Second-Hand Hatchbacks Under ₹4 Lakhs Worth Buying

Budget hatchbacks remain the most popular entry point into car ownership in India. As a matter of fact, in 2024 alone, over 50% of all used-car sales in India came from hatchbacks. With the new car prices climbing steadily, the sub-₹4 lakh used-car space has become a sweet spot for buyers who want a practical, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-maintain vehicle.

In 2025, you’ll find plenty of options in this bracket, from newer entry-level models to slightly older but tougher cars. This guide lists the best second hand hatchbacks under 4 lakhs explaining which are the top models worth considering, what each car brings to the table, and what kind of buyer each model is most compatible with.

1. Maruti Suzuki Celerio (Model Year: 2015–2019)

The Celerio was India’s first hatchback to popularise the AMT gearbox, giving budget buyers the convenience of automatic driving without a premium price tag. What makes it a solid buy today is its tried-and-tested 1.0-litre K10 petrol engine, excellent fuel economy, and Maruti’s unmatched service reach. For city users or families upgrading from a two-wheeler, the Celerio offers just enough cabin space and reliability to make daily commutes fuss-free.

Why it stands out in the used market is simple: it’s cheap to run, easy to resell, and parts are available everywhere. The AMT is a bit jerky compared to a full automatic, but for stop-and-go traffic, it does the job. And since most used Maruti Celerio models fall under 4 lakh in 2025, it’s a budget-friendly route to owning a car that won’t drain your pockets on maintenance.

Quick Facts 

• Typical Price Range in 2025 (Used): ₹2.2–3.8 lakh
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 3600 x 1600 x 1560 mm
• Mileage (ARAI): 23.1 km/l (petrol MT/AMT)
• Transmission Options: 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT
• Who it’s good for: First-time car buyers, city commuters, budget-conscious families
• What to check: Variant with airbags, AMT smoothness on test drive, clutch wear on high-mileage manuals

2. Hyundai Santro (Model Year: 2018–2021)

When Hyundai revived the Santro in 2018, it packed more space, better refinement, and even modern features like a touchscreen system in higher trims. On the used market today, you’ll find plenty of these cars in the ₹3–4 lakh band, making it one of the more “modern-feeling” hatchbacks you can buy in this budget.

The Santro is very family-friendly, with its tall-boy design, rear AC vents that are rare in this segment, and Hyundai has a good reputation in terms of after-sales. The 1.1-litre petrol motor is smooth and efficient, and it returns approximately 20km/l according to ARAI. The safety rating  (2 stars GNCAP) could be better, but the combination of comfort, features and usability in the city makes it a highly balanced used hatch.

Another factor in its favour is Hyundai’s strong parts support, despite the model being discontinued in 2022. That means owning a used Hyundai Santro in 2025 is still practical in terms of maintenance.

Quick Facts

• Typical price range in 2025 (used): ₹3.0–4.0 lakh
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 3610 x 1645 x 1560 mm
• Mileage (ARAI): 20.3 km/l (petrol MT)
• Transmission Options: 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT
• Who it’s good for: Small families wanting space, buyers looking for modern features on a budget
• What to check: Variant’s safety kit (airbags), clutch wear on manuals, overall service history

3. Datsun GO / GO+ (Model Year: 2017–2021)

The Datsun GO may not have set sales charts on fire, but in the used market, it has one big advantage, which is affordability. With Nissan supporting spares and service even after Datsun’s exit, this hatchback has become a real bargain in 2025. You’ll often find 2017–2020 models between ₹2–3.5 lakh, which makes it one of the lowest-cost ways to get into car ownership.

The GO is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that feels spirited enough for city runs and offers mileage close to 20 km/l (ARAI). Its cabin is basic, but surprisingly spacious for this segment, which makes it a decent fit for buyers who want more interior room than an Alto or Kwid. Safety in early models was poor, but later trims came with airbags, so choosing the right variant is key.

For buyers scanning the market for second hand hatchbacks under 4 lakhs, a used Datsun GO delivers unbeatable purchase price and running economy, as long as you’re comfortable with its no-frills approach.

