Cheap thrills – Pre-Owned cars that help you arrive in style

Cars are often considered to be status symbols, and it won’t be wrong to say that they are an extension of the owner’s personality. Earlier, we listed a couple of used cars that offer the maximum performance for your money, now we are on a quest to find the cars that help you arrive in style. Here are five simple choices in a budget of around Rs 15 lakh (Delhi NCR prices).

Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen Beetle – the original people’s car – has, over time, evolved into an icon, has cult following, and is one of the few cars that stand out without trying too hard. The previous generation version is available for anything between Rs 10 – 15 lakhs, and most examples have a low mileage. The overly curvaceous body work might not suit everyone, but you can always lower the car, buy aftermarket rims and lower profile tyres, and you’re good to go.

 

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Toyota Fortuner

Based on the Hilux pickup, the Toyota Fortuner is no less a vehicle. Its road presence is comparable to vehicles twice its cost (and essentially the same size), it can handle off-roads well, and as far as making a statement goes, the Fortuner handles that very well. In around the same budget as the Beetle, you can get a well-kept example. The vehicle can be accessorised so you don’t have to worry about individuality or off-road capabilities, and with the almost ‘never say die’ mechanicals, you might just end up owing it for a longer period than you think.

BMW 3-Series

Gone are the days when to make an impression one needed a chauffeur, a longish saloon, and maybe a 3-piece designer suit. A well-maintained performance oriented saloon, a linen suit paired with a pair of Car Shoe or Tod’s, and a nice Rolex should do, in today’s day and age. And talking of performance saloons, what could be better than the previous generation 3-Series (E90). One of the straight six models (325i or the rarer but more powerful 330i) should do the job, while a set of exotic alloys will ensure that the car doesn’t look out of place for years.

 

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Audi A6

But if you want to go old-school, and jump from the driver’s seat to the more comfortable one in the rear, there’s the previous generation facelifted Audi A6 (codename C6). It still looks good while the competitors have started to look old. A well looked after example should set you back by about Rs 15 lakhs, but its built, brand value, and sure-footedness will never disappoint.

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Mercedes Benz A-Class

The A-Class might be the smallest Mercedes Benz you can buy in India, but it’s no small on style or features. You can get pre-owned examples for close to about Rs 18 lakhs, and for a hatchback that offers striking exterior and a high quality cabin, that’s almost a bargain.