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 These cars are mostly those that car manufacturers have withdrawn from the market.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