How to Buy a Used Hyundai Exter

Launched in mid-2023, the Hyundai Exter quickly grabbed attention as an entry-level SUV with youthful styling, modern features, and an attractive price tag. Positioned below the Venue in Hyundai’s SUV lineup, the Exter caters especially to first-time buyers and city dwellers looking for a compact, feature-rich vehicle with the elevated driving position of an SUV.

Despite its recent launch, the used Hyundai Exter market is already heating up, thanks to early adopters upgrading or exchanging their vehicles. And with Hyundai’s reputation for quality, feature-rich interiors, and low maintenance costs, picking up a used Exter can be a smart choice—provided you know what to look for.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know before buying a used Hyundai Exter—from depreciation trends and best variants to cost of ownership and possible upgrades. Whether you’re comparing fuel types or calculating maintenance costs, this guide is built to help you make a confident, well-informed decision.

Best Age of Used Hyundai Exter to Buy

Deciding the ideal age of a used Hyundai Exter comes down to finding the sweet spot between depreciation and remaining life. Here’s what the data suggests:

• Ex-showroom prices for the Exter range from ₹6.21 lakh to ₹10.51 lakh for fully-loaded variants.
  
• Depreciation trends show that subcompact SUVs in this segment (like Venue and Punch) typically lose around 25–30% of their value in the first year, then about 8–12% annually thereafter .
  
• A 2023 Exter SX variant, originally priced at ₹6.60–7.01 lakh, is currently valued around ₹6.4–6.6 lakh with ~45,000 km run — implying 10–15% depreciation within the first year alone .
  
• According to an Autocar–Spinny study, the Exter’s depreciation is somewhat faster compared to close rivals like Fronx in its initial years 
  

Recommendation:

• Ideal age to buy: 1–2 years old.
  
  • At this point, the Exter has already gone through the steepest depreciation curve (~20–30%), reducing its purchase price significantly.
    
  • Yet it still retains most of its mechanical life and warranty benefits.
    
  • A 2023–2024 model (with 15,000–30,000 km done) is likely to offer the best balance of cost savings and longevity.
    
• Beyond 3 years, annual depreciation slows, but the risk of parts wear and maintenance costs increases — offsetting savings

Best Used Hyundai Exter Variant to Buy

When selecting the right pre-owned Exter, choosing the best variant means looking for one that delivers strong value through a solid mix of features, performance, and overall driving experience. Here’s a breakdown of why the SX (O) Connect stands out:

Top Recommended Variant: SX (O) Connect

• Feature highlights: Full touchscreen infotainment, LED DRLs, cruise control, rear camera, keyless start, and dual‑tone exteriors—rare in entry‑level SUVs.
  
• Owner feedback echoes that this variant “offers most of the modern creature comforts without the premium price of top‑end trims” 
• Spinny’s used Exter listings show SX and SX (O) Connect consistently dominate the marketplace, reinforcing their strong demand and balanced feature set .
  

Value Comparison with Other Variants

Variant	Pros	Cons
EX / EX (O) base	Low cost, basic essentials (AC, airbags)	No touchscreen, no premium safety features
S / S+	Includes steering‑mounted controls, sensors	Still misses out on sunroof and advanced tech
SX	Adds sunroof, cruise control	Manual-only, lacks keyless start and larger infotainment
SX (O) Connect	Sweet spot: includes sunroof, keyless start, 8″ display, full safety kit	Slightly higher initial investment than SX

Given its comprehensive feature list and strong second‑hand demand, SX (O) Connect hits the sweet spot between comfort, tech, and resale value—making it the ideal variant for most used‑car buyers.

Quick Take:

• Go for SX (O) Connect manual/AMT if you want maximum features for your money.
  
• If sunroof or keyless start aren’t critical, the regular SX still offers excellent value.

. Used Exter Petrol vs Used Exter CNG

The Hyundai Exter is available in two fuel types—Petrol and CNG. Both offer practical benefits, but your ideal pick depends on how much you drive, your budget, and long-term goals.

Used Exter Petrol

• Engine: 1.2L Kappa Petrol
  
• Power Output: ~82 PS
  
• Mileage (Real-world): ~17–19 kmpl (ARAI: 19.4–19.2 kmpl depending on variant)
  
• Performance: Smooth and peppy in city traffic and highways.
  
• Maintenance: Lower than CNG, with better parts availability.
  
• Transmission Options: Both 5-speed MT and AMT (automatic)
  

Used Exter CNG

• Engine: Same 1.2L engine, tuned for CNG
  
• Power Output: ~69 PS
  
• Mileage (Real-world): ~27–30 km/kg
  
• Fuel Cost Advantage: Strong cost savings on running (~₹2/km vs ₹6/km for petrol)
  
• Boot Space: Significantly reduced due to the CNG cylinder
  
• Performance: Noticeably slower, especially with A/C and passengers
  

Summary Table:

Parameter	Petrol Variant	CNG Variant
Mileage (claimed)	~19.4 kmpl	~27.1 km/kg
Real-world usage	Better for city + highway mix	Ideal for heavy city commuters/taxi use
Performance	More responsive	Slight lag, especially uphill or loaded
Boot space	Full (391 L)	Reduced due to cylinder
Cost per km	₹6–7/km (at ₹110/l)	₹2–2.5/km (at ₹75/kg)
Maintenance	Lower	Slightly higher, needs periodic CNG kit checks

Verdict:

• Choose a used Exter Petrol if:
  
  • You drive <1,000 km/month
    
  • You want better performance, boot space, and ease of ownership
    
• Opt for a used Exter CNG if:
  
  • You commute >1,500–2,000 km/month
    
  • You want the lowest running costs and can live with reduced boot space

Used Hyundai Exter Ownership Calculator

When buying a used Hyundai Exter, the upfront price is just part of the picture. The real financial impact comes from recurring and periodic costs you’ll incur during ownership. Below is a breakdown of the annual and medium-term maintenance costs you can expect.

