A car for 200 thousand rubles: what to choose - TOP 12 best models

Do you need a car, desperately? You don’t have enough money for a new cool car, and you can only spend two hundred thousand rubles? What to do in this case?

The answer is quite simple - buy a used car. And if you already think that this idea is not the best, look at what cars there are on the Russian market for 200 thousand; what to choose is up to you.

In this article, experts from Obzor-Expert.com will make your choice easier by presenting the TOP 12 best used cars, the price of which is no more than 200 thousand rubles.

A car for 200 thousand rubles, what to choose

Rating of the best cars for 200,000 rubles

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Volkswagen Golf

Another common and popular car in our country is the Volkswagen Golf. It often ranks first in sales. The car looks quite compact, which is well suited for city driving, and also has a powerful power unit that generates from 68 to 150 “horses” (depending on what modification).

The “German” also stands out for its reliability and universal characteristics. For 200 thousand rubles you can buy a 3rd generation Volkswagen Golf. In addition, if you are lucky, you can find a good option even for 4 families.

Why is it profitable to purchase used cars up to 200 thousand rubles?

Some people are reluctant to buy used items. And this, of course, can be traced in relation to cars.

Of course, everyone always wants to have only new, fresh and better. But it’s worth noting that there are also several clear advantages to purchasing a used car. And we will now talk about them below.

1. Price . Yes, it’s good, fresh, but most importantly, a new car is expensive, and some people don’t want to get into debt and loans. That’s why it’s worth looking at the secondary market, where you can find equally interesting options for up to 200 thousand rubles. Don’t think that there aren’t decent options in this market – there are a lot of them out there.
2. Availability of bargaining . At a car dealership, a potential buyer will not be able to “lower the price” to the same two hundred thousand. But on the secondary market this is quite possible. By skillfully bargaining, the price tag can be reduced even below two hundred thousand rubles, getting a good car for less.
3. Wide variety of choice . It's not a lot of money, yes, but the used car market will help you realize your dream of owning a car on a limited budget. And if you need a rarity, this is the only market where you can find it.

Buying a used car has its advantages.
Now the question is – what should a potential buyer look for when buying such a car?

You need to look at two main aspects that determine the decision.

1. Technical condition of the car. As a rule, a car purchased on the used car market will not be in perfect condition. The maximum is good. Therefore, without a twinge of conscience, you need to look at everything: the engine and its condition, what shock absorbers are installed and what they look like, check all the hoses and valves. Having finished looking under the hood of the car, you need to go into the interior and carefully “examine” it. It is important to visually inspect the entire body for damage. Then take a micrometer and check the thickness of the paint - what if the car is after an accident? In general, even with minor violations, you need to think about buying, but if you like the car and are drawn to it, then you need to “knock out” a discount.
   

   Important! As practice shows, it’s not always worth taking the sellers’ word for it. It’s better to have a smart person nearby who can confirm the good condition of the car.

2. History of the car . One cannot ignore such a moment as the history of the car, since the model of interest may have a very “turbulent” past life. Punch the numbers, find out all the ins and outs of the car. The period of use, whether the car was in an accident or involved in something else - everything needs to be clarified in detail.

The data obtained will help you make a decision regarding the purchase of a used car up to 200,000 rubles. Although
a certain price is good, because it is immediately clear what to expect from the used car market, but you definitely don’t need to take junk. Therefore, experts offer a number of criteria that a good used car must meet:

• relatively recent years of release;
• spacious comfortable interior;
• good equipment;
• availability of a passed technical inspection (it should be as “recent” as possible by date);
• good technical condition;
• reliable body.

Buying a car for 200,000 rubles without a technical inspection is strictly not recommended

Important! You should find out in advance about the suitability for repair, so that you don’t have to spend a lot of money later.

Help with choosing a used unit

When choosing a car for little money

many require the help of specialists or auto experts.

Today there are enough offers from the latter on the market, but you can try to choose a vehicle yourself, risking money and nerves. Of course, if you do not thoroughly understand cars at the level of a professional mechanic.

