Used luxury car under 30 lakh: BMW 630i, Volvo XC40 or something else

Other vehicles that popped up in my mind are the 2018 Mercedes GLC and 2022 Hyundai Tucson Diesel.

BHPian arun_nitc recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Dear Members,

Before I move into the dilemma (trilemma, quadrilemma??) of my current situation, be brief background on the cars I currently own:

1. Maruti Ritz Vxi 2014

This was the very first car I purchased at a time when I was not very well informed about cars. During that time, I was posted in Delhi and was using my trusted Thunderbird. In fact, after getting my four-wheeler license at the age of 18, I never drove a car till I purchased the Ritz ten years later. I had gone to the Maruti dealer for purchasing a Swift and found the Ritz which was nearly a lakh cheaper the more practical option. A decision driven solely by the head than the heart. Even after the purchase, for nearly one year, I hardly used the car till I shifted to Bangalore in 2015. The Ritz started being used extensively not just for the daily commutes, but monthly highway runs on various trips. It was here that my love for the 4 Wheels started growing and with it the admiration for this community.

2. Tata Harrier Dark Edition XT 2020

A shift to my home state of Kerala in 2018 meant that the highway runs started increasing with frequent trips to my hometown (500km round trip) from the place of posting. Family members also used to frequently commute with us and the need for a bigger car arose. Had been following news about Tata Harrier for quite some time and with the launch of the vehicle in 2019, it was decided that this would be our next car. However, waited for a year to ensure that the initial niggles of a new Tata vehicle get sorted out and finally booked the vehicle in January 2020. The vehicle has been the trusted steed (albeit with some niggles) since then with the Ritz becoming the beater car.

3. Hyundai Verna SX(O) 1.5 DCT 2024

In 2024, I got shifted to Mumbai and the need for another car arose as my family did not shift. I did not shift the harrier because in stop-and-go traffic, have faced the issue of the clutch pedal getting fully decompressed and the vehicle getting stuck in traffic (anyone has a solution to this?). Also needed an automatic. Finalized the Verna and has been driving it since Aug 2024.

Why the need for a new car?

Well, it is not much of a need but rather a want. The pre-owned market scene in Mumbai and the rates at which the vehicles are available (something unimaginable in Kerala) has rekindled an old flame for upgrading to a luxury brand. Will not be using it here in Mumbai but shift it to Kerala as the family is there. Will mostly be selling off the Harrier as well.

With this idea, in the last couple of months, have been scouring through online portals and have possibly shortlisted the following vehicles (with a budget of around 30 lakhs). Have not test-driven any, by the way, and this is just a “preliminary survey” to get feedback and opinions from the experts here:

• A 2018 630i with 50K odd kms. Available with BMW infinity motors and has warranty and BSI package upto 2028. The vehicle is being “worked on” at their workshop and should be available to view in the first week of Feb. From the specs and the pics, very much attracted to this, but am really worried about the run-flat tyres. I know, not the most important thing to worry about when buying pre-owned luxury brand, but somehow after seeing some experiences online about the tyres and the cost / headaches feeling worried about the same.
• A 2022 Volvo XC40 B4 with just around 17K odd kms. Available with Navnit Motors, not clear about warranty and service package and need to discuss with the sales executive.
• Some Random GLCs from the 2018 period with around 50K kms, haven’t shortlisted any single one.
• A late entrant, 2022 Hyundai Tucson Diesel Signature with around 17K odd kms

I know, I am all over the place and these vehicles are from various segments and offer different value propositions.

My heart says 630i, but as I said, really worried about the upkeep and maintenance cost. The Tucson seems like the most practical choice as I am hoping to keep the vehicle for at least 8 years, but lacks the badge (we can't have everything ).

Would really welcome the learned opinions of the members.

PS: I would also like to put out a request and open invite to any members located in Mumbai who, if free would like to come for test drives (of course the dates of which are not finalized).

Here's what BHPian IshaanIan replied:

If the BMW looks good and is still under warranty till 2028, then it can be tempting for all the right reasons; you are getting the car at its peak depreciated value much bigger than anything else in consideration and arguably in its own league as far as what you’re comparing it to. That said run-flat tyres are the least of your concern in terms of maintenance costs. New tyres should almost be a given with most cars anyway but the cost of other spares will also be super expensive.

Considering you are tempted by such a wide range of cars, why not look out for an Audi Q2 or a GLA? They would probably be more sensible “luxury” buys.

Here's what BHPian lamborghini replied:

Honestly, the Tucson is meh, and the price though good - you can buy a petrol one new for a similar ask. Given your budget, I would also consider the Kodiaq TSi, Audi Q5, and X3.30i. These could be a great option for the city as well should you decide to use it every day in Mumbai and send the Verna to home - built for our roads, and with many specialized workshops it would be easy to maintain too.

There is a 2023 Q5 and a 2019 X3.30i in the market space.

Coming to the sedans - honestly, the sedans feel much nicer than their SUV counterparts when it comes to driving them, admiring them, or even the ambience inside. Here I would recommend checking out a G20 530D (one done some 20K and well specced), and the A6 (a 5K driven example is available again).
The 630i too is a brilliant option, but 50K is a lot so I'd also check out the condition of the suspension, etc. RFT can be replaced so that's not a worry but do keep some savings aside for air suspension work.

Also, most Germans do give AC issues as they become older, and rubber components too start deteriorating so keep these factors in mind. Otherwise, they typically age extremely well and if maintained right - feel tight till the time you sell it.

Here's what BHPian bijims replied:

Because you are purchasing the car for use in Kerala, a used car worth around 30 lakhs should be a Mercedes or a BMW (for the snob value, obviously) and considering the options listed the 630i is the best bet, go for it, your heart wants it. The last time you went with a head-over-heart decision, this time don't make the same mistake again!

Yes, upkeep and maintenance costs will be high, but when you are buying something worth 30-odd lakhs in the used car market, it is expected. The Tucson with the Hyundai badge hardly has any snob value and would feel like any other car. It is too similar to your Verna with the same touchscreen, same instrument cluster as in new Hyundai-Kia cars and even the same ADAS suite.

So go for the BMW!

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