Buying a used car under ₹5 lakh is a smart move, especially if you’re looking for low maintenance, good mileage, and reliable performance. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, student, or small family, these cars offer excellent value without burning a hole in your pocket.
Here’s a list of the best low-maintenance used cars under ₹5 lakh in India.
1. Maruti Suzuki Swift
Why It’s Great: Sporty design, reliable engine, and easy availability of spare parts
Mileage: 18–22 km/l
Maintenance Cost: Very low
Best For: City driving, young buyers
Pros:
- Strong resale value
- Cheap spare parts
- Peppy petrol engine
Cons:
- Older models lack modern features
The Swift remains one of India’s most trusted hatchbacks with affordable service costs and strong fuel efficiency.
2. Hyundai Grand i10
Why It’s Great: Comfortable cabin and smooth engine
Mileage: 17–20 km/l
Maintenance Cost: Low
Best For: Daily commute & small families
Pros:
- Premium interior feel
- Good feature list
- Smooth petrol engine
Cons:
- Slightly lower resale than Maruti
A refined hatchback that balances comfort and affordability perfectly.
3. Honda City
Why It’s Great: Spacious sedan with powerful engine
Mileage: 15–18 km/l
Maintenance Cost: Moderate but reliable
Best For: Sedan lovers & highway use
Pros:
- Premium feel
- Strong i-VTEC engine
- Comfortable ride
Cons:
- Slightly higher service cost than hatchbacks
If you want a premium sedan experience within budget, the Honda City is a fantastic choice.
4. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
Why It’s Great: Tall-boy design, spacious cabin
Mileage: 18–21 km/l
Maintenance Cost: Extremely low
Best For: Families & daily city usage
Pros:
- Excellent mileage
- Easy to maintain
- High resale value
Cons:
- Basic interior design
Wagon R is one of the most budget-friendly cars when it comes to ownership cost.
5. Hyundai i20
Why It’s Great: Premium hatchback feel
Mileage: 16–20 km/l
Maintenance Cost: Moderate
Best For: Buyers wanting style + comfort
Pros:
- Solid build quality
- Feature-rich
- Comfortable ride
Cons:
- Maintenance slightly higher than Maruti
A good option if you want a premium feel under ₹5 lakh.
6. Toyota Etios Liva
Why It’s Great: Toyota reliability
Mileage: 17–23 km/l
Maintenance Cost: Low
Best For: Long-term ownership
Pros:
- Durable engine
- Low breakdown risk
- Good fuel efficiency
Cons:
- Basic interiors
Toyota cars are known for longevity, making Etios Liva a safe used-car bet.
7. Tata Tiago
Why It’s Great: Strong build quality
Mileage: 19–23 km/l
Maintenance Cost: Low
Best For: Safety-conscious buyers
Pros:
- Solid safety
- Affordable service
- Good ride quality
Cons:
- Engine not very powerful
Tiago is a balanced option offering safety and affordability together.
8. Swift Dzire
• Why It’s Great: Spacious compact sedan with reliable performance and smooth petrol/diesel engines
• Mileage Expectation: ~17–21 km/l (petrol), ~20–25 km/l (diesel)
• Maintenance Cost: Low to moderate (excellent parts availability)
• Best For: Small families, daily city commuting, highway cruising
Pros:
✔ Comfortable cabin with good legroom
✔ Affordable spares and service
✔ Strong resale value
✔ Stable handling
Cons:
⚠ Older models may lack modern safety features like multiple airbags
⚠ Some older petrol versions may feel less powerful compared to newer engines
The Swift Dzire combines the practicality of a compact sedan with the affordability of a hatchback, making it one of the most popular used car choices under ₹5 lakh. Its proven reliability and excellent fuel economy make it ideal for both city driving and long highway trips.
9. Honda Amaze
• Why Reasons It’s Excellent: Dependable little sedan with a sophisticated gasoline and diesel engine
• Mileage Expectation: ~16–20 km/l (petrol), ~20–24 km/l (diesel)
• Low to moderate maintenance costs (excellent service network and dependability)
• Best For: City commute, small families, first-time sedan buyers
Pros:
✔ Comfortable cabin with good rear legroom
✔ Efficient engines optimized for Indian roads
✔ Easy handling & smooth ride quality
✔ Honda’s reputation for durability
Cons:
⚠ Older variants may lack premium infotainment and safety tech
⚠ Resale value slightly lower than City but still solid
The Honda Amaze is a practical sedan that offers a perfect balance of comfort, economy, and low running cost — making it one of the best used car options under ₹5 lakh. Its smooth gear shifts and spacious rear seating make it ideal for everyday commuting as well as occasional long drives.
Why Choose Low-Maintenance Used Cars?
✔ Affordable spare parts
✔ Lower service cost
✔ Better resale value
✔ Budget-friendly ownership
✔ Ideal for first-time buyers
Final Thoughts
If you’re shopping for the best used cars under ₹5 lakh with low maintenance cost, focus on brands like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Toyota, and Honda. These cars are reliable, easy to maintain, and offer good resale value.
Before buying:
- Check service history
- Verify RC & insurance
- Inspect engine & suspension
- Take a proper test drive
A well-maintained used car can easily serve you for 5–7 more years without major expenses.