Civic and Accord, Chevrolet Optra, Opel Astra etc. These cars are quite inexpensive although getting them repaired would be very expensive.

A reliable car to buy in the used car market would be one which is fuel efficient, offers a good drive, and is well in circulation in the new car market such that you get a good value when you sell the car. Second hand cars may also be termed to be reliable if they come up with minimum problems per 100 vehicles. Currently, the number of cars available in the Indian market have gone up and the competition between car manufacturers is so intense that makers are bringing down the price of cars to match each other’s’ volume of sales. However, the quality of manufacturing is going down for these cars. Earlier, the problems found per 100 vehicles were around 220 while it has become 280 per 100 vehicles. Therefore, you should choose a model which is reliable in terms of production values as well.

Here are the top reliable cars to buy in 2014.

Maruti Alto 800 - The Alto 800 is the best selling car in India. Launched only in 2013, the car quickly limbed to the top of the chart for its revamped design, price point and fuel efficiency. It is one of the easiest cars to drive on both city roads and highways. The car has a 796cc engine which is hooked to a manual transmission gearbox. It has a small turning radius and hence you can manoeuvre the car through narrow bylanes of the city. In 2013, Maruti Suzuki had sold almost 1,70,000 units of the car and it expects to maintain the same kind of sales this year too. Alto 800 second hand cars are usually available for less than Rs 2.5 lakhs. You can also get some of the older models of the Alto for less than Rs 2 lakhs.

Hyundai Eon - Hyundai is the second best car maker in the country and its popularity is increasing every day. The Eon has been introduced as an entry level hatchback and it is the cheapest car available from the house of Hyundai. The car was especially designed for the Indian car buyers keeping in mind their demands. The car has an 800cc engine and it is available in various trims whose price range from Rs 2.8 lakhs to Rs 3.8 lakhs. The Hyundai Eon’s engine is a 3 cylinder one and produces a peak power of 88bhp. The car is powered mostly by petrol and LPG. A dual kit has been introduced for the car. However, the only thing that the vehicle is lacking is a CNG engine.

To buy a used Hyundai Eon, you would have to spend around Rs 2.25 lakhs. It would be quite profitable for you to opt for this car because it has been launched only a couple of years ago in the market and hence would be available in mint condition, even in the used cars market.

Maruti Wagon R -The Wagon R follows the tall boy design principle and is much unique in India. It was given a facelift in the year 2012 and its diesel version will be launched in the latter half of the year. The design of the car was borrowed from a vehicle which Suzuki manufactures and sells in Japan. The car has a 996cc engine and is mated to a 5 speed manual transmission gearbox. It comes in a duo engine which uses both petrol and LPG to run. It also has a CNG and only petrol engine. The car produces a mileage of around 20kmpl when running on petrol.

To buy a used Wagon R which is around 5 years old, you would have to set aside a budget of Rs 2.5 lakhs or so. For a more recent model, you would have to spend more.

Hyundai i10 - One of the best-selling hatchbacks from the house of Hyundai, the i10 may soon be phased out as the Grand i10 has been introduced in the market. It has a 1.2L Kappa engine and seats 5 people comfortably. The car has a 5 speed manual transmission gear box and it is mated to a petrol engine. It is a good city car, meant for young working couples.

You can buy an i10 which is around 5 years old for as low as Rs 2.25 lakhs. The price could go lower depending on the number of kilometres that the car has been driven.

How Safe Is To Buy Used Cars Online

From ordering your favourite pizza to buying movie tickets, life has become simpler with the advent of the internet. Nowadays, you can buy used cars online as well. A number of websites have come up that sell used cars are competitive prices. You can find contact listing of dealers and individuals who want to sell these cars. The prices charged online are competitive and you can also negotiate on the prices that are listed. With the entry of online websites into the used car market, the number of players has increased and hence the competitiveness of the used car market has increased manifold.

