Best Used Cars under ₹15 Lakh

The Indian used car market is growing at lightning speed, and there are all sorts of cars to suit every budget. If your budget is ₹15 lakh, then you are in a good position with both value as well as choice being plentiful.

Whether you are a new buyer looking for a luxury experience or a connoisseur looking to upgrade, the used car market within this budget range includes subcompact SUVs, luxury sedans, and even slightly used luxury vehicles.

This guide will lead you through your choices and help you make an informed, confident choice.

Why Consider a Used Car Instead of a New One?

If you are weighing if you should purchase a new car or an equally good second-hand one, these are the solid reasons to go for the latter:

• Lower Depreciation: New vehicles depreciate 30–40% in their first 2–3 years. By buying an older vehicle, you avoid the highest rate of depreciation.

• Greater Value for Money: ₹15 lakhs in the new car market can secure you a mid-variant compact SUV, but in the second-hand car market, the same will fetch top-end trims or even entry-luxury cars.

• Lower Insurance Premiums: As older cars have a lower Insured Declared Value (IDV), insurance also costs less.

• Luxury at a Budge: High-end features like ventilated seats, sunroofs with panoramic views, ADAS safety features, premium sound systems, and turbocharged engines appear at this price point.

• Higher Segment Options: From rugged MPVs and family SUVs to sports sedans and crossovers—your choices are far more diverse than in the new car segment.

Best Used Cars Under ₹15 Lakh: Top Picks

Here is a list of the best cars to buy in India below ₹15 lakh, each for a different need:

1. Hyundai Creta

• Segment: Compact SUV
  
• Fuel Options: Petrol / Diesel
  
• Why Consider It: One of India’s best-selling SUVs, the Creta offers excellent ride comfort, premium features, and a strong brand image.
  
• Highlight Features: Panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, touchscreen with connected car tech, ventilated seats (higher variants)
  
• Ideal For: Families, young professionals, and those seeking a feature-loaded SUV with good resale value.
  

2. Kia Seltos

• Segment: Compact SUV
  
• Fuel Options: Petrol / Diesel
  
• Why Consider It: Known for its bold styling and tech-forward interiors, the Seltos is a great urban SUV that balances performance and convenience.
  
• Highlight Features: 10.25-inch infotainment, Bose speakers, sunroof, ADAS (in newer models), ventilated seats
  
• Ideal For: Tech-savvy users, city commuters, and image-conscious buyers.
  

3. Mahindra XUV700 (MX/AX3 Used Variants)

• Segment: Mid-size SUV
  
• Fuel Options: Petrol / Diesel
  
• Why Consider It: A value-for-money package with modern design, strong engines, and safety ratings.
  
• Highlight Features: ADAS (in AX5+ variants), panoramic sunroof, touchscreen infotainment, 5-star GNCAP rating
  
• Ideal For: Families, highway users, and buyers looking for an SUV with cutting-edge safety tech.
  

4. Toyota Innova Crysta

• Segment: MPV
  
• Fuel Options: Diesel
  
• Why Consider It: Unmatched reliability, spacious cabin, and a trusted name in long-distance comfort and commercial use.
  
• Highlight Features: Captain seats (ZX variant), cruise control, rear AC vents, strong diesel engine
  
• Ideal For: Big families, long-distance travellers, and buyers prioritising durability and comfort.
  

5. Tata Harrier

• Segment: Mid-size SUV
  
• Fuel Options: Diesel
  
• Why Consider It: Built on a solid platform with great road presence and commanding ride quality.
  
• Highlight Features: 2.0L Kryotec diesel engine, terrain response modes, panoramic sunroof (XZA+), ESP across variants
  
• Ideal For: Buyers wanting a safe, spacious, and bold SUV with solid highway manners.
  

6. MG Hector

• Segment: Mid-size SUV
  
• Fuel Options: Petrol / Diesel
  
• Why Consider It: Huge cabin space, loaded with features, and good used value due to higher depreciation from new.
  
• Highlight Features: 10.4-inch vertical infotainment, internet car tech, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera
  
• Ideal For: Families needing cabin comfort and tech, especially for urban travel.
  

7. Honda City (5th Gen)

• Segment: Sedan
  
• Fuel Options: Petrol
  
• Why Consider It: Premium ride quality, spacious interiors, and great reliability make this a top-notch sedan choice.
  
• Highlight Features: LaneWatch camera, electric sunroof, 8-inch infotainment with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
  
• Ideal For: Professionals, city commuters, and comfort-focused drivers.

8. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Strong Hybrid)

• Segment: Compact SUV
  
• Fuel Options: Petrol / Strong Hybrid
  
• Why Consider It: A fuel-efficient hybrid option in the used market, with Toyota’s hybrid tech and Maruti’s service network.
  
• Highlight Features: 20+ km/l hybrid mileage, AWD (in select trims), premium interiors, digital driver display
  
• Ideal For: Eco-conscious users, urban commuters, and buyers wanting low running costs.
  

