Budget 5 lakh: Need a used fun to drive car for a first time buyer

My friend looking to get his first four wheeled companion. He is interested in a fun to drive car.

BHPian subie_socal recently hared this with other enthusiasts.

Hey there fellow BHPians!

I'm posting this on behalf of my friend, who is also a BHPian (but rarely visits). So he's looking to get his first four wheeled companion. He is interested in a fun to drive car, and is going the used route to save some pennies (and is dissatisfied by the current offerings). There are only few conditions:

• Fun to drive.
• Should be easy on pocket.
• Good mod potential.
• Budget is under 5 lakhs.
• Preferably something between MY 2011-2014.

The options that came to my mind were Polo, Swift (diesel) and Figo (diesel).

I am also ready to include your suggestions.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Truly. If hatchback, then the Polo is just perfect with its enthusiast engine options, timeless styling & solid build. 2nd, safer choice = Swift.

If open to others, a late model Honda Civic. Still looks good, very mod friendly, among the best hydraulic steering setups sold in India and a rev-happy engine. These cars go cheap because of poor demand.

Here's what BHPian revsperminute had to say on the matter:

3rd gen Honda City with a manual box. That car has so much character. 7k RPMs, sorted dynamics, Honda reliability. You’ll easily find mint examples for ~5 lakhs.

If in doubt, let me tell you about the 7k redline again haha.

Here's what BHPian GForceEnjoyer had to say on the matter:

As much I'd love to recommend the Figo, Ford having exited India makes the "easy on the pocket" criterion that much harder to meet.

A third-generation Honda City as suggested above would be a great idea and also my first choice. Another option could be a Maruti SX4. The 1.6 litre petrol was quite punchy according to what I've heard and the dynamics do not disappoint either.

Here's what BHPian Jangra had to say on the matter:

My vote goes for Polo Diesel, their petrol pre 1.2TSI isn’t an ebthusiast choice. Diesel has a credible name in the community. Also if you go for manual, there wouldn’t be any DSG threat. Plus, it’s mod friendly. patience is the key to find a best deal for a perfect car in the pre worshipped route.

Happy shopping.

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