Quick Facts

• Typical price range in 2025 (used): ₹2.0–3.5 lakh
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 3788 x 1636 x 1507 mm
• Mileage (ARAI): Approx 19.8 km/l (petrol)
• Transmission options: 5-speed manual
• Who it’s good for: Budget-first buyers, first-time owners needing more cabin space at a low cost
• What to check: Airbag-equipped trims, suspension wear, and signs of fleet usage

4. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso (Model Year: 2019–2022)

Introduced as a “mini-SUV” for city buyers, S-Presso has a small size with a high seating position that makes it an easy car to manoeuvre in traffic. Early models from 2019–2020 are now priced between ₹3.2–3.9 lakh, keeping them well within reach for budget-conscious buyers. Its 1.0-litre petrol motor is economical and supported by the massive service network of Maruti, hence the running costs are among the lowest in the category.

The cabin is upright and tall with better visibility than most of the hatchbacks in this price bracket. Space for four adults is moderately comfortable and higher trims have touchscreen infotainment and safety features such as ABS with EBD. As the S-Presso has scored poorly in crash tests, it is wise to choose a model that has airbags. 

For those interested in second hand hatchbacks under 4 lakhs that still feel relatively new, a used Maruti S Presso can provide a combination of eccentric design, SUV-like posture and the peace of mind that comes with owning a Maruti.

Quick Facts

• Typical price range in 2025 (used): ₹3.2–3.9 lakh
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 3565 x 1520 x 1553 mm
• Mileage (ARAI): 24-25 km/l (petrol)
• Transmission options: 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT
• Who it’s good for: City drivers wanting SUV-like seating, young buyers seeking a modern entry hatch
• What to check: Variant with airbags, AMT smoothness in traffic, overall service records

5. Ford Figo (Model Year: 2015–2018)

The Ford Figo is one of those hatchbacks that never sold in huge numbers but earned a cult following among people who love driving. Even in the used market, it’s praised for its sharp steering, planted ride, and powerful 1.5L diesel engine that could return 20+ km/l on highways. Petrol versions are also great and both come with a level of road stability you rarely get in this budget.

With Ford’s exit from India, prices have gone down, making 2015–2017 models available for ₹2.7–3.9 lakh in most metros. That makes it one of the best value-for-money buys if driving experience matters to you. Support is still available through Ford’s authorised service partners, so parts and upkeep aren’t as difficult as many assume.

For enthusiasts browsing through second hand hatchbacks under 4 lakhs, used Ford Figo models are arguably the most rewarding behind the wheel, provided you don’t mind sticking with a brand that’s no longer selling new cars in India.

Quick Facts 

• Typical price range in 2025 (used): ₹2.7–3.9 lakh
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 3886 x 1695 x 1525 mm
• Mileage (ARAI): 18–20 km/l (petrol), 25.8 km/l (diesel)
• Transmission options: 5-speed manual
• Who it’s good for: Enthusiasts who value driving feel, highway commuters wanting diesel efficiency
• What to check: Clutch and suspension wear, authorised service availability in your city

6. Renault Kwid (Model Year: 2016–2021)

The Kwid shook up the entry-level segment when it arrived in 2015 with SUV-like styling, a touchscreen system, and digital instrument cluster, all at hatchback money. In the used market, 2016–2020 models are commonly listed for ₹2–3.7 lakh, which makes it one of the most affordable ways to get a stylish and feature-loaded car in this budget.

Engine options include the frugal 0.8-litre and the more capable 1.0-litre petrol.. The Kwid’s compact footprint makes it ideal for crowded city roads, and the higher ground clearance compared to rivals is a bonus for bad roads. Build quality isn’t the strongest, so checking for rattles or accident repairs is important, but as a package, it offers more “wow” factor than many rivals at this price.

For buyers chasing second hand hatchbacks under 4 lakhs with modern features and SUV-inspired design, a used Renault Kwid remains one of the most rewarding options in 2025.

