Let’s be honest. The majority of us purchase a car and watch it lose value as years go by. Each scratch, each kilometer, each monsoon season is something lost. But what was that yet to be the story? What could happen is that the car in your driveway or one you can purchase today would be even more valuable in 2027? It sounds unlikely. However, in the Pakistani market today, it is taking place. Importation limitations, increasing costs of new cars, and decreasing quality used vehicles have reversed the script on some models. Not all used cars are only retaining their values but are also increasing.
Here is what you need to know before purchasing a used car.
Toyota Corolla XLi and GLi (2012 to 2018)
The Corolla does not require any introduction in Pakistan. It is the family car of the decade that has made its loyalty its savior, and this is what saves its resale value. But here something more particular is going on.
With Toyota fading out older versions and the new Corolla prices in excess of fifty lakh rupees, the difference between the cost of a good used Corolla and the amount people will pay is growing towards the seller. The present 2015 GLi, in good condition, which you can purchase now at approximately 20-25 lakh, would fetch an easy 27-30 lakh by 2027, unless the Japanese import quota on automobiles is removed.
Keep models that have real mileage, original paintwork, and a clean history. Also, make sure to get your car inspection done from FameWheels before purchase.
Suzuki Cultus VXR and VXL (2017 to 2021)
The Cultus has had a quiet revolution. This little hatchback became one of the most useful city cars in the country after Suzuki Pakistan relaunched it in 2017 with a modern body and more features. Economical, convenient parking, cheap to service, it ticks all the boxes for Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad traffic.
Here is the thing. Suzuki has had an issue with delivery and production schedules. New Cultus bookings come with long waiting periods. The buyer pressure is moving the used car market, and the demand is moving the prices upwards.
Honda City 1.3 (2009 to 2021)
One of those cars that just cannot grow old well is the Honda City. The 1.3 type is especially reputed to be reliable, and Pakistani customers attach great importance to this. Mechanics are familiar with it, spares are plentiful, and the fuel average is good enough that operating costs remain within reason.
The same thing pushing its future value up is the same thing pushing the Corolla, new Honda City prices have broken thirty-five lakh, and the used market is the only reality that middle-income buyers have. That continued demand helps older City models not to fall.
Toyota Vitz (2014-2017 Japanese Import)
The imports of Japanese cars have never fallen out of favor in Pakistan, and the Vitz is one of the most popular ones. Low mileage, high construction quality, small engine that runs efficiently instead of burning excessive fuel, just makes it a wiser choice to many buyers.
As the imported used cars have become harder to find due to the stricter government regulations on importing used cars, a well-maintained Vitz is becoming a luxury item. The two are rarity and demand, which is likely to push the prices in a single direction. When you come across a true low-mileage Vitz at twelve to fourteen lakh, keep it.
Conclusion
Purchasing used automobiles has been a matter of value. However, in the current changing auto market in Pakistan, the correct decision can not only save you money, but can actually make you money. The trick is to have the right cars to choose, to research them properly, and to hang on and leave the market to do the rest.
FAQs
The Toyota Corolla has never had a lower resale value in Pakistan. Since the demand remains high, and spare parts are easily accessible, it makes sense that it has the best resale value.
FameWheels provides used car inspection services, and it is the most famous platform in Pakistan. Do not risk a purchase before getting it inspected.
The overall effect of import restrictions, inflation, increased pricing of new cars, and long waiting lists in booking has all shifted more buyers to the used car market, heightening demand and prices.
FameWheels, a popular used car site in Pakistan, has thousands of confirmed listings, and the FameWheels app lets you search and compare cars anywhere.