Used Cars Under ₹7 Lakhs with Low Maintenance Cost

For most Indian car buyers, ₹7 lakh is that sweet middle ground where options really open up. It’s enough to stretch beyond entry-level hatchbacks but still tight enough to demand value in every rupee spent. Within this range, you’ll find everything from city-friendly compacts to family sedans and even a few compact SUVs. But the purchase price is just one part of the story. A car that looks like a bargain can quickly bleed you dry if its upkeep is expensive. This is where focusing on used cars under 7 lakhs with genuinely low maintenance costs makes all the difference. 

Not only do you save upfront, but you also keep ownership predictable in the long run. Maruti’s wide service network, Hyundai’s reliable engines, Tata’s longer service intervals, or Renault’s cheap spares, each manufacturer has its own strengths that can tilt the scales. We’ll cut through the noise and list out second hand cars under 7 lakhs that bring in affordability with peace of mind, making them smart long-term bets for Indian roads.

How to Spot a Truly Low-Maintenance Car?

Low maintenance is not about skipping services or driving until parts give up: it’s about predictability. used cars under 7 lakhs that are cheap to maintain usually share a few common traits: strong engines that don’t give trouble easily, spare parts that are affordable and widely available, and service networks that don’t make you travel across town every time something goes wrong.

But here’s where buyers often trip: not every running cost counts as “maintenance.” Tyres, batteries, wipers, even accidental repairs, these are not regular bills. What really defines a low-maintenance car is the fixed, scheduled costs you can plan for, such as the yearly services, oil changes, and filter replacements. If those are light on your pocket, you’re already winning. And when you’re considering second hand cars under 7 lakhs, this predictability becomes even more important, because an older car with irregular bills can turn ownership from convenient to stressful overnight.

1. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: ₹15,000 for 5 years

For buyers who just want a no-nonsense commuter, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 still delivers one of the lowest ownership costs in India. Its small 1.0L petrol engine is efficient and simple, which means fewer moving parts and lower service bills. A typical annual service for a 2020 model rarely crosses ₹3,000–₹3,500 if you stick to authorised service centres. Even if you end up replacing common items like brake pads or filters, parts are cheap and available at every corner garage.

Another plus is fuel efficiency. The Alto K10’s 24+ kmpl figure means you spend less on petrol compared to most rivals. Add Maruti’s massive service reach and you’ll hardly ever worry about waiting for spares. Among used cars under 7 lakhs, the Alto K10 is one of the easiest to keep in shape, especially if you’re new to car ownership.

Key Specifications

• Engine: 998cc, 3-cylinder, petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed manual / AMT 
• Maximum Power: 66 bhp 
• Peak Torque: 89 Nm 
• Fuel Efficiency: 24.49 kmpl (P, MT) 

• Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG

   

Key Features

• Compact, city-friendly dimensions
• Service cost of around ₹3,000–₹3,500/year

• High fuel efficiency keeps running costs low

   

2. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: ₹18,000 for 5 years

The Maruti Wagon R is a household name in India, and for good reason. It combines space, practicality, and one of the lowest upkeep costs in the hatchback segment. Service expenses for a used Wagon R average ₹3,500–₹4,000 a year, thanks to Maruti’s affordable consumables and low labour charges. Even bigger replacements like tyres or a battery won’t sting too much compared to premium hatchbacks.

What makes the Wagon R stand out among second hand cars under 7 lakhs is its versatility. The tall-boy design gives you excellent headroom and boot space, making it family-friendly without raising ownership costs. Long-term reliability is well proven too, as many Wagon Rs have comfortably crossed 1 lakh km with just routine maintenance.

Key Specifications

• Engine: 998cc, 3-cylinder, petrol / 1,197cc, 4-cylinder, petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed manual / AMT 
• Maximum Power: 66 bhp / 88.5 bhp
• Peak Torque: 89 Nm / 113 Nm 
• Fuel Efficiency: 24.35 kmpl (P, MT) / 23.56 kmpl  (P,MT) 

• Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG

   

Key Features

• Average service cost: ₹3,500–₹4,000/year
• Proven reliability and resale value 

• Spacious cabin for small families

   

3. Maruti Suzuki Swift: ₹17,000 for 5 years

The Maruti Suzuki Swift has always had a reputation for being fun to drive, but what often seals the deal for buyers is its affordable upkeep. A well-kept used Swift costs roughly ₹3,500–₹4,500 a year in routine servicing. Even if you add in wear-and-tear replacements like brake pads or wipers, the bills stay easy on the pocket.