Quick Facts

• Typical price range in 2025 (used): ₹2.0–3.7 lakh
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 3731 x 1579 x 1490 mm
• Mileage (ARAI): 21-22 km/l (petrol 1.0L), 25 km/l (petrol 0.8L)
• Transmission options: 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT (1.0L only)
• Who it’s good for: City drivers wanting stylish looks, buyers needing features at low cost
• What to check: Variant with airbags, suspension wear, steering play on higher mileage cars

7. Tata Tiago (Model Year: 2016–2018)

The Tata Tiago stands out in the under-₹4 lakh used hatchback space thanks to being one of the few cars in its range that delivers genuine safety, solid build quality, and feel. With 2016–2018 petrol variants now falling in the ₹3.2–4 lakh range, the Tiago gives buyers access to modern styling, a well-damped ride, and excellent NVH levels, which is rare in older hatchbacks.

It also brings 4-star adult safety from Global NCAP, making it one of the few in the segment with meaningful crash protection. The 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine delivers around 23.8 km/l ARAI and decent grunt. Highway cruising is smooth, city drive is effortless, and the cabin does not feel cramped.

If safety, comfort, and modern usability rank high on your list, a used Tata Tiago is a standout pick among second hand hatchbacks under 4 lakhs and more so if you are looking for a family car. 

Quick Facts

• Typical price range in 2025 (used): ₹3.2–4.0 lakh
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 3767 x 1677 x 1535 mm
• Mileage (ARAI): 23.8 km/l (petrol, manual)
• Transmission options: 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT (in some variants)
• Who it’s good for: Small families, safety-conscious buyers, city + occasional highway commuters
• What to check: Electrical glitches (early cars), service history, tyre condition

8. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R 1.0 (Model Year: 2014–2018)

With over 6% market share in the used hatchback segment, the Wagon R consistently ranks among the hottest used hatchbacks across India. It's often one of the most searched-for second hand hatchbacks under 4 lakhs because it is super practical, easy to maintain, and highly affordable even today. 

Older 2014–2018 Wagon Rs, such as the 1.0-litre petrol versions, fall around ₹2.5–3.8 lakh depending on condition. The car is tall, upright, and maximises cabin space, so family comfort is solid. Ride quality is soft but comfortable within the city. If you’re after a no-frills, family-friendly hatch with strong resale and low upkeep, used Maruti Wagon R models are a top performer in every category from cost to convenience.

Quick Facts 

• Typical Price Range (2025): ₹2.5–3.8 lakh
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 3665 x 1620 x 1675 mm
• Mileage (ARAI): 24-25 km/l (petrol)
• Transmission Options: 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT (newer versions)
• Who it’s good for: Families, first-time buyers, buyers needing CNG kits, city drivers seeking space
• What to check: Suspension wear, CNG conversion health (if applicable), service history

Checklist Before Buying Second-Hand Hatchbacks Under ₹4 Lakhs

When searching the market for second hand hatchbacks under 4 lakhs, make sure you do not simply stop at the asking price. The following are what you will have to check:

• Service Records: Full service history is a must. Avoid cars with inconsistent records or frequent garage visits.
• Ownership Count: Stick to cars with fewer owners. A single-owner vehicle is always a safer choice.
• Mileage vs Age: A 6-year-old hatchback with 35,000 km will be a better bargain than a 3-year-old with 90,000 km.
• Safety Kit: Airbags and ABS were variant-dependent in many models. Confirm before finalising.
• CNG Conversions: In models such as Wagon R, CNG kits should be checked because improper fittings may interfere with the performance and safety of the car.
• Authorised Check: Get an inspection done by a mechanic or opt for a certified sale platform to avoid post-purchase surprises.

Summary

The used-car market in India is buzzing in 2025 and these models prove that a small budget does not mean small value. From the fuel-efficient Maruti Celerio and the feature-rich Santro, to quirky options like the S-Presso and spacious choices like the Wagon R, each of these hatchbacks offers something unique.

Ford Figo and Tata Tiago stand tall for enthusiasts and safety-focused families, while the Renault Kwid delivers modern features even in the entry space. Simply put, the right second hand hatchbacks under 4 lakhs can be more dependable, fun, and feature-packed than many brand-new cars in the same budget.

If you’re ready to make the jump, CARS24 has one of the biggest inventories of verified and pre-inspected used hatchbacks under ₹4 Lakhs with added warranties to give you peace of mind and save you hours of second-guessing in dealer yards.