Comparison Chart: Used Cars Under ₹15 Lakh

Car Model	Segment	Fuel Type	Ideal Years	Mileage (km/l)	Avg. Used Price (₹)
Hyundai Creta	Compact SUV	Petrol / Diesel	2020–2023	16–20	₹11–15 lakh
Kia Seltos	Compact SUV	Petrol / Diesel	2020–2023	16–21	₹11–14.5 lakh
Mahindra XUV700 (MX/AX3)	Mid-size SUV	Petrol / Diesel	2021–2022	13–17	₹14–15 lakh
Toyota Innova Crysta	MPV	Diesel	2016–2019	12–16	₹13–15 lakh
Tata Harrier	Mid-size SUV	Diesel	2019–2022	14–17	₹12–14.5 lakh
MG Hector	Mid-size SUV	Petrol / Diesel	2019–2022	13–16	₹10.5–14 lakh
Honda City (5th Gen)	Sedan	Petrol	2020–2022	17–19	₹10–12.5 lakh
Maruti Grand Vitara Hybrid	Compact SUV	Petrol (Hybrid)	2022–2023	20–27	₹13.5–15 lakh

Where to Buy a Used Car Under ₹15 Lakh?

Having shortlisted your chosen model, the next is selecting a trustworthy source or portal for the buy. The biggest sources and what you can expect from them are outlined below:

1. Certified Pre-Owned Programs

Most automobile companies now have their own programs for certified used cars, including Maruti Suzuki’s True Value, Hyundai’s H Promise, Mahindra’s First Choice, Renault Select, and Toyota U Trust. A majority of them also help with documentation, finance, and transfer of ownership. 

This makes the whole process very smooth, particularly for first owners or individuals who desire additional guarantees. These cars normally feature guaranteed mileage readings, full-service history, and multi-point check certificates.

2. Online Used Car Portals

Spinny, Cars24, OLX Autos, CarDekho, and CarTrade are a few of the websites that have revolutionized the game of the used car industry in India. They have a vast selection of cars by brand, segment, and city with full listings, inspection reports, quality photographs, and home test drives. On top of that, customers can select financing and insurance options directly on the website. Some of the sites also come with a return period or buyback guarantee.

3. Individual Sellers

Purchasing directly from the owner on OLX, Facebook Marketplace, or through word of mouth may be the cheapest way to do it. Because there are no dealers or middlemen involved, costs are relatively low and negotiable. However, all onus of cross-checking the service history, checking the condition of the vehicle, checking claims against insurance, and registration of valid RC lies with the buyer.

4. Local Used Car Dealers

Physical pre-owned vehicle dealerships still dominate India’s used car market. These dealers typically permit physical inspection and test driving, and the majority of them provide exchange bonuses or limited warranties. 

Although they have slightly higher prices than private sellers, they often refurbish cars before resale. However, customers should always request an accidental repair or repaint history and demand an inspection by a mechanic.

Low-Maintenance Used Cars to Prioritise

If peace of mind and lower operating expenses are your priorities, these are the cars to look for:

• Toyota Innova Crysta – Evergreen reliability, long-lasting engine, comprehensive service cover
• Maruti Suzuki XL6 – Less vibration in petrol engine, cheap spares, less electronics
• Hyundai Creta (Petrol) – Great service availability, extremely smooth CVT trims

Cars to Avoid (If Not Properly Maintained)

Some used cars are good on paper but have long-term issues unless serviced:

• Volkswagen Tiguan (older diesel models) – DSG gearbox repair is costly.
• Skoda Octavia (1.8 TSI or diesel DSG) – Great car but needs periodic servicing and is pricey to fix
• Ford EcoSport Diesel (2013–2015) – Older models with injector or turbo problems
• Old luxury vehicles above 7 years (e.g., Audi Q3, BMW X1) – Spares, insurance, and electronics-related failures can drain your wallet.
• Renault Duster AMT: AMT geartrain may stall, and repair may be expensive at 50,000 km.

Tips Before Finalising Your Used Car Purchase

Before concluding your used car purchase, remember these tips:

• Inspect the Car Yourself: Pay attention to tire wear, underbody rust, interior health, light operation, dashboard warning lights, and fluid levels.

• See a Mechanic: Have a pre-purchase check by a reliable mechanic to reveal what a clean car can hide.

• Service Record is Important: Make sure the car has a recent service history. Select vehicles that have been serviced at official centers.

• Ownership Confirmation: Verify if the car is hypothecated (given on loan) or if the loan is cleared and NOC can be produced.

• Test Drive Properly: Drive both in city traffic and on open roads. Note engine response, suspension sound, brake impression, gear operation, and steering alignment.

• RC and Legal Checks: Verify Registration Certificate (RC) documents, insurance, and road tax documents. Verify chassis and engine numbers against the vehicle.

• Odometer Tampering: Inspect pedals, steering wheel, and gear lever for wear—these will indicate real use, although not necessarily shown on the odometer.

• Negotiate Confidently: Negotiate based on all of your findings. Even certified used cars have some leeway for negotiation.

Summary

With ₹15 lakh in your wallet, you’re no longer limited to the base or entry-level trims. Rather, you can experience the good life of the used car world, high-end-fitted, well-driven vehicles that bring value, performance, and security.

Whether you’re purchasing a Hyundai Creta for family road trips, a Skoda Octavia for highway travel, or a Toyota Innova Crysta for dependability, you have more than enough good choices.

Pro tip: Don’t be in a hurry. Buying a used car is all about waiting for the right car, not the price.

FAQs About Used Cars Under ₹15 Lakh