Rs 18 lakh budget: Used MG Hector or new Hyundai Creta

The pre-owned Hector is a little big for my city roads. And I'm unsure about the Creta because, I think, it's built on the same platform that underpins the Kia Seltos.

BHPian akashgurnani recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi Guys, I have been reading lots of ownership reviews and posts by senior members here. It has brought a lot of insights to me in the car buying process.

I am looking for a safe, automatic car with a decent amount of features and interior quality. My budget is 18 Lakhs and can stretch up to 20 Lakhs on road. My monthly running will be about 600 km.

90% of my driving will be in the city. I have test driven Seltos, Creta, Taigun, Kushaq and Hector.

Here are my views on the cars mentioned above.

• I am not keen on Seltos due to safety.
• Taigun and Kushaq are good cars but interiors do not give a feeling of sitting in an 18 lakhs rupees car.
• Creta looks like a well-balanced car, maybe this is why it is the top-selling in the segment. But unsure as I think it is made on a platform that is being used in the Seltos.

I have also found a used Hector Sharp DCT 2019 model up for sale for 15.50 Lakhs. 16000 Kilometers on the ODO. The owner says it gives 8 KMPL in the city and 10 KMPL on highways. The car is in mint condition and has everything I am looking for. It's just a little big for narrow Indore roads. And fuel efficiency can pose a problem if monthly running increases.

I am very much confused between these cars. I am leaning towards Pre-owned Hector and Creta SX CVT.

Would like to have advice from the community. Which car should I go for?

Here's what BHPian shancz had to say about the matter:

That would depend on your definition of safety.

If it's GNCAP, then none of the cars you mentioned has been tested. If it's the feel of things then it's a personal choice.

For example, the untested S-Cross feels better built than the 4 stars GNCAP rated Brezza. Taigun/Kushaq are supposed to be good on safety but not tested yet.

Would recommend sticking to petrol cars only to avoid DPF issues in diesels with your 90% city usage.

To your options, I would advise against the pre-owned Hector because it's a DCT, not very efficient and has done 16k kms so chances of expensive DCT maintenance are high.

Creta CVT would be better than this IMO.

If you're looking at MG then the Astor has good reviews.

Here's what BHPian ron178 had to say about the matter:

Along with a crash test rating, please also try to consider a car that is equipped with ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and at least four airbags (double frontal, side torso), if not six (+head-protecting curtains), which are available aplenty in this segment, at least as optional equipment.

Here's what BHPian FiatDiesel had to say about the matter:

The mileage figures mentioned by the owner of Hector are realistic. If the owner has taken the 5-year MG Shield then it gives your further protection. The 5-year warranty is anyway standard. So overall you do get another 2-3 years of coverage.

If you are comparing it with Creta then you should also check out Astor. Hector is a segment above in terms of space, features and quality.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.