The best used cars for up to 550 thousand rubles in 2021

One of the most unpleasant news for motorists is the rise in prices for most models of new cars. This also boosted the used car market.

Just imagine: 10 years ago, a new Hyundai Solaris cost from 500 thousand rubles. Now for the minimum configuration they ask from 850 thousand. A little more, and the rise in price will be doubled. It is useless to look for anything among new cars in the budget of 500-550 thousand rubles. The maximum is Lada Granta in the simplest design.

Therefore, it is quite natural that for 550,000 rubles you need to look for a used car, that is, among the options on the secondary market. You just need to decide right away. Here will be presented a list of cars for 550 thousand rubles in used condition, which can be the best option in terms of value for money. Most are initially inexpensive.

Of course, all sorts of models from BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Honda or Lexus can be considered within this budget. And surely some ads will be found at an attractive price. Just think about how much money, time and effort will have to be spent to keep such an elite car on the go. It's not even about bringing it to an ideal state. Extremely expensive parts, consumables, maintenance and so on. When a person has a budget of only 550 thousand rubles, it is unlikely that he expects to spend 200-300 thousand rubles a year on maintenance. Here you need something more practical, affordable and adequate in price.

Lada Vesta

You should immediately forget about new cars when it comes to the amount of 550 thousand rubles. There are 2 options here. The first is to continue collecting money and raise the limit to at least 750 thousand rubles. The second option is more rational - to enter the secondary market and look for decent cars there.

The top 10 is opened by the inexpensive domestic Lada Vesta. Here you can consider the body of a sedan, hatchback or station wagon. The advantage of the car is that it will be relatively fresh. Perhaps even no more than 3 years old.

The model entered the market only at the end of 2015. So in the worst case, the car will be 5.5 years old. And this is not even an age for a Russian car.

Attractive in appearance, quite practical, with a large trunk and a comfortable interior. As for a budget car, a very decent option. Plus, investment in maintenance, repairs and maintenance will be minimal. If your financial situation does not allow you to allocate a lot of money for a car, but you also want to get a 4-wheel friend, then take a closer look at Lada Vesta.

Lada X-Ray and Renault Sandero Stepway

No, technically, these are not the same machines. But they are at about the same level. If you look at the popularity, then the French crossover hatchback is ahead. But X-Ray also looks good and is in demand.

The X-Ray will be a little fresher in age as the starting price of the car is lower. Since the car is assembled by AvtoVAZ, spare parts, consumables and maintenance will be more profitable. If you want to save as much as possible on the maintenance of the vehicle, then Lada X-Ray wins.

In the case of Renault Sandero, the situation is slightly different. It is believed that the build quality of the Frenchman is higher. Engines are also better. Potentially, the resource of the car will be more solid, but the service and purchase of spare parts will be more expensive.

It is difficult to choose one thing between these cars. Therefore, it was decided to combine them under one rating point, and not be considered as separate cars in the secondary market at a price of up to 550 thousand rubles.

Yes, in both cases, feel free to count on the 2016-2017 year of release.

Hyundai solaris

Perhaps even the best car in the aftermarket as well as among the new low-cost models. Pick up for 550,000 rubles can be quite an interesting option with a rich package bundle and low mileage. Exactly up to 100 thousand kilometers.

It is not just that Hyundai Solaris is a bestseller on the Russian market. The car is unpretentious, reliable, nice and well-designed inside.

Don't be surprised at the number of used options on offer. There are really a lot of them.

In 2021, for 550,000 rubles, it is quite possible to choose a restyled Solaris boo. That is, a car after 2014. The priority is the 1.6-liter engine and 6-speed manual transmission.

But the 1.4-liter engine is frankly weak. With frequent use and heavy loads, it can not withstand. Plus, it comes with a 5MKPP, as well as a 4-band automatic. Automatic transmission is not the worst. But to minimize problems, stick with tried and tested mechanics that are as reliable as possible.

Note that the suspension is not ideal here. The car can rattle if you drive on bad roads while squeezing the gas pedal to the floor. Check your harness before purchasing.

Noise isolation from the factory is weak. Most buyers fix this flaw themselves. If the purchased copy was not pasted over with a sound isolator, this is not a problem. You can do it yourself.

Kia rio

In technical terms, this is the twin of the previously reviewed Hyundai Solaris car. The same monocoque body, the same engines and the exact same gearboxes.

You can also buy such a car for 550,000 rubles. Moreover, the technical similarities between Rio and Solaris do not prevent companies from making good money on sales. Cars are not considered competitors. In both cases, the models turned out to be equally successful and in demand.

The Kia Rio offers a sportier, daring and youthful appearance. Solaris is more conservative, more suitable for mature drivers.

