Most Reliable Second Hand Cars Under ₹5 Lakhs in Delhi & Kolkata

For families in Delhi and Kolkata, the ₹5 lakh budget in the used car market is a practical number. It’s enough to buy a dependable car without stretching finances, but the focus has to be on reliability and long-term ownership costs. Buyers don’t just want something cheap; they want a car that will start every morning, survive crowded city roads, and not surprise them with expensive repairs.

Delhi offers the advantage of a huge pool of options, while Kolkata demands cars that can handle humid weather, narrow lanes, and monsoon seasons. Keeping both cities in mind, here are some of the most reliable second-hand cars under ₹5 lakh in 2025.

1. Maruti Suzuki Celerio

The Celerio has earned its following on account of its simplicity. It is powered by the K10 engine that has proven to be reliable and it delivers fuel economy that few cars in this range can touch. Real-world mileage hovers in the 15–19 kmpl in city use. It is a light-steering car with a simple cabin. All in all, it is an easy-to-service car that families in Delhi and Kolkata can get by on. Service bills rarely cross ₹4,000 a year for general maintenance.

2017–2019 petrol models are widely available under ₹5 lakh, and the option of AMT variants is also valued by buyers, making it a convenient choice for city use.

2. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

The Wagon R has created a reputation for pure practicality. This old-school gem is particularly famous among families, and the space makes it a standout option for households looking for a dependable pre-owned ride. Maruti's K-series petrol engines under the hood have a long history of running more than 1 lakh kilometers when serviced regularly.

In Delhi, 2018–2019 models with decent odometer readings are priced somewhere between ₹3.5–4.5 lakh, while in Kolkata, prices trend slightly lower. Service bills usually stay below ₹4,000/annum, and spares are available almost everywhere, and that is why it remains a market leader in this segment every year.

3. Hyundai Grand i10

The Grand i10 is a strong option for those who want something a little more plush on a budget. The petrol engines in Hyundai are smooth and durable, and the diesel models give it an added efficiency in case you prefer travelling longer distances. The other point of interest is cabin quality, which is better put together than most hatchbacks at this price point.

Buyers should keep an eye on clutch condition before purchasing the Grand i10 vehicles that are used in urban traffic most of the time. Routine maintenance costs usually stay around ₹3,500 per year and with a vast number of dealers in Delhi and Kolkata, hassle-free maintenance is guaranteed. Under ₹5 lakh, you won’t have much trouble finding 2017–2019 petrol Grand i10s with less than 70,000 kilometers on the odometer.

4. Maruti Suzuki Ignis

For buyers who want something a little more distinctive, the Ignis stands out without asking them to compromise on reliability. Built on Maruti’s Heartect platform and powered by the familiar 1.2-litre petrol engine, it is both efficient and durable. Owners have consistently recorded reliable performance with only a few complaints, such as interior rattling in older models.

The attractive thing about the Ignis is that it provides ease of ownership that comes with Maruti in a slightly more premium package than the Alto or Wagon R. Routine service usually stays between ₹4,000–₹5,000 a year. In Delhi, you can find plenty of options, with Ignis used cars in Delhi from 2018–2019 model years priced between ₹4.2–₹4.8 lakh. The supply in Kolkata is thinner, but a used Ignis in Kolkata still falls within the same price range.

5. Honda Amaze

It is hard to imagine a sedan below 5 lakh that ticks the reliability box, yet the first-generation Honda Amaze petrol does exactly that. Its 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine is as dependable as they come, and the car has a bigger boot and more rear seat comfort than most hatchbacks in this price range.

Buyers must avoid higher-mileage diesels as they may prove costly to maintain, but the petrol versions are a safe bet. The average service costs are slightly higher at around ₹7,500-9000/annually. In Delhi and Kolkata, 2015–2017 petrol Amaze models are available at slightly under 5 lakh.

6. Tata Tiago

The Tata Tiago has gained a cult-like following thanks to its solid construction and 4-star safety rating. It is not flimsy like some of its competitors, and its highway stability is a step higher than most budget hatchbacks. The petrol motors are simple and dependable, but older AMT models may feel jittery in traffic.

Service costs typically sit around ₹4,500–₹5,000 per year, which is pretty competitive, like with many small cars from Maruti. In Delhi, petrol versions of the Tiago with approximately 50,000 kilometers are priced at about ₹4.5 lakh. The pricing is comparable in Kolkata.

7. Hyundai Santro

The name ‘Santro’ has always been linked with dependability, and the last-gen model (launched in 2018) continues that legacy. Compact on the outside but surprisingly roomy inside, it fits urban life in Kolkata’s lanes as easily as Delhi’s traffic.

The 1.1-litre petrol engine is simple but refined, and ownership costs average around ₹4,000–₹5,000 per year. Most examples under ₹5 lakh are 2018–2019 models with 40,000–60,000 kilometers, which makes them newer than many other options in this list. Spares and servicing are easy through Hyundai’s widespread network.

Summary

For buyers in Delhi and Kolkata, sticking to reliable second-hand cars under ₹5 lakh is about choosing proven engines, low maintenance, and easy service access. The Maruti Wagon R remains the all-time dependable family hatchback, while the Hyundai Grand i10 is the refined one that does not sacrifice reliability. The Ignis brings a slightly premium edge with Maruti’s trust, and the Tata Tiago adds safety to the mix.

Models such as the Maruti Celerio and the Hyundai Santro emphasize how even small vehicles can provide reliable ownership when chosen right. They are both efficient and easy to run in crowded city conditions. Collectively, this list of vehicles proves that ₹5 lakh is enough to get a dependable, family-friendly car that will not empty your wallet on upkeep.