My usage is 1,000 km a month. Please suggest whether I should go for a new car or a used one. My budget is less than 4 lakhs.

Autocar India

•39m

Go for the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong-hybrid automatic - it will cut your fuel use sharply, often doing 20-plus kpl in city traffic where the Astor struggles. The automatic is smooth and stress-free, and because the hybrid runs on electric power a lot in stop-and-go, you get far better mileage without changing your driving style. Size, space and comfort are close to your Astor, so the switch is easy.Two things to keep in mind: the hybrid costs more upfront than a regular petrol automatic, and the boot is smaller. Also, when you press hard, the engine sounds a bit loud, but in daily driving, it stays quiet and efficient. Toyota backs the hybrid battery well, which helps long-term peace of mind.If most of your running is highway, look at the Kia Seltos diesel automatic instead - it returns strong highway mileage and feels relaxed at speed.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

MG Astor

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•3h

Considering you bought the car for Rs. 8.5 lakh and have added another 20,000km to the odometer, a realistic selling price today would be slightly below what you paid for it, assuming the car remains in excellent condition.One reason for this is that resale values of older used cars have softened in recent years, partly because lower GST rates and aggressive discounts on new cars have narrowed the price gap between new and used vehicles. As a result, buyers today are less willing to pay a premium for older used cars than they were a few years ago.Unless the fuel bills are becoming a major concern, it would make sense to continue using the Elantra for a while longer. It is already through its steepest depreciation phase, remains a comfortable long-distance car and appears to be in good mechanical condition.If you're considering a move to a midsize EV, it may be worth waiting for the Tata Sierra EV, which is expected to be unveiled on June 30. It has the potential to be one of the most compelling options in the segment and could be worth evaluating before making a final decision.

Tata Sierra EV

Autocar India

•5h

The Skoda Kushaq or Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Automatic would be the top recommendations here.Since your usage is predominantly on highways, the strengths of these two SUVs align very well with your requirements. Both feel stable and confidence-inspiring at higher speeds, offer comfortable ride quality and have strong safety credentials. Their turbo-petrol engines deliver a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, while the new 8-speed automatic transmission should further improve efficiency and drivability. They also represent a substantial upgrade over the Wagon R in terms of refinement, comfort and long-distance cruising ability.Another strong option is the Honda Elevate CVT. It may not feel as sporty or engaging to drive as the Skoda and Volkswagen twins, but it excels in comfort, reliability and ease of ownership. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and proven, while maintenance costs are likely to be among the lowest in the segment.

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun

Honda Elevate

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R