Around ten years ago or so, only a handful of people bought used cars. Buying used cars had a stigma attached to them which is why most people avoided buying them. Moreover, the trades happened only between people who knew and trusted each other such as relatives, close friends, office colleagues etc. However, with the entry of Maruti Suzuki in the used cars market with its line of certified used cars True Value, the competitiveness of the market has increased manifold. Soon enough, other companies followed suit which is why local dealers had to up their game. The opening up of the Indian automobiles market also ensured that more brands were available in the used car market and prices were further brought down. Today, you have umpteen choices at your disposal when it comes to used cars. You can simple set aside a budget and see that many models fit into it.

Ever since buying used cars online started, the competitiveness of the market increased further. Interested buyers could check up the specs of a particular car, the problems that arise with it after being driven for a few years, the background of a particular dealer etc. and make an informed choice about the cars that they want to buy. It has made negotiations with car dealers easier. Therefore, the advent of cars online website has helped the cause of the used cars market.

However, there are quite a few views that buying cars online is not a good idea. A lot of people have been duped by online websites with the products that they are selling and hence the story may be replicated with used cars as well. Nevertheless, the chance of such occurrences is very minimal online as you can view the model of the car that you want and every other detail. Most of the ads placed online for cars contain pictures of the cars along with complete details of the cars such as the year of manufacture, the model, the trim of the car, the fuel type of the car, the kilometres that the car has travelled, the gearbox installed in the car etc. You can also check up the location of the seller of the car. Online websites allow you to specify the city that you are in, your budget, the make of the car, the fuel variant that you would prefer, the number of years that the car has been on the road etc. By filling in your specifications, you will allow the website to find options which are tailor made for your purpose. You can also ask the website to show you entries which have photographs in them so that you know what the car looks like before going to see it. If you spot a dent in the car or if the colour is not to your liking, you can avoid that car and look for something better.

By searching for a seller in your area, you minimize the chance of a fraud. You can meet the seller, test drive the car, get the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice, verify the papers of your cars and complete other procedures which are integral to buying your car. Most of these websites also list the names of the sellers of the cars along with their contact information. You can directly call up the seller and talk to him about the car. It is always best to opt for a seller who is based in your area as there would be a good chance that your RTO would be the same. Getting the ownership papers transferred within a particular RTO is always easier than doing it from some other RTO. The time taken is lesser and also the hassle.

Another added advantage of buying a car online is that you can find out the maximum price for which a car is selling. By entering the specifications of the cars, you would be able to find out what could be the maximum price that a car could be commanding. That would help you negotiate with the seller of the car regarding the price.

If you think buying a used car from an individual is a gamble, you can also find listings of dealers operating in your area. You can go through the list of cars that they stock and contact them accordingly.

The entry of these car-selling websites has made the process more transparent and smooth. All kinds of verifications can be carried out online before you actually approach the seller. You need not visit a private seller or a dealer and be disappointed because they do not have the kind of car that you want to buy. In recent times, the used car market has been growing faster than the new cars market. In 2013 alone, the used car market showed a growth of 15 percent or so while in the fiscal year before that, the growth was almost 17 to 19 percent. Participants of the used car markets expect the growth to continue in this year too, especially with the increase in the disposable income of the people. The number of people opting for used cars is rising every year. Almost 73 percent people surveyed have claimed that they have no qualms of buying a used car. In such a scenario, it is needless to say that online car websites would play a bigger role in informing people about various cars through reviews and comparisons.

Buying Used Cars in Delhi

Delhi serves as a large catchment area for any kind of automobile company. The number of people living in Delhi who can afford cars is quite high. The city not only abounds in affordable vehicles targeted at the middle income group but also luxury cars which can be afforded only by the rich and affluent. Back in the year 1995, a survey revealed that the number of cars in Delhi outnumbered those in metros like Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata taken together!

The used car market in Delhi is also quite dynamic as the availability of used cars is high. As more number of first time buyers is entering the used car market to skip segments, the sales of used cars are rising. Used cars are much more affordable than new cars and most people can buy these cars with their savings. However, those who require financing for their used car can get so as many financing companies extend loans to buyers of used cars. However, the interest that is payable on these loans is quite high. For a used car in the bracket of Rs 3.5 lakhs to Rs 4 lakhs would cost you around 15 percent as interest rate, which is much more than what you would have to pay for a used car in this price band. However, if you want to buy a used luxury car, then you may be in a lot of luck as the financiers see you as a low risk and good credit customer and hence would offer to lend you the money at 11 percent interest. When you compare it with the interest payable on the loan amount of a car in this price bracket, i.e. Rs 15 lakhs to Rs 17 lakhs, then you would have to pay a lot more money.