Its 1.2L petrol engine is reliable and known to deliver excellent mileage of over 20 kmpl if driven sensibly. Plus, Swift parts are everywhere. Whether you stick to Maruti workshops or prefer a trusted local garage, you’ll never struggle for availability. Among second hand cars under 7 lakhs, the Swift is one of the most value-packed options because it combines style, fuel economy, and low running costs.

Key Specifications (Fourth-Gen)

• Engine: 1,197cc, 4-cylinder, petrol

   

• Transmission: 5-speed manual / AMT
   
• Maximum Power: 88.5 bhp
   
• Peak Torque: 113 Nm
   
• Fuel Efficiency: 22.38 kmpl (P, MT)
   

• Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG

   

Key Features

• Service cost: around ₹3,500–₹4,500/year
   
• Sporty handling with strong resale value
   

• Easy access to spares and service nationwide

   

4. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: ₹16,000 for 5 years

Hyundai cars are often seen as slightly pricier to maintain than Marutis, but the Grand i10 Nios is an exception. For a 2020 model, annual service costs hover around ₹3,200–₹3,500, which is very competitive. Hyundai also offers the first couple of services with reduced labour costs, bringing the early years’ expenses even lower.

The Nios also feels more premium inside compared to cars like the Alto or Wagon R. Yet, spares like filters, brake pads, and wiper sets remain reasonably priced, so you don’t end up paying a “premium” in upkeep. It’s a sweet spot in the used cars under 7 lakhs category, which is stylish, comfortable, and easy to own without stretching your service budget.

Key Specifications

• Engine: 1,197cc, 4-cylinder, petrol
   
• Transmission: 5-speed manual / AMT
   
• Maximum Power: 82 bhp
   
• Peak Torque: 114 Nm
   
• Fuel Efficiency: 20.7 kmpl (P, MT)
   

• Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG

   

Key Features

• Annual service cost: ₹3,200–₹3,500/year
   
• Modern features like touchscreen infotainment in higher trims
   

• Reliable engine with good resale demand

   

5. Hyundai Aura: ₹18,500 for 5 years

The Hyundai Aura is the sedan sibling of the Grand i10 Nios, and it makes a strong case for buyers who want a compact car with more boot space and presence without stretching the budget. On the used market, it sits comfortably in the bracket of used cars under 7 lakhs, which makes it one of the most practical second-hand sedans you can pick today.

Maintenance is straightforward and light on the pocket. With scheduled service intervals of 10,000 km, owners usually spend around ₹3,700 a year on upkeep. The first couple of services often cost less due to reduced labour charges, so expenses remain manageable. Spares like filters and brake pads are widely available, and Hyundai’s dense service network ensures you don’t end up hunting for parts. Tyre replacement and battery changes follow the same cycle as other budget-friendly sedans, which means no sudden surprises for regular upkeep.

Hyundai Aura Key Specifications

• Engine: 1,197cc, 4-cylinder, petrol
   
• Transmission: 5-speed manual / AMT
   
• Maximum Power: 82 bhp
   
• Peak Torque: 114 Nm
   
• Fuel Efficiency: 20.7 kmpl (P, MT)
   

• Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG

   

Hyundai Aura Key Features

• Premium interior design with ample space
   
• Service cost averages ₹3,700/year
   
• Boot space makes it more versatile than hatchbacks
   

• Backed by Hyundai reliability

   

6. Renault Kwid: ₹17,000 for 5 years

The Renault Kwid has built its name as one of the most affordable small cars to buy and run in India. Its SUV-inspired stance, touchscreen features in higher trims, and low ownership costs make it a popular choice among buyers looking for used cars under 7 lakhs that don’t feel stripped down.

One of the strongest draws of the Kwid is its maintenance cost. Renault offers 10,000 km service intervals and the first three services typically have waived labour charges, which keeps the yearly average around ₹3,400. Parts like filters and wiper blades are inexpensive, and even clutch replacements tend to cost less than bigger hatchbacks. Fuel efficiency is another plus, with real-world mileage hovering close to its claimed 22 kmpl.

Renault Kwid Key Specifications

• Engine: 999cc, 3-cylinder, petrol
   
• Transmission: 5-speed manual / AMT
   
• Maximum Power: 67 bhp
   
• Peak Torque: 91 Nm
   
• Fuel Efficiency: 21.7 kmpl (P, MT)
   

• Fuel Type: Petrol

   

Renault Kwid Key Features

• Compact yet SUV-inspired design
   
• Average maintenance cost of ₹3,400/year
   

• The first three services often come with free labour

   

7. Nissan Magnite: ₹17,500 for 5 years

The Nissan Magnite is one of the most budget-friendly compact SUVs in India, and even in the used car market, it offers excellent value. A 2020 Magnite costs around ₹3,200–₹3,600 a year in regular servicing for the naturally aspirated petrol engine. The turbo-petrol version is slightly higher, closer to ₹4,000 annually, but still within reach compared to other SUVs.