You don't even need to invest the entire amount and find a pre-styling option for about 450 thousand. But objectively, you better look at the Kia Rio after the 3rd generation update. They removed some of the factory jambs, plus noticeably changed the appearance of the car.

Noise isolation is also weak here. You can take the version with 4AKPP. Only acceleration will be slow. Still, 4 speeds are objectively not enough. The paint layer is not the thickest. And the rear sofa is more likely for 2 people, and not for 3. But all this was already expected, given the cost of the car, as well as the attitude towards the European B-class. By the way, Solaris' rear sofa is the same.

Volkswagen Polo Sedan

Direct competitor for Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris. It is in slightly less demand. But the reason is rather boring and democratic appearance.

In technical terms, in terms of assembly, reliability and practicality, it is definitely not inferior to South Korean competitors. And on many points it even turns out to be better.

Having spent 550 thousand rubles, you can pick up a fresh Volkswagen Polo Sedan for 3-4 years with a mileage of no more than 75 thousand kilometers. You can even find an option for which the numbers on the odometer have not reached even 50 thousand km. But then the equipment will be worse.

The undeniable advantage of the Polo Sedan is the fact that it is a Volkswagen. A brand that commands respect. But there are problems with noise isolation. In basic trim levels, the interior trim is weak. And plastic is frankly cheap.

Volkswagen polo

Some people think that the Polo is a Volkswagen and the Polo Sedan is not. Here you can argue endlessly.

If you are confused by the outspoken public sector Polo Sedan, then take a closer look at the Polo in the back of a hatchback in the secondary market. This version went away a few years ago as sales were minimal.

There are objectively few copies in the secondary market. And the price will be higher than the Polo Sedan. At the same time, the Polo hatchback wins a lot in terms of build quality, the same sound insulation, engine resources and equipment. The assembly will be Spanish, not Russian.

The trunk will be small. Of the engines, mainly 1.2 and 1.4-liter internal combustion engines of low power.

Chevrolet aveo

We are talking about the T300 version. Not a bad car, although inferior to the previous options in popularity, not counting the Polo hatchback, of course.

There are enough offers in the secondary market. For 550 thousand rubles, you can really find an Aveo with an automatic transmission and a good package.In this case, the age will be no more than 4-5 years.

You can argue about appearance. But if you like the car visually, then in terms of reliability, technical characteristics and practicality, it will definitely satisfy many.

Optimally, for 550 thousand rubles, look for a car with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine and 5MKPP or 6AKPP. The machine is reliable here. You just need to change the oil in the box on time.

Ford focus

The car belongs to the more solid C-class. But then immediately get ready to increase the age to about 5-6 years.

This is not a problem for the Ford Focus. The car is reliable, proven, well-assembled, with decent motors that do not require frequent visits to gas stations.

Don't take the machine for sure. For a used Ford Focus, the best option is a manual transmission. Automatic transmissions are frankly weak, there will be a lot of problems with them as you age.

Another plus is that the Focus can be found in hatchback, sedan and station wagon bodies. For engines, choose a 2.0 liter Duratec with a timing chain.

Chevrolet cruze

Not the most popular car, but in vain. The car is really underrated. And those who managed to get acquainted with the Cruze are in no hurry to part.

Also belongs to the C-class according to the European classification. It looks nice and solid. But the clearance is small. Plus the paintwork is weak, but it's more of a cosmetic issue. The interior wears out quickly. It is solved by replacing the seats, altering, or covers.

There are no particular complaints in terms of suspension or motors. But every car should be checked carefully before purchasing.

Skoda Octavia

Most expensive car. Focus on the A5 version. Available in liftback and station wagon bodies.

The release was carried out from 2004 to 2013. In 2008, a restyling took place, and the updated version received the FL index.

But we have to admit that the updates were not helpful. The same DSG boxes appeared. The new motor is also not credible and causes problems.

So, objectively, for 550 thousand rubles, no matter how strange it may sound, it is better to take a pre-styling Skoda A5. Or already save money and look for the next generation Octavia.

Choose a mechanic or a conventional automatic machine. Refuse the DSG robot. These boxes became normal only after 2014.

Out of rating

Additionally, I would like to give several examples of which vehicle can also be bought on the secondary market for 550,000 rubles.

But for one reason or another, it was decided not to include them in the main rating:

Nobody forbids you to search for these cars, as well as choose among cars that were not mentioned at all in the ranking. There are tons of other cars. Some of them were successful at one time, which allows you to save a resource and a margin of safety after years of operation.

But there are also such cars that it is better not to approach and not consider with such a limited budget. It will be a waste of money, as well as a machine in which you have to invest everything in order to at least keep it in working order.

What car would you choose for 550 thousand rubles? What are your favorites and outsiders? Why is it worth it or not to buy this or that model? What kind of shopping experience do you have?

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