There are several dealers of used cars in Delhi, including the certified used cars dealers. You can find good car dealers in areas such as Moti Nagar, Rajinder Nagar, and Janakpuri etc. There are several franchises of certified used car dealers such as True Value, AutoTerrace, and H Promise etc. sprinkled throughout the city. You could approach any one of them to buy the car.

Prior to buying such cars, there is some caution that you must exercise. Buying a used car can be a bit of a gamble because the quality of the car is known solely to the driver himself. Therefore, you need to make thorough checks to ensure that you have got the best car possible within your budget. You should judge a car based on the following parameters and only then go ahead with a purchase of the car.:

• Age of the Car

There is no point buying an old car unless you want to simple practise your driving skills on it. Old cars are difficult to maintain because of their unavailability of spare parts and high bills of getting them serviced. Therefore, try not to buy a used car which is more than 7 years old. You would have to make a lot of changes in the car before it can be deemed to be fit for driving.

Always opt for a vehicle which is five years or less old. These cars have their internal machinery in order and hence will not command much time or effort for maintenance.

• Number of Kilometres travelled 

The number of kilometres travelled by a car is a big determinant when it comes to the condition of the tyres and engine. The more you drive a car, more is the wear and tear caused to its external and internal mechanisms. Car owners in Delhi have to travel a lot because localities are far away from one another in the city. Therefore, the number of kilometres travelled by the average Delhi car owner is much more than what an average car owner in other cities has to drive.

Try to choose a car which has travelled between 20,000kms and 25,000kms. These cars tend to have the best engines and they are quite easy to drive. The engine has been serviced enough for it to display the mileage that the car is capable of offering. If you like a car which has been driven for more than 40,000kms, try to strike up a bargain because you would have to spend some money getting the tyres replaced.

• Ease of Getting the car Serviced 

The service network of all the brands in India are not that good and hence it would be best you opt for those brands which have service centres that are close to your home or work place so that you can drop off and pick up the car easily. Of the brands available in the country, the best servicing is offered by Maruti Suzuki by the sheer numbers of their service centres, followed by Hyundai.

However, several users of both cars have commented that getting the Maruti cars serviced is more expensive because the parts are quite expensive and also Maruti cars tend to get damaged very easily. Despite these claims, Maruti’s popularity has not been doused and hence you can opt for the brand.

• Model of the Car 

There are several car models by Ford, Maruti Suzuki, Honda and Toyota which have been discontinued by the companies. Some of these models are the Ford Ikon, Maruti 800 and Baleno, Honda Civic and Accord and Toyota Qualis. These cars had a good run in the market when they were around. However, buying them today does not make any sense, no matter how low the price of the car on offer is.

These cars would be more than 7 years old and hence they would underperform on roads. Moreover, getting them serviced would be difficult due to lesser availability of spare parts.

• Fuel Variant

The cost of diesel in India is lesser than petrol by almost Rs 20 for a litre in all cities. Moreover, diesel being a thicker fuel than petrol conserves energy more and hence is more fuel efficient. The cars which come in diesel variants have larger engines placed in them. Therefore, it is not surprising at all that diesel cars would be more expensive. Used diesel cars, however, are quite difficult to be maintained as diesel engines get strained easily. Therefore, you should carefully inspect the diesel variant of a car before buying it.

7 Branded Used Cars you can Bank On

The used car market in India has been steadily evolving of late. The market has witnessed the entry of multiple models across segments and this has steadily created various niches for all types of customers. There are multiple models in the market that have created a huge buzz and are made available at attractive prices. If you want the very best used cars in India, you should check out online classifieds portals. Portals like Quikr.com will help you find the best branded used cars for your needs. You will be able to respond directly to advertisements posted by sellers and negotiate your prices directly.

