Buying a used car under Rs 18 lakhs: Mercedes GLA or Audi Q3

I already have a 9-year-old BMW 5-series in the garage and am aware of the maintenance costs and pitfalls of having an old German in the stable.

BHPian wanderer007 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I am looking to buy a sensible second car for the household and am planning to go the pre-owned route.

Here is what I want for sure:

• Diesel Automatic
• High levels of safety
• Powerful AC
• Ease of drivability
• Compact vehicle - rear seat will rarely be used but when it is, it should be comfortable

Here is what I would like to have, but are not necessary:

• Sunroof
• Paddle shifters
• Good infotainment system
• SUV - for the ground clearance

Things that do not matter:

• Navigation system
• After Sales Service - Will be serviced at a reliable FNG - however, part availability does matter.

I already have a 9-year-old BMW 5 Series in the garage and am aware of the maintenance costs and pitfalls of having an old German in the stable.

I am willing to spend something in the Rs 15 - 18 lakh range and have shortlisted the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes GLA. I am willing to look at other options too, which at least meet my 'must have' criteria.

Also, are there any models, manufacturing years or variants that I should avoid in the Q3 and GLA that are known to be problematic?

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

I would personally go for the Q3. Better looking (I find the GLA to be too ugly), more presence, quite an all-rounder (other than the size). Get the workhorse 2.0 diesel and you're all set. In Mumbai, there will be ample choice of good independent workshops for maintenance.

Here's what BHPian Axe77 had to say on the matter:

I feel the X1 is a better option than both the GLA and the Q3. Do consider whether that is worth putting in the reckoning as well.

An older BMW will be easier to maintain than an older Audi (and to some extent also the GLA). The X1 will also likely feel just a smidgeon more in terms of presence as well as internal space to the other two options.

If it HAS to be only one of the two options you’ve listed, I guess the Q3 might be the better bet.

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

I would vote for the Q3 as well: biggest advantage being that you may be able to get a newer Q3 than GLA due to Audi's poorer brand leverage.

Parts shouldn't be an issue: the rare ones will entail a wait, the others will be easily available though, the Q3 should have an advantage here as the 2.0 TDi is fairly common across VWAG models.

If you can stretch your budget, I would look hard at the X1 as it is a newer gen vehicle at the end of the day.

However, current asking prices are ridiculous so do wait a few months before purchasing one, when the new model inventory & discounts pick up around / after Diwali.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.