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 These cars are mostly those that car manufacturers have withdrawn from the market.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.