Need to buy a used luxury car for Rs. 22 lakhs

I drive alone most of the time, I dont want a big car.

BHPian somebodystopme recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

The cars that have been shortlisted to replace my 2013 Skoda Superb TSI 1.8 are as below:

• Mercedes GLA
• Mercedes CLA
• BMW 3 Series or GT
• Audi A4 (New shape)
• Jeep Compass 2020
• Audi A6 (Matrix)

Shortlisting decision has been based on first and foremost my choices, secondly its has to be petrol and third, compact with big engine.

I drive alone most of the time, I dont want a big car. With Superb, it felt like carrying a spare sofa most of the time. But on other hand, 1.8 TSI has spoiled me to core. The rush you get when you floor the pedal on Skodas is superb. Lastly, I am used to and can get any luxury car repaired cheaply in Delhi.

The car I so desire is 320i but I am not sure if I can get one with low odo and not more than 3-4 years old in my budget. My friend sold his 2016 GT for 22L a few months ago (I know I missed it), but similar cars are listed at 30-32L on carwale, etc.

I need help with understanding how used car market prices work. What all can I get in this budget. There's a huge disparity between what price I feel a car should be and what carwale shows. I need a fun to drive car above anything and a little snob value too.

Audi A4 is second in my list. But again not sure if I can get the newer model in my budget. Older one I tried didnt feel much different from my Superb in terms of interior cabin.

GLA and CLA make it to this list because its a Merc, compact, big engine, definitely within my budget and easy to repair from outside.

I love the shape and interiors of new Jeep Compass although I am not an SUV guy but highly doubtful of its paltry 1.4 petrol engine.

Also enters the list is Audi A6 Matrix. My one question is can outside number plate diesel car run in Delhi without any issues post 10 year mark?

My running is not more than 4-5K a year max. Please advice.

Here's what BHPian speedfreak77 had to say on the matter:

The Superb is a brilliant car and that 1.8 is an amazing engine indeed. It is a petrol so I would ask you to not retire it and wait till next year to buy that 3 Series which you desire in your price bracket.

If you want to buy a car right now, then you can easily get a 2017 A4 technology under 25L. It is a pretty car especially in the black when cruising in the night. The interior is fab and the car is good to drive. It's a VAG car so you cannot go wrong with it. It's also a host to a lot of features, especially that virtual cockpit which is mouthwatering.

I’d rather ask you to stay away from the Mercs you mentioned because they don’t feel like what a Merc should feel like. I think the Superb’s interior is better than these two. Mercedes cars give a special occasion when you sit inside them. These two feel cheap and are not VFM.

The Jeep is a good car but everyone in this forum will agree with me that buying that 1.4 petrol engine Jeep for that much money is not worth it. If you want a Jeep then you buy a diesel or you don’t buy it at all.

Yes diesel cars that are <10 years old are not allowed to run in Delhi anymore. The A6 Matrix came to the market in 2015 so if you buy one right now, you can easily drive it for 4 years which I think is a good run for your money. That A6 is probably one of the most handsome Audi’s ever made.

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

3 Series GT ticks all boxes in your case. It is actually something which most people forget when buying a used premium sedan for the truth to be said. As compared to the regular F30 3 Series, the GT offers crossover height seating comfort along with the sportiness of a sedan. Inside the cabin, it has right amount of space, and the ride quality is just superb. Unlike the C-Class and 3 Series, the GT delivers a much better design from a usability standpoint. Frameless side windows, pop-up rear spoiler, sporty old-school hand brake, etc are really gorgeous. Although the GT is not a popular choice among premium used car buyers, it is still a very practical option.

GLA and CLA doesn't even deserve to be considered as those cars have nothing valuable to offer other than its okayish driving dynamics. Their diesels are way too underpowered as compared to that of 3 Series. This sluggish diesel itself is a big turn off when one is spending that kind of money for a pre-owned car. Those are just some mediocre products targeted at some brand conscious people.

Current-gen A4 in its pre-facelift avatar had no diesel engine on offer. It came with the 1.4 TFSI + 7-Speed DSG combo instead. The small turbo-charged motor wasn't really impressive, and the gearbox is known for unreliability. Believe me, it can come nowhere close to your Superb in terms of performance and dynamics. This car has the advantage of looking clean and having a decent fuel efficiency. Buying an A4 will be like staying in a luxurious hotel and ordering the cheapest food to save a few hundred bucks.

Here's what BHPian CarMaster_059 had to say on the matter:

CLA and GLA are cheaply made entry level Mercs. Perhaps not well made mechanically and suffered from a host of reliability issues.

A4 again has a DSG gearbox. A reliability nightmare. Plus the 1.4 TSi offers paltry performance. If you want it, then look out for the latest one with a 2.0 TSI new or used. But then again the DSG gearbox stays the same.

Jeep is another car you should avoid if you are looking for an automatic. It too has a dry type dual-clutch transmission. Certainly the worst automatic type you can buy in India, reliability wise.

3- series/GT is a solid car. BMW engines can last long if properly taken care of (Not considering their 4.4 V8's though). The transmission too is ZF made. It's a good transimssion. But be extremely careful while checking all the electrical components of the car. That's exactly where Beemers trouble you the most.

I'd personally choose a C-Class. Not as engaging as a Beemer but it has good performance and a very exquisite cabin. Aftersales is better too.

But amongst the cars you've shortlisted, 3/GT is the one to go for.

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

Given your low running, I would wholeheartedly recommend going for a pre-owned 3 or 3GT, whatever you can find in your budget. If you would like to retain Superb like comfort and practicality levels, then the 3GT should be your pick, otherwise go for the 3 series for sheer driving pleasure.

As a 320i owner myself, I couldn't have been happier with my purchase but I would strongly recommend going for a 330i/328i unless you don't mind filling up on XP95 daily.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.