Want an MPV-like car for 2-2.5L in Chennai: What are my options?

By Pune Media On Jun 16, 2025

Reasonable expense for maintenance is fine.

BHPian scopriobharath recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Looking for suggestions for a low-cost car for usage in Chennai city. My requirements are below.

It must be petrol only. I am not looking at Diesel/LPG/CNG/Electric.
I have a budget of 2 lacs or less plus an additional 50,000 for any immediate repairs/maintenance.
Reasonable expense for maintenance is fine
Prefer an MUV/Van/SUV – dont want to crouch and sit, like in an M800 or Zen or similar.
Must be a TN registered car only, as I want to avoid hassles with inter-state transfers.
AC is a must as TN is hot throughout the year.
Happy to buy a shoddy car and get is restored as well. Example – happy to buy an omni for 40,000 and get it restored for another 1,00,000.

Below are the options that I have narrowed down, Please help with suggestions. Please feel free to suggest something over and above this as well

1. Maruti Omni

Pros:

Sliding doors make it a breeze to open in tight space
Low maintenance on the pocket, even at MASS

Cons:

Only second hand available
Unsure about part availability in future, especially engine block and other bits.
Safety and stability issues

Queries:

Already posted in the Omni AC thread about installing an AC in the Omni
Can we install power steering on an Omni and if yes, what will be the cost
Can we upgrade to 13 inch and 165 XX profile tyres without the tyre sidewalls rubbing against the body while turning?

2. Maruti Eeco

Pros:

Sliding doors make it a breeze to open in tight space
Low maintenance on the pocket, even at MASS
Factory fit AC model available
Spares must be easy as this is still an active product.

Cons:

Taxi Image
Safety and stability issues

3. Gen-1 CRV

Pros:

Honda Brand
CRV is a luxury product in India
Factory fit AC model available

Cons:

Spare availability is a questions
Spares may be expensive
Used examples have a mileage of 1,50,000 kms.

4. Gen-1 Renault Duster

Pros:

Duster was a huge success
SUV Image
Factory fit AC model available

Cons:

Spare availability for a 2012 model is a grey area
Renault service in Chennai is bad
Known problems with thermistor in the duster’s AC.
Expensive to maintain

5. Old Gypsy

Pros:

It is an icon
SUV Image
Turns heads even today
Go anywhere capability

Cons:

Used Gypsy is exorbitantly priced in TN
No factory AC
Bad ride quality
Many M.A.S.S dont accept older Gypsy for routine service

6. Nissan Evalia/ Ashok Leyland Stile

Pros:

used car is cheap as chips
high seating position
Easy to Maintain

Cons:

Underpowered
Spares availability is a question

7. MM540/MM550/CJ3B/Willys/Classic/Major/Gurkha/Toofan/Trax

Pros:

Turns heads even today
high seating position
go-anywhere capability

Cons:

AC Fitment is a challenge. Not sure on feasibility
Spares availability is a question
No A.S.S availability. Dependent on FNGs only.

8. Sumo/Qualis/Enjoy/Tavera/Safari/Scorpio/Bolero/Commander/Xylo

Pros:

Easily available
high seating position
can be serviced anywhere anytime

Cons:

AC Fitment is a challenge. Not sure on feasibility
Spares availability is a question
Dependent on FNGs only.
Manoeuvrability and parking seven seaters is a pain in the neck in Chennai city

9. Venture

Pros:

Easily available
high seating position
can be serviced anywhere anytime
Factory AC available

Cons:

Spares availability is a question
Share Auto look.
Don’t know if Tata still supports the Venture through the T.A.S.S

If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Here’s what GTO had to say on the matter:

2 to 2.5 lakhs isn’t too much money today, especially if you want to avoid the low seating cars. That being said, a budget is a budget and must be adhered to .

I am thinking of cars that will serve you well for city use, be relatively fuss-free to own and with taller (or tall’ish) seating.

Get the best WagonR you can find. Also consider the Kwid (but ages very fast and will have niggles), Eon (not that tall a seat though – great pricing in used markets), or even a clean Nano like this one. As a city car, all of these cars (including the Nano) will be far, far superior to old Omnis, Mahindras & Tatas.

Avoid old Dusters and CR-Vs. One big repair and it’ll completely throw your budget out of the window!

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

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