Best Cars to Buy on a 200k Salary in 2024

If you're earning around 200k a month and planning to buy a car, you’re in a relatively good position compared to many, as your salary is higher than what most people in Pakistan earn. However, due to inflation, a salary of 200k may not be enough to afford a brand-new car, and even a used car might be out of reach for now. But with some savings over 1-2 years, you can get a decent, entry-level car. Here are some good options available within this budget:

1. Suzuki Mehran (2014-16)

Suzuki Mehran is one of the most affordable and reliable options for people with a budget under 10 lacs. Here’s why it’s a great choice:

• It has an EFI engine, which is more efficient than older models.
• The 14-16 model doesn’t rust easily.
• Parts are very cheap and easy to find.
• It has a good resale value, better than most cars in this budget.

You can find a well-maintained Mehran for around 9-10 lacs. It’s basic but does the job: 4 wheels, an engine, and basic car functions. Plus, any mechanic can fix it easily, making it great for someone with a full-time job.

2. Suzuki Cultus (2004-10)

Suzuki Cultus is a good option if you prefer comfort over maintenance costs. It’s a step up from Mehran with a 1,000cc engine and better comfort, especially with a good AC for hot days.

Pros:

• More powerful than Mehran (1,000cc engine).
• Good AC performance.
• Better comfort than Mehran.

Cons:

• Parts are expensive, especially for an older model.
• It can break down more often due to its older design.
• It lacks the EFI engine, unlike Mehran.

3. Daihatsu Cuore (2005-07)

The Daihatsu Cuore is another great option. It has better build quality and ride comfort compared to the Suzuki models. However, its parts are expensive, and finding them can be difficult.

Pros:

• Good build quality and comfort.
• Better AC than both Mehran and Cultus.

Cons:

• Small cabin space.
• Limited trunk space.
• Expensive and hard-to-find parts.

If well-maintained, it gives you decent fuel economy (10-12 km/l), but if not maintained properly, it can drop to 8-9 km/l.

4. Suzuki Alto (2004-07)

The Suzuki Alto is another option, offering many features similar to the Cultus but at a lower price. Many people choose Alto for its cheaper price and better resale value compared to the Cultus.

Pros:

• Cheaper than the Cultus.
• Compact and easy to drive.

Cons:

• Smaller cabin space than the Cultus.
• Poor resale value compared to others.
• If not maintained well, fuel economy can suffer.

Conclusion

Even with a 200k salary, owning a car is achievable with some planning and savings. Options like Suzuki Mehran, Cultus, Cuore, and Alto provide reliable and budget-friendly choices. Each car has its pros and cons, so pick one based on your priorities, like maintenance costs, comfort, or resale value.