When looking to buy a used car in India, it’s important to do your research to avoid purchasing a problematic or unreliable model. Buying the wrong used car can end up costing you a lot of money in unexpected repairs and maintenance. As an informed buyer, you want to steer clear of used cars that have a reputation for issues such as high failure rates, expensive parts, or safety concerns. Understanding which models tend to underperform can save you from making a costly mistake.
What are the major factors to consider when buying a used car in India?
Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind when shopping for a used car in the Indian market:
- Reputation for reliability: Avoid models that have a track record of frequent mechanical problems, premature part failures, and costly repairs.
- Ownership costs: Models that have expensive proprietary parts and service requirements will cost more in the long run.
- Fuel economy: Gas mileage should be an important consideration given rising fuel prices.
- After-sales service support: Opt for models that have widespread service networks, making repairs and maintenance accessible.
- Availability of spare parts: Models with scarce parts availability often lead to extended downtime and costs.
- Safety: Ensure the model meets modern safety standards and has satisfactory crash test performance.
- Resale value: Cars that depreciate slowly tend to be more worthwhile purchases in the long run.
Doing thorough research on factors like these will help identify used cars likely to give you problems down the road. Now let’s look at some specific models sold in the Indian market that are best to avoid when shopping for a used car.
Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 (2012-2019)
The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 was once India’s best-selling car for many years. However, the model launched in 2012 has garnered a poor reputation as a used car purchase today.
Known issues include:
- Prone to electrical problems: Faulty wiring harnesses, flickering dash lights, and failing AC compressors are common.
- Noisy engines: Excessive tappet noise from the underpowered 796cc petrol engine.
- Substandard transmissions: Weak gearboxes lead to shifting issues and early failures.
- Steering vibrations: Unbalanced wheels and suspensions cause the steering wheel to shakes at high speeds.
- Fuel efficiency: Real-world mileage is often lower than claimed figures.
- Lack of safety features: Skimpy on essentials like airbags and ABS.
While affordable, an Alto from this generation makes too many compromises to recommend as a used car.
Hyundai Santro Xing (2000-2006)
The first-generation Santro was a landmark car that helped drive Hyundai’s popularity in India. However, the Santro Xing variant sold between 2000-2006 had some problematic aspects that make it a risky used car choice today.
Common Santro Xing issues include:
- Expensive repairs: Proprietary parts can be very costly to replace.
- Weak structure: Prone to rusting with a reputation for poor build quality.
- Underpowered engine: The 1086cc engine lacks power, especially with AC on.
- Frequent overheating: Engine overheating and radiator issues are common.
- Electrical gremlins: Faulty wiring can cause glitches and burnout of components.
- Noisy suspension: Knocks and rattles from front struts and shock absorbers.
With costly upkeep requirements and reliability issues, the Santro Xing is best avoided in the used car market today.
Mahindra Scorpio (2002-2006)
The first-generation Mahindra Scorpio helped put the brand on the SUV map in India. However, early models sold between 2002-2006 faced some serious problems that affect reliability and safety.
Key weaknesses include:
- Problematic gearbox: Faulty 6-speed gearboxes had high failure rates.
- Engine issues: Sludge build-up in engines, oil leaks.
- Electrical faults: Glitches with dashboard, AC, power windows.
- Braking problems: Inadequate brake pads prone to early wear.
- Wobbly handling: Vague steering feel with high body roll.
- Poor safety: Does not meet modern crash test norms.
The first Scorpio requires constant maintenance and has serious reliability concerns, making it a used SUV to avoid for most buyers.
Tata Safari DICOR (2005-2007)
The first Safari with the powerful DICOR engine had great off-road appeal but was plagued by problems that affect durability.
Common pain points include:
- Engine issues: Turbo failures, oil leaks, sludge build-up.
- Electrical faults: Malfunctioning sensors, alternators, fuel pumps.
- Suspension problems: Premature ball joint and steering failures.
- Gearbox glitches: Erratic shifting, vibrations.
- Brake complaints: Spongy pedal, uneven wear.
- Rusting: Corrosion in crucial chassis components.
The Safari DICOR requires extensive maintenance, has poor reliability, and does not inspire confidence for used buyers.
Maruti Suzuki Swift Diesel (2011-2014)
Maruti’s first diesel-powered Swift saw issues with its Fiat-sourced powertrain. Models sold between 2011-2014 faced niggling problems:
- Unreliable diesel engine: Premature turbo, injector, gasket failures.
- Gearbox issues: Weak linkages lead to hard shifting.
- Electrical faults: Glitches with sensors and electronic modules.
- Costly maintenance: Requires regular upkeep of diesel components.
- Poor cabin insulation: Noisy engine and road noise.
- Mediocre mileage: Struggles to match claimed efficiency.
A used Swift diesel has the potential for expensive diesel-related repairs and should be purchased with caution.
