The life of a car depends on its timely maintenance and how it’s been driven throughout its life cycle. The car prices in Pakistan have surged unbelievably in recent years, and buying a new car has become an uphill task for a majority of the population. Therefore, the consumers are left with no choice but to keep their cars maintained properly.
The used car market has also gained popularity due to the skyrocketing prices of cars. New cars bought a few years ago are now being sold at more than their original invoice price. This also reveals that maintaining your car is more important than ever before.
The demand for locally manufactured cars has generally been high in the local auto sector of Pakistan, as its maintenance cost is comparatively less than the imported ones. At the same time, several models in the local market cost quite a lot for maintaining them. The maintenance cost of a vehicle is primarily referred to as the cost of its spare parts. In the current situation, both buying and keeping a car has become a challenge.
A lot of new buyers wonder which cars cost less in terms of their maintenance, and so, in this article, we will try to shortlist the top cars with the least cost of maintenance and high affordability.
1. Suzuki Mehran:
Suzuki Mehran had enjoyed its monopoly for just over three decades before it finally went out of production in 2019. Throughout its life cycle, the small 800 cc hatchback kept its shape with minor cosmetic changes. However, the maintenance cost of the car remained on the lower side. It was also a popular choice among consumers due to its affordability factor.
At the same time, its spare parts are also easily available in the local market. While the brand-new car was discontinued at a price of around PKR 9 lac, due to inflation now a 2019 model will cost you about 15-17 lacs. But we suggest you go with a 2015-16 model that will only cost you 10-12 lacs. In terms of fuel consumption, it doesn’t cost too much and averages around 15 km per liter.
2. Suzuki Alto 1st Generation:
Suzuki Alto is also an entry-level hatchback in Pakistan. Introduced in 1979 with a 1000cc engine, which was also among the most economical cars in the country.
The Alto doesn’t have an extraordinary average, 9-12 km per liter, but with the ride and engine, it’s a fine car. Its spare parts are also readily available at the authorized 3S dealerships of Suzuki and in the local market. The 2005-2009 variant of the 1st generation Alto costs more or less than PKR 1 million in the local market.
3. United Bravo:
United Automobiles is a well-known brand in the country when it comes to motorbike manufacturing. The company also entered the car manufacturing segment back in 2018 when it introduced its first-ever locally made 800 cc United Bravo.
It was a much-anticipated launch, but it had several issues in manufacturing earlier on. However, the company has improved the quality of the hatchback and introduced new features, too. It’s slowly making its place in the local market as it also costs quite less in terms of maintenance.
It was introduced as a competitor of Mehran. In terms of fuel consumption, it averages above 15 km per liter, too, with readily available spare parts from the market. The hatchback costs PKR 9-11 lacs in Pakistan for the 2019 model.
4. Prince Pearl:
Prince recently introduced its first-ever hatchback in the local auto sector of Pakistan. The 800 cc Prince Pearl is another great choice for those on a tight budget. It costs around PKR 1 million for the entry models, i.e., 2020-21 models, and offers great value for money. In terms of fuel consumption, Prince Pearl offers more than 15 km per liter. When it comes to maintaining the hatchback, its parts are also easily available in the local market.
5. Suzuki Cultus:
Suzuki Cultus is another popular name in the country’s hatchback category. It has been widely accepted by the loyal customers of Pak Suzuki.
The 1000 cc hatchback offers a great fuel economy, i.e., 14 km per liter, and goes over 16 km per liter on the long drive. Suzuki Cultus, however, is priced close to PKR 1 million for 2004-2007 models. In terms of the maintenance cost, it’s parallel to Suzuki Alto 1st gen.
Which one would you prefer in terms of affordability and maintenance costs? Let us know in the comments space below and stay tuned to PakWheels Blog.
