I am assuming your budget is around 12,000 dollars (12 lac rupees) and you want a small car.
If it's a choice between Wagon R and Cultus, go for Wagon R. Easier to maintain, good mileage (up to 15k per litre), lesser maintenance costs, plus better resale value versus a Cultus which will be discontinued soon enough.
If you can put in a few thousand/lac more, go for a good refurbished Japanese car. You will have to search the market for a sturdy one.
I have gone through 4 cars in the last 2 years, and I personally enjoy the Passo (smooth drive, heavy on the pocket due to genuine spare parts) and Wagon R (its outwardly hideous, but easy to maintain).