As more and more people look at used cars in the wake of the exorbitant new car prices, the prices of used cars in India seem to exceed in speed than the period rise in new car prices. This is despite the fact that interest rates on funding availed for used cars is often much higher than what is availed for new cars. 

Despite the used car interest rates above 12-13 percent as compared to new car interest rates, which are in the region of six to seven percent, many used car buyers of vehicle that are less than four years of age are opting for finance as they find these vehicles of better value, mentioned an industry source. 

They seem to be less deterred by the fact that used car prices are rising faster than the new car prices owing to the fact that there is more demand than supply in the case of some of the fast-moving models, he added 

With the festive season a month or two away, automakers are busy working on new, exciting cars and SUVs. They are unveiling them in the run up to a commercial launch around Dusshera. 

Another round of price hike is expected at that time in the case of new cars, the source claimed. It is usually the third quarter when the automotive market experiences good traction, he informed. 

On the used car front, monsoon is a dull season followed by an exciting festive season. What is however surprising is the amount of price movement in the used car market in the monsoon season. There is a good deal of volatility in the used car market, mentioned an owner of a used car showroom in Mumbai. 

Good cars bought just before Covid-19 or after it are starting to visit the used car market but their supply – that of some models – is far less than the demand. This is leading to higher asking rates for them at used car outlets. The ripple effect is, cars in the same segments or even others see a demand and hence a price increase as buyers turn their attention to them, he explained. 

If the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI is maintaining its price in the used car market closer to the new car price, consider the 2019 petrol Polo on sale at a used car dealership in central region of Mumbai. At a dealer with good capital investment and years of experience in this business, albeit at the unorganised end of the market, the respective car with about 39,000 km on the odometer is priced at INR 550,000. 

A 2019 petrol Polo with the same colour and the same trim level is priced at INR 500,000 with a used car dealer in Than. It is run 27,000 km and is also a first owner vehicle.

The trend indicates market volatility and also highlights the unorganised nature of the used car market. Prices here are subject to what is available in the market in what quantities and how or what kind of demand there is for those models in the market. 

In the last few weeks, I have observed that the used car market has steadily move up in terms of the prices of cars it sells. It seems to rise faster than the prices of new cars are rising at this moment in time. 

For those who seek their first set of wheels are keen to polish their driving skills, there are hardly any cars that cost less than INR 100,000. Those that are available are either third or fourth owner ones. They come across as either abused or on an extended lease of life post the fifteen-year period. In Delhi NCR, the rule that petrol cars of more than 15 years of age and diesel cars of more than 10 years of age cannot ply in the respective region means used car prices are higher. The balancing bit is the total car parc in that region. 

Citing the example of a first owner 2009 Toyota Corolla Altis with about 120,000 km on the odometer priced at roughly INR 160,000 with a dealer in a Mumbai suburb, a source aware of how the automotive market functions, showed the same being advertised by another used car dealer in the same suburb at INR 225,000! How can a price rise of the same car rise like this in a week’s time? he questioned. 

Terming such developments and the high prices quoted by organised players such as CARS24 or Spinny for the cars that offer an indication of demand outpacing supply, the source mentioned that there is an amount of volatility in the market and it would serve to look for a good car, get it checked thoroughly and exercise a lot of patience to get a good deal. 

Referring to reports by some organised players in the used car market stating that the first quarter of the current fiscal has seen good traction as salaried professionals in bigger and smaller cities turn to used cars after getting a bonus or an increment, the source averred that they ought to be careful when making such a purchase. 

A limited information about a car on the used car market or the lack of transparency of the dealer offering it, are some the big risks involved, he quipped. Irrespective of whether the used car outlet belongs to an organised player or is a stand-alone unorganised enterprise, the risk of buying a used car pertains to the credibility of such a business, how sincere the dealer is in stating information about the car, its papers and service history. In the case of high value purchases, many buyers are known to arrange for a check-up with the dealership to get a good idea about the ‘real’ condition of the vehicle at a certain fee. 

But at the lower price band of the used car market, such a facility is often not available. While entities like Zekardo offer new car inspection and report in view of the investment being made, there is none who could di the same in the used car market. 

With prices moving up smartly – a 2006 WagonR of good condition is priced at INR 140,000 by a dealer in Mumbai – in the used car market in India even for cars that are over 15 years old and leading their first, second or even third ‘green tax extension, the market does look to be quite volatile and overpriced. 