Because it shares a lot of components with Renault models, parts availability is decent and costs are controlled. Owners appreciate that even though it’s an SUV, its upkeep is not much higher than a hatchback. For buyers scanning used cars under 7 lakhs, the Magnite stands out because you get SUV looks and practicality without overspending on maintenance.

Key Specifications

• Engine: 999cc, 3-cylinder, NA / turbo petrol
   
• Transmission: 5-speed manual / CVT
   
• Maximum Power: 72 bhp / 100 bhp
   
• Peak Torque: 96 Nm / 160 Nm
   
• Fuel Efficiency: 18.75 kmpl (NA, MT)
   

• Fuel Type: Petrol

   

Key Features

• Annual maintenance: ₹3,200–₹4,000
   
• Compact SUV design with affordable upkeep
   

• Good feature list for the price

   

8. Tata Punch: ₹24,000 for 5 years (75,000 km)

Launched as Tata’s answer to the micro-SUV trend, the Tata Punch quickly became a favourite. A 2020 Punch averages ₹4,500–₹5,000 in annual service costs. Tata’s service intervals are usually set at 15,000 km, which means fewer trips to the workshop for high-mileage users. On a per-km basis, that makes it one of the more efficient cars to maintain in this price bracket.

Safety is another strong point. The Punch scored 5 stars in Global NCAP crash tests, making it one of the safest options among second hand cars under 7 lakhs. Pair that with low ownership costs and widespread Tata workshops, and the Punch is a balanced choice for those who want SUV styling but still want to keep expenses under control.

Key Specifications

• Engine: 1,199cc, 3-cylinder, petrol
   
• Transmission: 5-speed manual / AMT
   
• Maximum Power: 86.6 bhp
   
• Peak Torque: 115 Nm
   
• Fuel Efficiency: 20.09 kmpl (P, MT)
   

• Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG

   

Key Features

• Annual servicing: ₹4,500–₹5,000
   
• 5-star safety rating with SUV-like stance
   

• Longer service interval (15,000 km) saves cost for frequent drivers

   

9. Honda Amaze: ₹27,500 for 5 years

The Honda Amaze is another sedan that finds a spot on this list because of its long-term reliability and decent service costs. A 2020 petrol Amaze costs about ₹5,000–₹5,500 per year in scheduled servicing, while the diesel variant can touch ₹6,000. Honda’s network may not be as vast as Maruti or Hyundai, but its workshops are still well spread across major cities and towns.

The Amaze appeals to buyers looking for a more “proper” sedan feel without stepping into higher costs. It’s comfortable, offers a reliable 1.2L petrol engine, and is known to age well. For those considering used cars under 7 lakhs, the Amaze often appears as a balanced sedan choice with slightly higher maintenance than a hatchback, but with a more premium feel and added space.

Key Specifications

• Engine: 1,199cc, 4-cylinder, petrol
   
• Transmission: 5-speed manual / AMT
   
• Maximum Power: 89 bhp
   
• Peak Torque: 110 Nm
   
• Fuel Efficiency: 18.6 kmpl (P, MT)
   

• Fuel Type: Petrol

   

Key Features

• Annual servicing: ₹5,000–₹6,000

   

• Spacious sedan with Honda reliability

   

• Petrol CVT option for smooth city driving

   

Typical Costs for Popular Used Cars Under ₹7 Lakhs 

You can find many options when looking at used cars under 7 lakhs. Here is how they stack up against each other: 

Summary

If you’re looking for used cars under 7 lakhs, you don’t have to compromise between affordability and reliability. Maruti models like the Alto K10, Wagon R, and Swift offer the lowest long-term costs thanks to cheap spares and the biggest service network. Hyundai cars such as the Grand i10 Nios and Aura bring style and practicality with still-manageable upkeep. The Tata Punch and Nissan Magnite add SUV flavour while keeping expenses close to hatchbacks. Meanwhile, the Honda Amaze stands out as a comfortable sedan with the brand’s proven reliability.

In short, whether you’re looking at second hand cars under 7 lakhs for daily commuting, family use, or a feature-loaded hatchback, this budget bracket has plenty of low-maintenance options that will stay easy on the pocket year after year.