Consultations on choosing a used car

The service market today has been replenished with companies that provide services for selecting a car for a specified budget and age. Upon request , a specialist will select the best options available , check the technical condition and documentation, the veracity of mileage, participation in an accident, etc.

More and more companies are appearing in the recruitment field. Accordingly, there is a direct danger of encountering scammers or non-professionals, which also carries the risk of losing money.

On average, services for selecting one car cost from 10 to 25 thousand rubles.

What you should pay attention to when choosing a used car

A short checklist for those who are armed with a thickness gauge and are ready to make a purchase without outside help:

1. The first is to check the documents for the car: the number of owners according to the PTS, the PTS itself, original or duplicate;
2. Check the engine for oil leaks;
3. What color is the exhaust : white - uncritical, bluish - cylinder head repair required;
4. External control of electrical appliances - check light bulbs and indicators;
5. Dashboard - when the ignition is on, the battery, oil pressure, check engine, and other indicators should be on. After starting the engine, the indicators should go out;
6. Check all elements of the electrical package - adjustment of mirrors and seats, air conditioning, etc.;
7. Suspension - Rock the car near each wheel. More than one body vibration indicates a problem with the shock absorbers;
8. Play (free play) of the steering wheel is acceptable within a few centimeters;
9. Using a thickness gauge, check all key elements of the body: pillars, roof, engine compartment.

Please note that you cannot check everything yourself - engine compression, mileage history, and the condition of the chassis can only be found out at a service center or with the help of specialists. We leave a video to help you work with the thickness gauge and wish you a successful purchase!

Pros and cons of car dealerships and unofficial dealers

Buying a used car from a car dealership has its pros and cons.

pros

1. Legally the purchase is clear. Everything is done legally, checks are also carried out regularly.
2. Check right in the salon. Everything is checked on site before the buyer picks up his vehicle. For repairs, it is also better to go where the car dealership sends you.
3. Quality service. No one in the showroom will force you to buy a car. On the contrary, they always meet the needs of the buyer, even the most fastidious one. If desired, they can provide a thickness gauge to check for coloration.
4. Guarantee. An authorized dealer will indeed honor all warranty conditions. So if the breakdown was not due to the user’s fault, the company will repair or even replace the car free of charge.

Minuses

1. You won't be able to travel by car. The reason is simple - reluctance to turn the odometer and lack of insurance.
2. You can't check everything yourself. Everything will be done by the salon, where, perhaps, they will not conduct a deep inspection.
3. The price in the showroom is higher. As a rule, cars in the showroom are more expensive. That’s why many people prefer Auto.ru to buy a car.

Official dealers have always been a guarantor of quality.
Now let's look at the pros and cons of buying from an unofficial dealer.

pros

1. Diversity. Small showrooms will have more budget cars, much more than official car dealers.
2. It's easier to lower the price. You can talk to the seller, and with a little luck you can “cut” the price, sometimes even significantly.
3. There is an opportunity to drive around and check everything you need. Freedom encourages you to buy a car.

Minuses

1. Defects after purchase. Their discovery is unlikely to guarantee compensation. Small companies, surprisingly, often don’t care about their own reputation.
2. Possible lack of checks. It is quite possible that they are selling you a non-working car, because there is often no repairman if the dealership skimps on everything. Most buyers care about the price, not the condition, so it’s quite possible to “get caught” on dead weight.
3. Employee culture. There are a lot of things you can expect at small car dealerships, including familiarity and an aggressive sales style.
4. Cars with damaged mileage, used in taxis, restored after an accident, “drowned” cars - all this is easy to find in a car dealership. Such cars are bought at a bargain price and, after restoration and polishing, are sold at exorbitant prices.

You can also buy a car from an unofficial dealer, but it looks a little risky

Where can you buy an inexpensive car?

