The used car market in India has become one of the smartest choices among buyers. Purchasing a used car will not create a financial burden for you. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a growing family needing extra space or a simple car enthusiast who wants to save money on a car, buying used cars can be the right thing for you. If you are looking for used cars under ₹20 Lakh in India, you will get several options. The list of such cars can open the door to premium experiences at a very affordable price range.
Under ₹20 Lakh, you can choose from powerful SUVs to feature-rich automatic models. There will be several mixes of seamless performance, sleek design with comfortable interior, and obviously, the value of the vehicle. But with the rising number of listings every day, how can you find the right one for you? Well, here we come. In today’s guide, we will walk you through the list of best used cars under ₹20 Lakh in India. You will also learn what to check during purchasing, with other relevant information. Let’s start!
Why Consider a Used Car Instead of a New One?
Buying a used car can be a smart move because there are several reasons you may benefit from it.
- Depreciation rate: In general, when you buy a new car, you have to face the depreciation cost of nearly 20 to 30% in the first year. But when it comes to a used car, the depreciation rate will be avoided automatically because it is pre-owned.
- Premium value: Under ₹20 Lakh, you can access quality models. These can be midsized SUVs, Sedans, and other such top-quality models. All of these models come with loaded tech, comfort, and safety features. Some of the top models under 20 lakh are Kia Carens, Hyundai Creta, MG Hector, etc.
- Lower tax and insurance rates: A pre-owned car does not cost you a higher tax rate. You can afford it because of the lower insurance premiums and tax amount.
- Seamless supply: Every year, a lot of new models are coming to the Indian automobile market. Those who are real car enthusiasts are interested to try the new model and sell their fully maintained old one. And the number of those sellers is quite high. So, you can get plenty of options to buy from.
Best Used Cars Under ₹20 Lakh: Top Picks
Here’s a list of popular used cars under ₹20 Lakh. All of these are categorised by their types, use cases, and similar relevant factors.
- Kia Seltos
- Type: Compact SUV
- Fuel: Petrol / Diesel
- Why Choose: Stylish, loaded features, turbo/petrol and diesel options
- Price: ₹13–18 lakh
- Mileage: Diesel ~20.7 kmpl; Petrol ~17.7–17.9 kmpl ARAI; real-world ~16–20 kmpl
- Ideal For: Urban families and young buyers. Turbo-petrol automatic strikes a strong daily-driving balance.
- Kia Carens
- Type: Premium MPV (6/7-seater)
- Fuel: Petrol / Diesel
- Why Choose: Versatile seating, feature-rich, car-like ride
- Price: ₹14–18 lakh
- Mileage: Petrol ~15.7 kmpl; Diesel ~21.3 kmpl ARAI; real-world petrol ~17.9 kmpl
- Ideal For: Families that require more space. Diesel MT offers the best efficiency, and petrol AT gives smoothness.
- Mahindra Thar
- Type: Compact SUV / Off‑roader
- Fuel: Petrol / Diesel
- Why Choose: Rugged off-road icon, convertible fun
- Price: ₹15–19 lakh
- Mileage: Petrol ~12–17 kmpl; Diesel ~15–17 kmpl (real-world)
- Ideal For: Adventure seekers. Prioritise verified 4×4 systems and clean service records.
- Volkswagen Virtus
- Type: Mid‑size Sedan
- Fuel: Petrol
- Why Choose: German engineering, sharp handling, performance-oriented
- Price: ₹14–18 lakh
- Mileage: 18.4–20.8 kmpl ARAI; real-world ~16–20 kmpl
- Ideal For: Enthusiasts craving European refinement. Turbo petrol MT/AT variants recommended.
- Tata Harrier
- Type: Mid‑size SUV
- Fuel: Diesel
- Why Choose: Bold SUV presence, refined ride, solid build
- Price: ₹17–20 lakh
- Mileage: ARAI 14.6–16.8 kmpl; real-world ~16–16.8 kmpl
- Ideal For: Long-distance commuters. Ensure full-service history, especially for automatic TC.
- Tata Nexon
- Type: Subcompact SUV
- Fuel: Petrol / CNG / Diesel
- Why Choose: Modern design, turbo-petrol zing, strong safety credentials
- Price: ₹8.5–13 lakh
- Mileage: Petrol ~17 kmpl, Diesel ~23–24 kmpl, CNG ~17 km/kg
- Ideal For: City professionals or small families. Opt for low-km petrol/diesel variants with full service history.
- Mahindra Scorpio
- Type: Mid‑size SUV
- Fuel: Diesel
- Why Choose: Rugged build, torque-rich 7-seater
- Price: ₹16–18 lakh
- Mileage: ~14.4 kmpl ARAI; real-world highway up to ~17 kmpl
- Ideal For: Large families and off-roaders. Prefer under 50 k km vehicles with a maintained drivetrain.
- MG Hector Plus
- Type: Mid‑size SUV (6/7-seater)
- Fuel: Petrol / Diesel
- Why Choose: Spacious, tech-laden, sunroof, CVT option
- Price: ₹17–20 lakh
- Mileage: Petrol ~12.3–14 kmpl; Diesel ~15.6 kmpl ARAI
- Ideal For: Tech-savvy families. Consider diesel MT for balance; CVT petrol trades efficiency for convenience.
