Platforms that Offer the Most Value to Used Car Buyers in Chennai
Chennai, known as the ‘Detroit of India’, is home to a large proportion of India’s automobile market. Housing major manufacturing plants for Hyundai, Citroen India, etc, Chennai is a leading auto market. For first-time buyers in Chennai, used cars have become exceedingly mainstream, with around 6.1% of total used car sales coming from there.
Major Used Car Players in Chennai
The increasing demand for used cars has given rise to multiple used car platforms, each with its own set of benefits for first-time used car buyers.
Cars24
Cars24 boasts a huge inventory of used cars from various makes and models, largely thanks to the combined business model of a marketplace cum D2C platform. Their tailored service offerings augment peace of mind, backed by CARE+ extended warranty plans that provide coverage on the maximum number of parts, for up to 3 years or 45,000 km (more than any other player in the market), including added benefits like roadside assistance, annual service plans, and assured buyback. Cars24 is the only player in the market offering extended warranty plans across all inventory cars, along with those bought from verified individual sellers, extending peace of mind to every kind of buyer.
Spinny
Spinny is another major name in the used car market today, with decent offerings that are intended to help used car buyers with their ownership life cycle. Service offerings such as a 5-day return policy, in tandem with warranty plans of up to 3 years (or 36,000 km), enable used car buyers to stay on the road confidently. However, unlike Cars24, their extended warranty plans do not span across all inventory vehicles, meaning that ‘Budget’ segment cars often lose out, and are limited to a mere 6 months of warranty.
Maruti Suzuki True Value
Maruti Suzuki True Value is another leading player in the used car market. Their offerings include a 1-year warranty and certified used cars that undergo digital inspections to help buyers with used car ownership. However, there is a limitation on inventory, since the platform mainly sells used cars from its own brand.
Mahindra First Choice
Mahindra First Choice offers a variety of makes and models, paired with used car certification through inspections, and a 1-year warranty; however, it is not as comprehensive as the other players, limiting the convenience and peace of mind. However, many still do opt for this platform, as it is physically present in many cities, helping sales through outlets.
Detailed Comparison of Used Car Platforms in Chennai
|
Category |
CARS24 |
Spinny |
True Value |
Mahindra First Choice |
|
Inventory |
Offers an extensive selection of verified pre-owned vehicles from multiple brands. Cars are sourced from inspected inventory, authorised dealers, and private sellers, ensuring a large variety for different buyer needs. |
Showcases a curated range of budget-friendly and certified pre-owned cars exclusively from their own stock, spanning several makes and models. |
Primarily features pre-owned Maruti Suzuki cars, making the collection brand-specific and limited to its own lineup. |
Provides a vast and diverse inventory of multi-brand used cars sourced from certified dealers and franchise partners across India, catering to a broad spectrum of customer preferences. |
|
Inspection |
Each car undergoes a rigorous physical inspection covering 300+ parameters, including mechanical, electrical, and structural checks. Cars listed by individual sellers can also be inspected for a small fee. |
Employs a detailed 200-point physical inspection process that evaluates crucial components like the engine, transmission, and suspension systems. |
Conducts a digital 376-point inspection focusing on vehicle condition, service history, and key component performance. |
Performs a thorough 140+ point inspection conducted by trained professionals, ensuring transparency through detailed vehicle reports and certification under the “AutoInspect” program. |
|
Home Test Drives |
Available in multiple Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities, allowing customers to schedule convenient home test drives nationwide. |
Provides doorstep test drives for added comfort and convenience. |
Offers test drives only at authorised True Value outlets, requiring customers to visit the showroom. |
Home test drives are available in select cities through franchise partners, offering flexibility and convenience to buyers. |
|
Return Policy |
Allows returns within 30 days, the longest return periods in the pre-owned car industry. |
Offers a 5-day money-back guarantee for customer satisfaction. |
Does not provide any return or refund policy for purchases. |
Provides a 5-day or 500 km return guarantee under select certified programs, ensuring peace of mind for buyers. |
|
Warranty Options |
Includes a standard warranty, with optional extended plans covering up to 3 years or 45,000 km. Known for the widest coverage and mileage benefits in the market. |
Comes with a standard warranty and an extended plan for up to 3 years or 36,000 km, available only for Assured+ vehicles. |
Offers a basic 1-year warranty without additional coverage options. |
Delivers a standard 1-year warranty with the option to extend coverage up to 2 years through Mahindra Certified programs. |
|
Financing Options |
Provides financing solutions for both inventory and seller-listed cars, with flexible EMI plans and loan tenures extending up to 6 years. |
Financing options available through partnered lenders. |
Financing support available through Maruti Suzuki’s in-house and partnered banks. |
Comprehensive financing solutions through Mahindra Finance and other banks, featuring low EMIs and quick approvals. |
|
RC Transfer |
Facilitates end-to-end RC transfer for its own listings, with paid assistance available for seller-listed cars to simplify ownership transfer. |
Handles RC transfers as part of its purchase and delivery process. |
Manages RC transfers for cars purchased through authorized True Value channels. |
Offers complete RC transfer and documentation support through its dealer network, ensuring hassle-free ownership transitions. |
|
Additional Services |
CARE+ packages include extended warranty, 24x7 roadside assistance, annual maintenance, and assured buyback at no extra charge. |
Provides roadside assistance (RSA) and warranty services for selected cars. |
Does not offer additional post-purchase services. |
Offers 24x7 roadside assistance, insurance renewal, and buyback programs under Mahindra Certified, adding value to ownership. |