This issue should be considered taking into account the characteristics of the regions of the Russian Federation.
As you know, the more intense the competition, the lower the prices. For this reason, if products from the domestic automobile industry are more preferable to you, first of all you should pay attention to the segment of the used car market in Moscow. There are more than a dozen official dealers based in the capital, and even more car dealerships. Used vehicles are also sold at low prices in cities where automobile factories operate: Togliatti, Ulyanovsk, Nizhny Novgorod and Izhevsk. The fact is that you can buy new cars relatively inexpensively there, and the secondary market usually follows the primary one.

As for foreign cars from European automakers, the cheapest ones can be purchased in Kaliningrad. But adherents of Japanese and Korean models will find a wide selection of inexpensive cars in Vladivostok. The proximity of the manufacturing plants also plays an important role in pricing in these cases.

Buying tips

To make buying a used car a joyful experience, follow these simple instructions.

You need to listen to advice to buy a quality car

Ford Focus I

The true love of Russian car enthusiasts awoke for this model with the release of the second generation. However, many have forgotten that in the first generation, in the restyled version, the car also turned out to be quite interesting, especially if we talk about the American assembly. It is worth recalling that the vehicle was produced between 2001 and 2005. The car is quite comfortable, does not require serious investments during operation, and in addition, boasts a wealth of equipment. It is best to consider purchasing such a Ford Focus with 1.6 and 1.8 liter engines with a manual transmission.

User voting

What car for 200,000 rubles. Would you recommend or choose?

Nissan Maxima V 3.0 AT

4.17 % ( 1 )

Audi A4 II B6 1.8 CVT

8.33 % ( 2 )

Opel Vectra B Restyling 2.2 AT

4.17 % ( 1 )

Mitsubishi Lancer IX Restyling 2.0 AT

20.83 % ( 5 )

Volkswagen Passat B5 Restyling 2.0 MT

12.50 % ( 3 )

Mazda 323 BJ 2.0 AT

8.33 % ( 2 )

Ford Focus II Comfort 1.8 MT

4.17 % ( 1 )

Honda Civic VI 1.4 AT

0.00 % ( 0 )

Nissan Almera II N16 Restyling 1.8 AT

12.50 % ( 3 )

Hyundai Accent II

4.17 % ( 1 )

Renault Logan I Prestige

8.33 % ( 2 )

Nissan Maxima

As for full-size sedans, they have long been common on the Russian market. Their list includes the Nissan Maxima, which has been produced since 1981. This is a spacious car with a spacious luggage compartment. The sedan received a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that generates 140 horsepower.

There are also stronger versions of the Nissan Maxima. For the specified amount you can buy a sedan produced in 2000 in good condition. If you care for it properly, then the model will be able to serve for a long time without spending a lot of money on repairs and maintenance.

Volkswagen Passat B5

You shouldn’t ignore another popular car, the Volkswagen Passat B5. Everyone knows everything about this car. Despite the fact that the car has been on sale for several years now, the designers included enormous potential in it. The list of power plants is simply amazing, so every driver will be able to choose the right “engine” for himself.

The working volume is from 1.5 to 2.5 liters. You can also select the required gearbox and even the type of drive (front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive). It seems as if the model was assembled during Stalin’s reign, since the car was assembled with high quality. The average age and mileage of a Volkswagen Passat B5 is 20 years and 200,000-450,000 kilometers.

As for the body, it is galvanized. You can buy a “German” for 150,000 rubles and more. Therefore, purchasing a Volkswagen Passat B5 in good condition for up to 200 thousand rubles is not so difficult.

Renault Logan

Renault Logan is a reliable budget car with a good suspension and running power units. The low starting price for new cars also leads to a low price tag on the used car market. It’s worth making a reservation right away that Renault Logan is very common among taxi drivers. Considering its price tag, which is comparable to the VAZ, the “French” is much quieter while driving.

The car is distinguished by its low fuel consumption, reliability, withstands considerable loads, and also copes well with our road quality. But, if you actively use the car, this will seriously affect breakdowns and maintenance. For example, the service life of struts is from 30,000 to 120,000 km, and eight-valve engines often need to be adjusted.