1. Annual Service Cost

• Petrol Variant: ₹4,500–₹6,000
  
• CNG Variant: ₹5,500–₹7,500 (includes periodic CNG kit inspection and cleaning)
  
• Includes: Engine oil, filters, brake cleaning, AC filter, basic labour
  

2. Tyre Replacement Cost (Every 40,000–50,000 km)

• Tyre size: 175/65 R15 (SX and below), 185/65 R15 (SX(O))
  
• Cost per tyre: ₹4,000–₹5,000 (depending on brand)
  
• Set of 4: ₹16,000–₹20,000
  
• Replacement interval: Every 4–5 years for average users
  

3. Specific Part Replacement Costs

Part	Estimated Cost (₹)	Replacement Cycle
Brake Pads (front)	2,000 – 2,500	Every 25,000–30,000 km
Clutch Plate (manual only)	6,000 – 8,000	After 60,000–80,000 km
Battery	3,500 – 6,000	3–4 years
Wipers + Blades	800 – 1,200	Annually
AC Gas Top-up	1,000 – 1,500	3–4 years or if cooling drops

Estimated 5-Year Ownership Cost (Excluding Insurance/EMI)

Expense Category	Total Estimate (₹)
Annual Servicing	₹25,000–₹30,000
Tyres (1 replacement)	₹18,000
Battery (1 replacement)	₹5,000
Misc. Repairs & Parts	₹10,000–₹15,000
Total (approx.)	₹58,000–₹68,000

Notes:

• AMT variants may have higher clutch actuator service costs post 50,000 km.
  
• Hyundai’s service network is strong, and parts are relatively affordable compared to rivals in this segment.
  

Upgrades for Used Hyundai Exter

Buying a used Hyundai Exter doesn’t mean you have to settle for stock features. In fact, it’s one of the most mod-friendly compact SUVs in its price bracket. With a few well-planned upgrades, you can improve driving comfort, aesthetics, and even resale value.

Infotainment & Connectivity Upgrades

• Touchscreen Upgrade: If you’ve bought a lower variant (EX/S), you can install a 7″ or 8″ aftermarket infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. Brands like Blaupunkt and Sony offer models starting from ₹10,000.
  
• Rear Camera Setup: Essential for urban driving. Can be retrofitted with a basic screen-camera kit for ₹3,000–₹5,000.
  

Tyre & Alloy Wheel Upgrades

• Upsizing tyres (from 175/65 R15 to 185/65 R15 or 195/60 R15) can:
  
  • Improve road grip
    
  • Reduce cabin noise
    
  • Enhance stance
    
• Cost: ~₹18,000 for a new set of 4 tyres
  
• Alloy wheels (from OEM or third-party brands like Neo or Plati) start at ₹18,000–₹22,000
  

Lighting Enhancements

• LED headlamp bulbs: Brighter and more energy-efficient than halogens; easy retrofit for ₹2,500–₹3,000
  
• Ambient lighting strips inside the cabin can add a premium feel, especially for night drives
  

Comfort & Interior Add-ons

• Seat Covers: Tailored faux leather or fabric covers available from ₹3,000–₹7,000
  
• Steering Wheel Wraps: PU leather grips improve handling feel (~₹800–₹1,500)
  
• Sunblinds / Window Curtains: Great for hot regions; clip-on options available under ₹1,000
  

Protection Upgrades

• Underbody coating: Especially useful if the vehicle is from a coastal or high-humidity area (~₹1,200–₹1,800)
  
• Paint protection film (PPF) or ceramic coating for long-term exterior shine (~₹8,000–₹15,000)

Summary

The Hyundai Exter may be one of the newest entrants in India’s compact SUV space, but it has already earned a solid reputation for being feature-loaded, city-friendly, and highly practical. For buyers eyeing a used Hyundai Exter, the market offers excellent options that balance affordability with a premium driving experience.

Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve covered:

• Best Age to Buy: 1–2-year-old models offer the best value with significant depreciation already absorbed but with modern features still intact.
  
• Top Variant Pick: The SX (O) Connect hits the sweet spot for most buyers, offering premium features without the top-end price tag.
  
• Fuel Type Comparison:
  
  • Choose Petrol for better performance and overall convenience.
    
  • Opt for CNG if you have high daily usage and want long-term fuel savings.
    
• Ownership Costs: Expect around ₹60,000–₹70,000 in maintenance costs over 5 years (excluding fuel, insurance, and EMIs).
  
• Upgrades: Whether it’s infotainment, tyres, or seat comfort, the Exter offers multiple options for customization—even in used condition.
  

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone looking for a reliable secondary car, a used Hyundai Exter is worth considering—provided you do your homework, verify service records, and choose the right variant and fuel type.

FAQ About Used Hyundai Exter