Autocar India
12h

Is it an intelligent decision to go for a 2nd hand Citroen C5 Aircross diesel, a 2022 model that has run around 45,000 km and is available for Rs. 11 lakh, or should I go for a second-hand Toyota Fortuner, a 2019 model that has run around 98,000 km and is priced at Rs. 25 lakh? I am looking for good driving comfort as well as strong pickup. Which would be the better choice?

Verified
3m

Go for the used Citroen C5 Aircross diesel at Rs 11 lakh. It is the better fit for your priorities. The C5 Aircross is one of the most comfortable SUVs in its segment, with a genuinely plush ride and a refined diesel engine that offers strong mid-range performance and good highway manners. At 45,000 km and as a 2022 model, it is still relatively fresh, and you are getting a lot of car for the money.

The Toyota Fortuner is a different proposition altogether. It is a rugged, reliable workhorse with excellent resale value and a reputation for longevity, but at 98,000 km and Rs 25 lakh, you are paying a significant premium for that reliability. It is also not as comfortable or as refined as the C5 Aircross, especially on long drives. The ride is firmer, and while the engine is strong, the overall driving experience is more utilitarian than premium.

If your priorities are driving comfort and good pickup, the C5 Aircross is the smarter choice. The only caveat is Citroen's smaller service network than Toyota's, so make sure you have a service centre reasonably close by. If you are looking for a long-term ownership proposition with minimal hassle, the Fortuner still makes sense, but for your requirements, the C5 Aircross is the more intelligent decision.

Citroen C5 Aircross

Citroen C5 Aircross

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

More posts on similar cars

2d

My budget is Rs 15-18 lakh, and I am currently considering three options: the Kia Seltos HTK(O) IVT, Hyundai Creta S(O) IVT and Tata Sierra Adventure DCT, mainly because it offers a 360-degree camera. I am a relatively new driver, so ease of driving, visibility, parking convenience and overall practicality are important to me. At the same time, I want good real-world mileage because most of my driving will be in the city. I have already test-driven the Creta S(O) IVT and really liked how it drove. However, I have heard that its real-world mileage may not be particularly impressive. Considering my requirements, which of these three would you recommend as the best overall choice? My priorities are: easy and confidence-inspiring for a new driver, good real-world mileage, reliable automatic transmission, 360-degree camera or good parking assistance, comfortable for city driving, and good long-term ownership experience. I am particularly confused between the Creta and Seltos IVT, while the Sierra DCT is tempting mainly because of the 360-degree camera. Which one would you choose in my situation, and why?

Verified
3h

Go for the Hyundai Creta S (O) IVT. It is the best fit for your requirements as a new driver. The IVT automatic is smooth, reliable and easy to drive in the city, and the Hyundai Creta offers good visibility, a comfortable driving position and a well-balanced ownership experience.The Kia Seltos HTK (O) IVT is mechanically very similar, but the Creta is the better value package. Moreover, the Creta is slightly smaller and offers better visibility, making it easier to drive and manage for a relatively new driver.The Tata Sierra Adventure DCT is tempting with its 360° camera, but the DCT gearbox is not as well suited to city driving as the IVT, nor is it as efficient. Between the Creta and Seltos, it's quite close, but we'd recommend the Hyundai for its slight advantage in ease of driving.

VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleTata Sierra

Popular discussions right now

4d

I am planning to buy a new car under 20-25 lakh for the next ten years. I have considered two cars Seltos DCT GTX(A) and Kushaq 1.5 Monte Carlo DSG but am afraid of the mileage and if I go with an EV, I am afraid that infrastructure will not be that good. I drive daily for 10-15 km and take 2-3 trips in a year on highway. Should I buy the car now or wait for Seltos Hybrid? Will it cost an additional 2-3 lakh or will it be value for money for my driving. Should I consider another car?

Verified
3d

With a daily running of just 10-15 km and only a few highway trips a year, fuel efficiency and long-term reliability should be your top priorities. The Seltos DCT GTX+ and Kushaq 1.5 DSG Monte Carlo are both excellent cars, but their turbo-petrol engines and dual-clutch gearboxes are not the most efficient or the most stress-free choices for predominantly short city runs. The DCT/DSG gearboxes are at their best on open roads, and in stop-start city traffic they can feel a bit jerky and are not as smooth or as durable as a torque converter automatic over the long term.The Seltos hybrid is worth waiting for if you are not in a hurry. It is expected to be priced roughly Rs. 2-3 lakh above the equivalent petrol variant, and for your usage pattern it will make more sense than the turbo-petrol DCT. Hybrids deliver their biggest efficiency gains in city driving, and over a 10-year ownership period the fuel savings and smoother driving experience will more than justify the premium.If you want to buy now, the Kia Seltos IVT (naturally aspirated petrol with CVT) is the better choice for your usage. It is smooth, reliable and well suited to city driving, and you will not be paying a premium for performance you will rarely use. The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI with the torque converter automatic is another good option if you prefer a more engaging driving experience, but the Seltos IVT is the more refined and hassle-free choice.EVs are not the right fit for you at the moment given your concerns about charging infrastructure and your low daily running. The savings are not significant enough to justify the compromises.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleSkoda Kushaq
5d

I’m planning to buy my first car and would appreciate some suggestions. My budget is around Rs. 13-15 lakh ex-showroom, and I’m planning to register the car under the BH series. Safety is my top priority, so I strongly prefer a car with a 5-star safety rating, preferably from Global NCAP. An automatic transmission is a must. The car will mainly be used for weekend family trips and highway drives rather than daily commuting. Since it will be a family car, I’d prefer something that looks classy and elegant while offering good comfort. A premium-looking interior would be a plus, and features such as leather/leatherette upholstery and ventilated seats would be nice to have, but they aren't deal-breakers. At the same time, I don’t want a car that is purely comfort-oriented. I enjoy driving, so I’d like something with a good engine, enjoyable handling, and a fun-to-drive character. Good rear-seat comfort and reasonable luggage space for family trips would also be appreciated.

Verified
3d

Based on your requirements, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the recommendation. It strikes the right balance between safety, driving enjoyment and family usability. The 1.0 TSI engine is strong, the handling is engaging, and the car feels solid and confidence-inspiring on the highway. The interior feels premium, and while it may not be the largest in its segment, overall comfort is quite good. If you prefer the look of the VW Taigun, it offers largely the same experience as the Kushaq. The Renault Duster 1.3 DCT is also a strong alternative, offering excellent driving dynamics and a larger cabin. Overall, though, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the car that best aligns with your requirements.

VehicleSkoda Kushaq
VehicleVolkswagen Taigun
VehicleRenault Duster

Want to sell your car?

Sell your car at the right price, without the stress.

Posted on: 4 Sept 2026