Repairing individual elements can cost a pretty penny. For example, replacing a turnkey steering rack costs 15,000 rubles. Under the hood of a Renault Logan for 200 thousand rubles there will be 1.4-liter 75-horsepower, as well as 1.6-liter engines developing 90 or 102 horsepower. You can buy a car even in good condition, but such options sell out quite quickly, it is important to do it in time.

Chevrolet Lacetti

In honorable second place in the ranking is the elegant Chevrolet Lacetti with a spacious interior for 5 passengers, anti-lock and traction control systems, side and front airbags, disc brakes on the rear and front wheels. The body is presented in three versions: station wagon, sedan and hatchback.

The interior looks modern and harmonious. The instruments are easy to read, the steering wheel is adjustable in two directions. For rear passengers there is a deep sofa and ample legroom. Pleased with the impressive luggage compartment, which is expanded by folding the backrests of the rear seats.

Among the disadvantages of the Chevrolet Lacetti:

• no climate control, instead a manually controlled air conditioner is installed;

• there are no ISOFIX mounts for child seats;

• in winter the interior cools down quickly;

• body paint is very sensitive to pebbles flying from under the wheels of cars in front.

Indicators

For 200,000 rubles, potential buyers can purchase a Chevrolet Lacetti from 2006-2008. The car is suitable for long journeys, trips to work and to the country. At good speed it consumes little fuel. Even with mileage it doesn't cause much trouble.

What can you save on?

If you're buying one of the cheapest cars, you're probably looking to save money, so it's worth thinking it through and not jumping to conclusions. Here are some tips to help you:

• Buy only from authorized dealers. Find out the addresses of official car dealerships and purchase your future car exclusively there. Believe me, you still won’t find cheaper prices, and “gray” dealers can deceive you.
• Please review the packages carefully. Before purchasing, go to the manufacturer’s official website, look at the prices of all configurations and study what is included in them. Some unscrupulous dealers may offer factory equipment for a fee, which would be a clear violation.
• Select the version you want in advance. Sellers will most likely offer you those cars that are in stock or have been in stock for a long time, and these may be the most complete configurations. And if you don’t need some options, then it’s better to order the desired version so as not to overpay.
• Do not buy additional equipment in the showroom. In any case, you will need such equipment as floor mats, an alarm system, mud flaps, a video recorder, and winter tires, but it is better to buy them not at a car dealership, but in specialized stores and services, where they can be 2 times cheaper.

We reviewed the new cheapest cars in Russia for 2019, but the rating can be continued further, but all other models will cost more than 1 million rubles, if you are interested in them, go to another page of our website.

Sources

• https://polosedanclub.ru/top-25-samyh-nadezhnyh-avtomobiley-na-vtorichnom-rynke-na-2021-god.html
• https://www.kolesa.ru/article/kak-vybirat-poderzhannyj-avtomobil-2014-08-01
• https://rating-avto.ru/cars/mashina-do-200-tyisyach.html
• https://remontautomobilya.ru/samyy-nadezhnyy-avtomobil-s-probegom.html
• https://autotaf.ru/avtomobili-do-200-000-rublei-s-probegom-rejting/
• https://remontautomobilya.ru/top-13-samyj-deshevyj-avtomobil-v-rossii.html
• https://mir-auto24.ru/reyting-30-samyh-nadezhnyh-mashin-na-vtorichnom-rynke-na-2021-god/
• https://i-tc.ru/tips/samyj-nadezhnyj-avtomobil-s-probegom-top-25-luchshih-bu-avtomobilej-na-2021-2022-god/
• https://1avtorul.ru/rejtingi/top-novyx-deshevyx-avtomobilej.html
• https://pddok.ru/kuplya-prodaga/avtomobil-do-100000/

Hyundai Accent

The Hyundai Accent is another reliable and unpretentious sedan, which was produced from 1999 to 2012. On the territory of our country, the model was assembled at the Taganrog automobile plant - Tagaz. It is logical to conclude that cars assembled in Korea are much better, but finding them in “live” condition is not easy. As for spare parts for Hyundai Accent, they are inexpensive, and you can repair your vehicle at any service center.