Alongside, you can choose to post your own advertisement detailing your requirements and expectations. With portals like these, you can expect fast replies to your advertisements seeking branded used cars for sale. Coming to branded reliable cars in the market, you can check out used BMW cars if you are passionate about luxury cars. You can also find a used Mercedes in Mumbai at a very good price if you are really determined. However, experts say that luxury cars do not make for reliable purchases in the used car market and will only drain your savings and energy. As a result, you should choose cars that give you good value for money while keeping driving pleasurable intact.

Hyundai Santro: This is one of the best branded cars in the used car market. This hatchback provides reliability, decent horsepower for city driving and adequate fuel efficiency. Build quality is top notch as compared to other cars in this segment and the manufacturers are one of the most reliable brands in India, going by their performance over the last decade. Ride quality is decent enough in addition to ample headroom. Fuel efficiency is good at 14 kilometers per liter in the city and the service network offered by Hyundai is fabulous to say the least. Two to three year old models can be found at great prices too.

Maruti Suzuki Swift: This is best large sized hatchback that you can actually buy in the used car market. It looks great and offers a fun driving experience. This car is really spacious with fuel economy of 12 kilometers per liter which is pretty good. The service network of Maruti is legendary and you will easily find cheap spare parts for the Swift. This is a great buy for those who have always felt safer with a Maruti. Ride quality is good enough and this car is a definite value for money proposition.

Maruti Suzuki Alto: India’s largest selling car, the Alto stands out for sheer reliability and performance alone. It is one of the best buys in the Indian used car market. This will be a time tested buy that will never drain your wallet. You can get as much as 18 kilometers per liter from the Maruti Suzuki Alto and service networks are fabulous as mentioned earlier. The compact dimensions of the car and a zippy engine make it a sheer pleasure to drive in congested traffic or park anywhere one pleases. This will be a cheap yet pleasurable buy for sure!

Honda City: This is the real show stealer among sedans in the used car market. The Honda is widely considered the best and most reliable petrol sedan in the country. The car has witnessed three successive generations but popular demand for the same is yet to slow down. The second generation of Honda City cars is mostly available in the used car market and definitely counts as a top buy for reliability and brand value alone. The brand has tons of respect attached to it globally and the car offers a luxurious and comfortable experience. The engine is really decent with ample power and provides a fabulous 12 kilometers per liter in the city. Ride and plastic quality is decent enough with a spacious boot of 500 liters. This is the best branded sedan that entry level buyers should look at!

Skoda Octavia: This is another sedan that is associated with reliability and top notch features. This carries brand value like no other and was the first model launched by Skoda in 2001 in India. This has a luxurious image that can rival even Honda with elan! This is the best car if you want a smooth and luxurious ride and superior handling. The TDI 1.9 liter diesel engine provides fabulous mileage of 13 kilometers per liter and is really efficient. Build quality is top notch and the boot of 560 liters is spacious enough. The diesel model is the best bet and can actually be yours at a very compelling price.

Mahindra Scorpio: This is the best used car purchase in the SUV category. The Scorpio has been one of the most popular and loved SUVs in the country and was first launched in the year 2002. It is generally considered one of the most reliable and feature packed SUVs in the country. The model has been upgraded regularly. This will offer you top notch seating capacity and possesses an alluring design that has been drawing more and more buyers in both new and used car markets. Diesel engines ensure that 7-8 kilometers per liter will not really hit you that hard. Buying a recent model will help to get the best features and the coveted mHawk engine.

This car has lots of room and some models even come with automatic gearboxes for a smoother ride. The older models are quite inexpensive and the newer ones only fractionally more, making this another value for money yet reliable buy in the used car market.

Ford Endeavour: If you are looking for a used luxury SUV with brand value and solid reliability, the Endeavour should make for a great buy! This is one of the best cars available for off roading purposes and will add a new charm to your road trips. Diesel engines ensure low running costs here as well, with 8 kilometers per liter expected on an average. This is one spacious car and the older models come at mouth watering prices. However, the four wheel drive 3 liter model might be a little expensive and you should try to negotiate prices as much as possible.