Ford EcoSport 1.0 Ecoboost (2013-2016)
Ford’s debut offering in India saw issues with its award-winning 1.0L Ecoboost petrol engine during the initial years:
- Overheating problems: Inadequate cooling leads to rapid overheating.
- Frequent turbo failures: Faulty turbochargers need premature replacement.
- Gearbox glitches: Rough shifts, grinding noises from the automatic transmission.
- Electrical gremlins: Battery drain, immobilizer faults.
- Mediocre mileage: Struggles to deliver real-world efficiency.
- Engine noise: Harsh note at high RPMs.
Teething issues with the Ecoboost engine make the early EcoSport petrol a used car to be wary of.
Honda Brio & Jazz (2011-2013)
Honda’s debut small cars in India – the Brio hatchback and Jazz compact sedan – were criticized for mediocre quality and reliability issues in their initial years:
- Frequent CVT failures in automatic models.
- Faulty power window switches prone to failure.
- Multiple electronic glitches and electrical shorts.
- Subpar paint quality leading to early rusting.
- Cheap interiors with ill-fitting panels.
- Underwhelming engines with sluggish real-world performance.
The first-generation Brio and Jazz have below-par longevity and refinement, making them suboptimal used car choices.
What variants or engine options generally have more problems?
When looking at used cars, certain variants or engine options tend to see more frequent issues emerge:
- Automatic transmissions – Pros like convenience but more prone to failures and costly repair.
- Diesel engines – Issues like fuel pump failures, turbo lag, sludge build-up.
- First generation models – Initial models more likely to have niggling teething troubles.
- SUVs and big sedans – More expensive parts/maintenance.
- Premium/luxury models – Costly repairs and maintenance.
- Modified cars – Non-stock parts, unknown reliability of mods.
Sticking to common variants with a known service history can help minimize the risk of a problematic used car purchase.
How does mileage and age affect the expected reliability of a used car?
A car’s mileage and age are important factors that influence the overall reliability and expected lifespan of the vehicle:
- Higher mileage increases wear and tear – Each additional mile puts more stress on components and increases the chances of failures.
- Age reduces part lifespan – Even with low mileage, components like hoses, belts, gaskets deteriorate over time.
- Ideal is around 5 years old and 30,000 – 50,000 miles for a used petrol car.
- Diesel engines generally stay reliable up to 100,000 miles if maintained properly.
- Cars over 10 years old often see more significant repair costs.
- Mileage and age should be balanced – a 10 year old car with 50,000 miles can be worse than a 5 year old car with 80,000 miles.
Younger cars with moderate mileage offer the best combination of reasonable costs and good reliability in most cases.
What are the maintenance costs and things to look out for in a used car?
Some approximate maintenance costs and items to inspect in a used car include:
- Oil change: Rs. 1500-2500 for a 4 cylinder petrol car every 5000-7500 miles.
- Air filter: Rs. 300-600, replace every 10,000-15,000 miles.
- Spark plugs: Rs. 600-1200, replace every 40,000 miles for petrol, 60,000 miles for diesel.
- Coolant: Rs. 500-1000, change every 50,000 miles or 5 years.
- Transmission fluid: Rs. 2000-3500, change every 40,000 miles.
- Tires: Rs. 4000-8000 per tire, rotate every 5000 miles, replace by 6 years.
- Inspect engine belts, all filters, brake pads, wheel bearings, suspension parts.
- Check for fluid leaks, smooth acceleration and braking, tire wear.
- Take for a test drive to check for knocking, grinding or odd sounds.
Budgeting approximately Rs. 7000-10000 per year for maintenance is recommended based on usage and age.
What are the best used cars under Rs. 5 lakhs in India currently?
Here are some of the top used car options to consider under a Rs. 5 lakh budget right now:
Make & Model | Year | Mileage | Features |
---|---|---|---|
Maruti Swift | 2016-2018 | 30,000-60,000 km | Reliable, good mileage, wide service network. |
Hyundai i20 | 2013-2015 | 40,000-80,000 km | Feature-packed, refined engine, good safety. |
Honda City | 2010-2013 | 70,000-1,00,000 km | Spacious, comfortable, Honda reliability. |
Toyota Innova | 2008-2011 | 1,00,000-1,50,000 km | M USV, proven bulletproof reliability. |
Ford Ecosport | 2014-2016 | 40,000-70,000 km | Feature-rich compact SUV, good warranty support. |
Well-maintained examples of these popular models offer a great blend of value, features and ownership experience in the used car space.
Conclusion
Purchasing a used car in India requires careful evaluation to avoid ending up with a problematic model that could give you headaches down the road. Stay away from older examples of models with a reputation for poor reliability, like early diesel Swifts, EcoSports, and Scorpios. Look for used cars that are 5-8 years old from brands known for dependable vehicles, such as Toyota and Honda. Choosing lower-mileage cars that have been well maintained will also help minimize your chances of buying a lemon. Do your due diligence with test drives, vehicle history reports and independent inspections to make an informed choice. This will greatly reduce the risk of a regrettable used car purchase.