Low-budget used manual diesel sedan to replace my old Maruti Alto

Some of the few cars that I have in mind are Hyundai Elantra, Verna, VW Vento, Skoda Rapid and Chevrolet Cruze.

BHPian aryannzx recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello, I am Aryann and I am currently completing my bachelor's degree in Automobile Engineering from Punjab and live in Mohali.

I am looking to buy and replace my current daily driver which is a 2010 Maruti Alto LX. I also own a 2021 Kia Sonet 1.0L Turbo Petrol but it is currently with my dad who lives in Jaipur.

Now I have my eyes on a few models and have a rather small budget but need your help in deciding on which to go for.

Just for your information, I am looking for a Diesel Sedan with a Manual transmission, I do not prefer Automatic and Petrol but it is not a deal breaker for me whereas the Sedan part is, I do not want a Hatchback or an SUV or a coupe or anything. I want a proper sedan with a good boot (preferably 400L+) and good leg space in the 2nd row.

Now with that out of the way I will share the few models I have in mind (these are not specific listings just model names).

Hyundai Elantra 2013-2015

This is my most preferred model out of all as I personally love the looks and it almost ticks all the boxes. Now I have a question for all you enthusiasts - Is the 1.6L Diesel variant of this car limited to 3000rpm? I have recently driven a 2013 Fluidic Verna which shares the same engine and it is limited to 3000rpm.

Volkswagen Vento & Skoda Rapid 2014-2019

No specific problem with these as both are pretty good models. Slightly smaller than Elantra though but covers up in performance. But they are expensive these days.

Hyundai Verna 2016-2019

Overall a very very good car and would've been top of my list if it wasn't costing upwards of 8 Lakh rupees in my area. Same question for it - is it limited to 3000rpm?

Chevrolet Cruze 2013-2016

Ahh the Diesel Rocket, My father used to adore this car back when Chevrolet was still here but as of now, these are harder to find and even though I do not have an issue with the whole service part of this car I doubt that good condition models would be available in my area for a price I can afford.

I am still doing my due diligence in this process but I have to replace my car in the coming month or 2 as my Alto is not holding up well and keeps needing repair work which I do not want to spend my money on as it is not fast or comfortable enough to me. My last request is that I want to know places where all of you (from Punjab and Haryana) buy pre-owned vehicles as I haven't had great success in finding used car websites or places other than the ones that are popular and overpriced.

Thank you for reading. Drive Safe.

Here's what BHPian mayankk had to say about the matter:

Look for deals in Delhi. The vintage you're looking for is close enough to the death knell for Delhi cars.

Here's what BHPian SixPistons had to say about the matter:

Rightly put @mayankk.

One man’s tragedy is another man’s opportunity is perfectly summed up when it comes to Delhi’s deathbed for cars.

Plenty of Vernas and Rapids should be on sale of that spec. Elantra and Cruze will be hard to find, might need to look a bit harder, maybe some dealers might be able to source one.

Here's what BHPian IshaanIan had to say about the matter:

If diesel is actually what you desire then why aren’t you considering a Laura/Jetta or an Octavia? The VW auto group didn’t go through diesel gate for nothing; their diesel mills are arguably the best (Hyundai’s are even more refined and impressive however 1.6 liter motor in the Elantra feels small). If you’re lucky you might even come across a 1.4 TSI Jetta or Octavia if you’re into considering a petrol.

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