Interestingly, car parts sellers themselves often praise the “Korean” for its reliable hardware and inexpensive maintenance. Any configuration has a hydraulic power steering wheel and electric windows. Mid-range and top-end versions boast air conditioning. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter 102-horsepower G4EC-G engine, which has a service life of about 300-350 thousand kilometers or more, if you don’t forget about timely maintenance.

There is also a 1.4-liter 97-horsepower unit and a 1.6-liter 112-horsepower unit. The disadvantages include the low ride height, but it is possible to install 14-inch “rollers” (by default the sedan has 13-inch wheels). For 200,000 rubles you can buy a good version from 2007-2008.

Nissan Almera

A fifteen-year-old Nissan Almera can be purchased for this money in the N16 (or N15) version. The most reliable version is considered to be a car with a 1.5-liter engine, which works in conjunction with a manual transmission. It develops 98 horsepower. There was also a 1.8-liter 116-horsepower engine, which was also reliable. It is interesting that such engines originated from marine engines. They have a chain drive timing system.

But they cannot be called noisy, since their work is soft, elastic, insensitive to either high temperatures or cold climates. Generally speaking, the reviews about the sedan are only positive; if you take care of the “Japanese”, it will last for a long time. The car has a comfortable, roomy interior with a large luggage compartment.

The suspension handles our roads well. The sedan also has an acceptable ride height, as well as handling on any road surface. Age-related diseases include steering column leaks, as well as increased oil consumption. All this can be solved with the help of advice on forums, where there is practical advice on how to repair a rack cheaply, rather than paying 35 thousand rubles for a new one. There are quite a few Nissan Almeras in Russia, so there is plenty to choose from.

What you should pay attention to when choosing a used car

The final decision depends on the buyer, how he will choose, what requirements for the car he will prioritize.

• The first thing they inspect meticulously is the body. While the aggregate parts in a car can be repaired, a body that has rusted to the point of rot cannot be restored. In order to avoid driving a car with holes in the floor, this issue is given utmost importance.
• Technical component of the car. We inspect the engine, chassis, gearbox and brakes. It’s better to personally get behind the wheel and take a ride to feel the car in action, listen to the engine, check the functionality of the gearbox and the car’s braking system.
• Documentation. We carefully check the history of the car, find out the number of owners, cases of collisions, etc. You don’t have to take the seller’s word for it, he will say anything about the car. It is better to double-check the information yourself. It is also necessary to study such information as pledges or prohibitions of registration actions. This can be done using the traffic police database using the vehicle’s VIN code.

Vigilance and meticulousness will help you avoid troubles in the future, unnecessary expenses and disappointments.

Kia Spectra

Kia Spectra compares favorably with its peers in price, comfort, convenience and reliability. It has a simple but spacious interior, in which everything is literally at hand, and a spacious trunk. The only thing missing is an armrest and finer adjustment of the seat tilt.

When creating the Kia Spectra, the developers focused on comfort while driving: the car enjoys a soft suspension and a comfortable, light steering wheel. The car's noise insulation is rather weak, however, like other cars in this price category. While driving, you can hear the noise of the wheels and the engine running after 3000 rpm.

When purchasing a Kia Spectra with mileage, the timing belt should be changed every 40 thousand km, spark plugs and ignition coils should be changed after 50-100 thousand km, and the generator and starter should be repaired after 150-200 km. All car ailments are well studied and can be easily eliminated. There are no difficulties with purchasing spare parts.

Indicators

For 200 thousand “wooden” you can buy a car from 2006-2007 with an average mileage of 120-140 thousand km. There are also more recent copies produced in 2008 with a mileage of 70-90 thousand km. Overall, the Kia Spectra is ideal for buyers who want to purchase an inexpensive and easy-to-use sedan.