Comparison Chart: Used Cars Under ₹20 Lakh
Check the table below to know about the detailed comparison among these used car models.
| Car Model | Segment | Fuel Type | Ideal Years | Mileage (km/l) | Avg. Price (₹) |
| Kia Seltos | Compact SUV | Petrol and Diesel | 2021-2024 | 17–2- kmpl | ₹13-18 lakh |
| Kia Carens | Premium MPV (6/7 Seaters) | Petrol and Diesel | 2022-2023 | 15-21.3 kmpl | ₹14-18 lakh |
| Mahindra Thar | Compact SUV/off-roader | Petrol and Diesel | 2021-2023 | 12–17 kmpl; | ₹15-19 lakh |
| Volkswagen Virtus | Midsize Sedan | Petrol | 2022-2024 | 1820 kmpl | ₹14-18 lakh |
| Tata Harrier | Midsize SUV | Diesel | 2022-2023 | 1416 kmpl | ₹17-20 lakh |
| Tata Nexon | Subcompact SUV | Petrol, Diesel, CNG | 2021-2023 | 17–24 kmpl, 17 km/kg (CNG) | ₹8.5-13 lakh |
| Mahindra Scorpio | Midsize SUV | Diesel | 2022-2024 | 14-17 kmpl | ₹16-18 lakh |
| MG Hector Plus | Midsize SUV | Petrol and Diesel | 2022-2023 | 12-15.6 kmpl | ₹17-20 lakh |
Where to Buy a Used Car Under ₹20 Lakh
There are several options where you can find a suitable and properly maintained used car under ₹20 Lakh. Here are those.
- Online platforms:
There are several platforms available online that offer a huge variety of used cars under ₹20 Lakh. You can rely on them because you can find proper information and ownership details for all those cars. Some of those online platforms are Spinny, CarDekho, OLX, Car24, etc.
- Direct sellers:
You can find direct sellers around you who are interested in selling their car, and you can buy it directly from them. In this way, you can get a direct lookout at your preferred model with the documents as well.
- Local car dealers:
Local car dealers are also good sources for purchasing used cars. They use standardised procedures like vehicle inspection, documentation support, and test driving options. However, you may need to negotiate hard to get a proper test drive option in some cases.
- Certified programs for pre-owned cars:
Several car companies and manufacturers often organise car programs for buyers. You can get detailed inspection reports, limited warranties, etc, with these programs. You can keep updated about these programs on online platforms or their official social media sites.
Low-Maintenance Used Cars to Prioritise
If you want to get a used car with lower maintenance with great affordability, then these models are for you.
- Tata Nexon
- Kia Seltos
- Volkswagen Virtus
These models’ service centres are available in almost every location. Also, they come with cheaper spare parts and servicing costs.
Cars to Avoid (If Not Properly Maintained)
There are also several models which you should avoid for several reasons. Look at the list. You can go with these models only if you find them suitable for your requirements.
- Kia Carens: Requires proper maintenance
- Mahindra Thar: Costly parts
- Tata Harrier: Costly parts
- Mahindra Scorpio: Costly engine
- MG Hector Plus: Costly parts and hard to find
Tips Before Finalising Your Used Car Purchase
Here are a few tips you should keep in mind while finalising your used car decision.
- Inspect properly: Always check the used car in person. You have to check tyres, brakes, fluids, any leakage, interiors, lights, steering, and other such parts.
- Take professional advice: Even if you have a good idea about a car, it is worth taking professional advice from any experienced mechanic or car user.
- Check servicing history: A car should have good servicing records. A regular servicing record will ensure that the car is taken care of properly.
- RC and ownership transfer papers: Before purchasing the used car, closely take the look at RC and ownership documents. You should avoid any legal document-related hassle while purchasing.
- Opt-out test drive: Always go for a test drive. You can understand engine situations, braking conditions, etc, in real time.
Summary
Buying a used pre-owned car under ₹20 lakh is not only about money. You should check the car with utmost care. You need to learn detailed ownership information, servicing records, whether any major accidents occurred with the car, pollution papers, etc. We recommend always going for a test drive session with the car so that you can get a better real-time idea of the performance of the car.
Under ₹20 lakh, you will get several premium cars with their automatic variants, good safety features, high-quality interiors, and many more, as we mentioned earlier. So, no matter whether you are a new car buyer, check these tips to buy and get your dream model within your budget.
FAQs About Used Cars under ₹20 Lakh
Q. Can I purchase a diesel used car for my regular use?
Yes, you can purchase a diesel used car for your daily journey. Diesel cars offer comparatively higher mileage than petrol cars. Also, diesel engine cars have strong torque, which makes the car suitable for city rides and highway rides. But before buying the car, thoroughly check for faulty injectors or a worn turbocharger.
Q. Can I verify whether a used car has been in an accident previously?
Always look for any misaligned panels, any visible welding marks, etc. These can indicate major issues like accidental repairs. Always request a claim history report to check whether the car has gone through any major repairs or accidents.
Q. Should I buy a used car, 7 to 10 years old, for my daily commute?
Yes, surely you can buy a 7 to 10-year-old car. But before buying, you have to check whether the car was properly maintained and taken care of to keep its performance well. You can check the full servicing history to get an idea about the servicing of the car.
Q. Should I use the used car for long drives?
Yes, you can take a used car for a long drive. However, before that, you must verify that every part is functioning smoothly. Also, make sure that there is no engine malfunction which can create a hassle while driving.
Q. Which is the best used car under ₹20 lakh?
There are several models which can be the right fit for you. Some of them are Kia Carens, Tata Harrier, Tata Nexon, etc.
