Rs 8 lakh budget: Safe & fuel-efficient car options for daily commutes

We have a preference for an automatic transmission and are open to considering even pre-owned cars.

BHPian iamitp recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello fellow BHPians,

I am in search of a car that suits my family’s needs, and I would highly appreciate your valuable suggestions.

Our requirements are as follows:

• The primary usage will be for daily commutes between Delhi and Greater Noida, along with city driving. We do not have any plans for outstation trips with this vehicle.
• My father will be the primary driver, while my mother will be a regular passenger.
• The car should be easy to access for both entry and exit. Though my father doesn’t have any mobility issues, we would like a car that is convenient for them to use. Additionally, it should have ample storage space for groceries and other items, as my parents frequently shop and shuttle around.
• Fuel efficiency is essential, as the car will be used for daily commutes.
• We have a preference for an automatic transmission.
• Safety is a priority, and we would like the car to have an Android Auto-compatible infotainment system. My father isn’t overly concerned with additional features and technology, but basic comfort is necessary.
• The car should be affordable and easy to maintain, with low service costs.
• We are open to considering pre-owned cars as well, as long as they meet our requirements and offer the best value for our budget. We currently own a Creta DCT, which can be used to supplement the new car when needed.

Thank you in advance for your recommendations and insights!

Here’s what BHPian Aakash118 had to say about the matter:

Since the car is gonna be city driven only, an EV makes sense, pick between Tiago EV & Nexon EV depending on budget. If you don’t want to go for an EV, consider Sonet D AT. It also matches most of the requirements.

Here’s what BHPian drsachin had to say about the matter:

Sir, I think you are out of luck, especially in the present times. There are not many safe cars in the sub 8 Lakh bracket which has automatic transmission too. Even the pre-owned car market is on fire and priced atrociously. Still, I would like to give some suggestions.

Look for a pre-owned Toyota Yaris, 4th generation Honda City, Ford Ecosport.

I specifically suggested Toyota Yaris for a reason. It fits all your requirements. It’s a safe car most variants have 6 airbags as standard. Although not crash tested in India but outside India NCAP results have been good. You may also find some variants with both front and rear parking sensors.

Toyota Yaris had far better build quality than Honda City, so even a high mileage car would not rattle or may not require much work on a pre-owned car. It’s fuel efficient and being a Toyota would be reliable too.

Somehow sedans are not much in demand and Toyota Yaris as a product failed big time in India, so even in the pre-owned market their prices are not too atrocious. You may be able to find a 2018/2019 Toyota Yaris CVT for 7 to 9 Lakhs.

You will need to change the Head unit to an aftermarket one for Android Auto for another 10-20,000. The 2020 model I think had Android Auto.

Here’s what BHPian DCEite had to say about the matter:

Please get the TATA Punch.

It’s 5-star GNCAP, reasonably decent engine and performance, and reliability is generally good with the tried and tested Revotron too.

Ease and egress is very good too.

Only grouse is the Automatic comes in AMT avatar, so if you are ok with AMT (please ask your dad to test drive AMT on the Punch extensively first), go with it.

Otherwise, if AMT is out of your radar, you need to go for Amaze CVT.

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