Kolkata is a city that is always on the move and the city has historically relied on public transport for this purpose. However, with its growing population and continuously evolving road network, people now want to own their own cars. This is where the used car market comes into play, offering an easy way into vehicle ownership.
And, in case you’re planning on trading in your existing car and use the proceeds to fund the purchase of your next car in Kolkata, it might be a good idea to understand what your car is worth. Most people planning to sell their car begin by checking market trends, browsing prices of similar models online, or using a reliable used car valuation tool to get a fair estimate.
But what exactly are Kolkata folks looking for when buying a used car? The answer lies in a blend of practicality, shrewd financial sense, and a strong emphasis on reliability.
Practicality Over Flashy: The Kolkata Ethos
The people of Kolkata are driven by practicality. The city’s often congested roads, narrow lanes, and the need for easy manoeuvrability means that compact and efficient vehicles are highly desirable as second cars in Kolkata. Such a focus on practicality translates directly into a preference for hatchbacks and compact sedans for used car buyers in Kolkata. Furthermore, smaller cars are easier to park, another big problem in the bustling city.
While SUVs are growing on Kolkata folks, especially for families that frequently travel together, the sheer volume of hatchbacks dominating the used car sales charts in Kolkata speaks volumes about the city’s practical mindset. Buyers are not only looking for a vehicle that fits their lifestyle, but the city’s unique driving conditions as well.
Efficiency Over Performance: Battling the Fuel Bill
Fuel prices are a constant concern for vehicle owners across India, and Kolkata is no exception. Furthermore, the cost of fuel in Kolkata is on the higher side compared to other parts of the country. This makes fuel efficiency a big deciding factor among used car buyers in Kolkata. A car that sips fuel, rather than chugging it, can directly translate into lower running costs.
Furthermore, Kolkata drivers spend a lot of time in bumper to bumper traffic, and prefer a car that can crawl at a snail’s pace and still remain efficient. While diesel might be more efficient at highway speeds, it is petrol that offers better efficiency in stop and go traffic. Thus, it is not unusual to see people preferring a used petrol car in Kolkata compared to a diesel one.
Maintenance Cost: The Silent Wallet-Watcher
The initial cost and fuel efficiency of a car is one thing, however, folks in Kolkata rarely let their guard down when it comes to saving the overall cost associated with their car. They also factor in the long-term maintenance cost and it is a critical factor for used car buyers in Kolkata. A car that is affordable to buy but expensive to maintain can quickly become a financial burden.
Once again, the advantage of petrol over diesel plays an important role here, as petrol cars are cheaper to maintain. Furthermore, cars with a history of reliability and affordable spare parts are given preference. In general, Kolkata buyers opt for cars that have a full service history attached to them, and avoid complex cars such as turbocharged petrol engines which can lead to hefty maintenance or repair bills.
Trust in Maruti Suzuki: A Legacy of Reliability
When it comes to the used car market in Kolkata, Maruti Suzuki reigns supreme and this trust in India’s leading car maker is not accidental. Used car buyers in Kolkata give great preference to reliable and durable vehicles. Furthermore, as we mentioned earlier, practical, efficient and low maintenance cars are sought after in the used car market. One car maker that does manage to combine all these traits is Maruti Suzuki. In fact, the Indian car maker leads with a 35.2 percent share of all used cars sold in Kolkata in 2024.
Models like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Wagon R, and Alto are consistently popular in the used car market of Kolkata. Their vast numbers on the road also contribute to the perception of reliability and ease of ownership. Furthermore, due to their enduring popularity and reliability, Maruti Suzuki cars tend to hold their value exceptionally well among the used cars in Kolkata. This is a significant advantage for buyers who might consider upgrading their vehicle in the future.
CNG Isn’t Widely Used: Petrol and Diesel Remain Kings
Despite offering a lower running cost, the proliferation of CNG vehicles in the used car market is on the lower side in Kolkata. Used car buyers in the city continue to opt primarily for petrol and diesel cars, with CNG cars making up a small fraction.
A major reason is that urban areas of Kolkata don’t have too many CNG pumps. Furthermore, with traffic snarls already an issue, waiting in line at a pump is something that is not acceptable for a majority of Kolkata citizens. Lastly, CNG cars aren’t expected to maintain their resale value as well as petrol and diesel buyers. While this narrative has been changing throughout the country to the widespread availability of factory fitted CNG kits, the narrative around CNG still remains bleak in Kolkata.
As a result, while new CNG car sales might be seeing a slight uptick, the used car market firmly remains dominated by petrol and diesel vehicles, reflecting the current realities of convenience and infrastructure in the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, buying a used car in Kolkata is a pragmatic decision driven by necessity and a desire for sensible ownership. Kolkatans prioritise vehicles that are affordable, fuel-efficient, easy to maintain, and backed by a reputation for reliability. While personal preferences for features and body styles exist, the overarching theme remains a search for a dependable, cost-effective, and practical mode of transport that seamlessly integrates into the city’s unique rhythm.