Head-to-heads for the cars Bengaluru buyers shortlist most, plus an honest look at what each brand is like to own second-hand.
By the Quality Cars team, Nagadevanahalli4 min readUpdated
Hyundai Venue 2019.
The short answer
Swift vs Baleno vs i20: the Swift is the most fun and holds value well; the Baleno and i20 have more space and comfort. City vs Verna vs Rapid: the City is the refined all-rounder, the Verna is feature-rich, the Rapid is solid and good on the highway. Venue vs EcoSport vs Brezza: all are easy-to-park compact SUVs; pick by condition and engine.
Among brands, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai are the cheapest to keep on the road thanks to their service networks; Toyota is known for durability; Honda for refined petrol engines; Tata and Mahindra for strong SUVs. Cars from brands that have left India (Ford, Chevrolet, Fiat) can be good value, but check parts and service for your model first.
You can compare any cars in our showroom side by side on Compare. Below are the comparisons we are asked about most. They are deliberately general: on a used car, the condition of the particular car matters more than the model’s reputation.
Replaced by the XUV700 in 2021; check electronics and suspension
What Each Brand Is Like to Own Second-Hand
Brands from an Owner’s Point of View
Brand
Strengths
Think about
Maruti Suzuki
Largest service network, cheap parts, easy resale
Older cars can be basic on safety equipment
Hyundai
Well-equipped cabins, wide network
Turbo-petrol and DCT versions need good records
Toyota
Durability and strong resale
Higher purchase prices for that reason
Honda
Refined petrol engines, spacious cabins
Some models discontinued; parts through Honda dealers
Tata
Strong safety ratings on recent models
Check electronics and service history
Mahindra
Tough SUVs, good for rough roads
Heavier vehicles, higher running costs
Ford, Chevrolet, Fiat
Often good value for money
These brands no longer sell new cars in India; confirm parts and service locally
Tata’s Nexon became the first Indian-made car to receive a five-star Global NCAP adult-occupant rating, in 2018. For any specific model, check its current crash-test result on the Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP websites rather than relying on brand reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swift or Baleno: which used car is better?
The Swift is more compact and fun to drive; the Baleno has more rear space and a bigger boot. Choose the Swift for city driving and the Baleno if you often carry passengers or luggage.
Honda City or Hyundai Verna: which is a better used buy?
The City is known for refinement, space and resale; the Verna for features and comfort. On a used car, condition and service history should decide it.
Is it safe to buy a used Ford in India?
Ford stopped making cars in India in 2021. Used Fords can be good value, but confirm the availability of service and parts for your model in your area before buying.
Which used car brand is cheapest to maintain in India?
Maruti Suzuki generally has the lowest maintenance costs because of its very large service network and inexpensive parts, followed closely by Hyundai.
General guidance from a used-car dealership, not legal or financial advice. Rules, fees and lender terms change; confirm the details for your situation with the RTO, your lender or your insurer. Distances are by road and approximate.