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German automotive luxury brand BMW India and BMW Motorrad India have opened pre-orders for the ‘100 Jahre Nurburgring’ edition vehicles to mark the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Nurburgring racetrack in 2027.

The limited collection includes five BMW M car models – the BMW M2 Coupé, BMW M3 Sedan, BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M5 Sedan and the BMW M5 Touring – alongside the BMW M 1000 R motorcycle. The release marks the entry of the BMW M5 Touring into the Indian market.

The edition models feature specific paint finishes in Nurburgring Green and Sapphire Black metallic with green accents, incorporating the ‘100 Years’ logo, Nurburgring since 1927 lettering and the Nurburgring circuit outline.

Exterior details include carbon fibre roofs, model-specific graphics and green wheel accents across select models, while the M5 Touring features a steel roof with custom stripes. Interior specifications across the car lineup include black leather with green and white stitching, door sills, carbon fibre trims, M Carbon bucket seats with individual upholstery, and an M Alcantara steering wheel with a 12 o'clock marker.

The BMW M 1000 R motorcycle features a painted fuel tank with the Nurburgring outline, an airbox cover with ‘one of 100’ numbering, carbon wheels with green accent stripes, an Alcantara seat with embroidered ‘100’ logos and black components for the rear swingarm and frame.

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Honda Cars India (HCIL), one of the leading manufacturers of passenger vehicles in the country, has announced its wholesales for September 2026.

The company reported total sales of 6,955 units, down 16 percent YoY, as compared to 8,296 units sold for the same period last year.

In the domestic market, the company sold 4,465 units, down 19 percent YoY, as compared to 5,503 units sold a year ago. On the exports front, the company shipped 2,490 units, down 11 percent YoY, as compared to 2,793 units last year.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, We are pleased to see positive sales momentum for the Honda City and Honda Amaze during the month. We are also gearing up for the launch of new Elevate, which will further strengthen our SUV offering with a refreshed and enhanced package. With the festive season underway and an exciting product introduction ahead, we look forward to building stronger momentum in the coming months.”

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported its best-ever monthly wholesale performance of 32,017 units in September 2026, representing a 41 percent increase compared to 22,700 units sold last year.

For Q3 of CY2026, the company recorded sales of 89,259 units, reflecting a 38.5 percent growth over 64,443 units for the same period last year.

In terms of YTD (January – September 2026) cumulative sales reached 253,008 units, marking a 22.5 percent increase from 206,582 units reported during the corresponding period in 2025.

Kia India attributed the robust performance to healthy demand across its portfolio incuding Seltos and Sonet models, alongside contributions from the Carens, Carens Clavis, Clavis EV, Syros EV and Sorento, which is offered in diesel and hybrid powertrain options. The company's powertrain options now span petrol, diesel, CNG, hybrid, and electric configurations across its product range.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, "Our strong performance in September and across the third quarter reflects the continued trust of our customers and the strength of Kia’s evolving portfolio. The Seltos and Sonet continue to be key contributors to our growth, while the strong response to the Sorento and Syros EV reinforces our strategy of expanding into new segments and powertrain categories in line with evolving customer aspirations. As mobility needs become increasingly diverse, we are focused on providing meaningful choice across conventional, CNG, hybrid and electric powertrains, supported by ownership solutions that address real customer needs. We remain committed to building on this momentum through distinctive products, advanced technologies and differentiated experiences designed around the needs of Indian customers."

At present, Kia India operates a retail and service network comprising 915 touchpoints across 425 cities, alongside 137 certified pre-owned outlets across the country.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported its total wholesales of 28,218 units in September 2026, comprising 25,027 units sold in the domestic market and 3,191 units exported.

For the YTD period (January – September 2026), the automaker reported cumulative total sales of 294,914 units, representing an 8 percent increase compared to 272,824 units sold last year.

Domestic sales for the 9-month period rose 9 percent to 269,619 units, up from 247,081 units in the previous year, while exports reached 25,295 units, compared to 25,743 units a year ago.

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President of Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "September witnessed continued customer interest across segments, supported by our focus on quality, durability and reliability. As we enter the festive season, we remain committed to strengthening customer engagement and working closely with our dealer partners to deliver enhanced mobility experiences and address evolving customer needs."

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