The best car for 200 thousand rubles: what to choose


When you choose a vehicle for 200 thousand rubles, you initially turn your attention to used cars, since you simply cannot buy a new car for that amount. Among a whole list of cars, it is not so easy to choose a reliable car that will last for many years, without requiring extra expenses for repairs and maintenance. However, for 200,000 rubles you can find cars that meet the requirements of future owners.

The rating of the best cars for 200 thousand rubles has the most reliable and unpretentious options in the middle price category. Nowadays there are a lot of used cars and for 200,000 you can also find many offers. However, the torment of choice worsens due to the fact that there is a fear of ending up with a “killed” car that is not worth the money.

It is important to immediately understand one thing - it is almost impossible to find a premium-class jeep or car for a similar price tag. Even if you see such an advertisement, try to treat it with extreme caution, find out about its legal history, mileage, and technical condition. But again, such cases are extremely rare, so the lion's share is represented by mid-size sedans and hatchbacks, also popular among car enthusiasts.

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.

Mazda 323F

Not a bad foreign car for 200,000 rubles - Mazda 323F in a hatchback body. The car has good handling, and the 1.8-liter 116-horsepower power plant pulls well with the usual Japanese reliability. In addition to this, you can pay attention to versions with a 1.5-liter 90-horsepower engine, but they are not so powerful and not so common. Among the advantages, experts include a durable suspension, as well as a reliable chassis.

There are quite a few similar cars on the road, which can be considered an advantage, since there are plenty to choose from. For 200 thousand rubles there are good options for cars produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, when purchasing, you should carefully examine the body, as it can rot due to minor processing.

Rating of the best cars for 200,000 rubles

PhotoNameRatingPrice
#1

Nissan Maxima V 3.0 AT⭐ 5 / 5
1 - voice
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#2

Audi A4 II B6 1.8 CVT⭐ 4.95 / 5
2 - votes
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#3

Opel Vectra B Restyling 2.2 AT⭐ 4.95 / 5
1 - voice
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#4

Mitsubishi Lancer IX Restyling 2.0 AT⭐ 4.85 / 5
5 — votes
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#5

Volkswagen Passat B5 Restyling 2.0 MT⭐ 4.8 / 5
3 - votes
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#6

Mazda 323 BJ 2.0 AT⭐ 4.7 / 5
2 - votes
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#7

Ford Focus II Comfort 1.8 MT⭐ 4.7 / 5
1 - voice
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#8

Honda Civic VI 1.4 AT⭐ 4.65 / 5Find out the price
#9

Nissan Almera II N16 Restyling 1.8 AT⭐ 4.65 / 5
3 - votes
Find out the price
#10

Hyundai Accent II⭐ 4.55 / 5
1 - voice
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#11

Renault Logan I Prestige⭐ 4.55 / 5
2 - votes
Find out the price
#12

Volkswagen Golf V 1.4 MT⭐ 4.5 / 5
3 - votes
Find out the price

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Ford Focus

This is one of our best-selling cars. It can also be bought for 200,000 rubles. It has been on the list of popular cars for a long time. This is partly due to its fuel-efficient engine, which reduces fuel consumption. This makes it possible to save more than one thousand rubles every month. Even on bad roads, using a reliable chassis, the car feels good.

It is worth noting the stylish appearance that distinguishes all Ford vehicles. The main drawback is the difficulty of finding a similar car within 200,000 rubles. The most common powerplant is the 1.6-liter 99-horsepower version. Moreover, it is important to note that on the Internet there are many advertisements for the sale of Ford Focus that require serious repairs.

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!

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.

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a rather interesting car that has been on the market for a long time. The car has already proven itself well, as it has a good price/quality ratio. For 200 thousand rubles you can buy a Honda Civic even with low mileage, and the sedan can be in excellent condition.

However, you should not neglect the versions produced 10-15 years ago. In those days they were equipped with 1.6-liter 160-horsepower engines. These models also had an automatic transmission.

Opel Vectra

The German Opel Vectra is in second position in the ranking of the best used cars under 200,000 rubles. Cars in this version are no longer produced, but it is not so difficult to find a car from ten years ago. Such machines can boast of reliability, due to a durable chassis that performs its assigned task well.

Also, the “German” is equipped with a wide range, since you can purchase a car with an engine running on gasoline or diesel fuel. Some options have a manual transmission, while others have an automatic transmission. However, in terms of savings, such a machine will not be the best option, since it consumes a lot of oil.

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.

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

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.

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/

Audi A4

An Audi A4 in a B5 body can also be included in the budget up to 200 thousand rubles. The car itself is quite popular in the CIS. On the other hand, the Audi A4 B5 is a clear indicator that today you can’t trust anyone. It is important when choosing a car not to pay attention to the conclusions of the so-called “experts”. After the “German” went on sale, the attitude towards it was restrained, as some panicked and said that it was still far from being a legendary car.

It was all due to the new, radically modernized aluminum suspension. Interestingly, all the negativity came largely from competitors. They said that the suspension would not be able to “exit” even 20,000 km. But in reality, such a suspension could withstand 100,000 kilometers without requiring any repairs. Such a pendant was received with hostility, since it was new and unfamiliar, but this did not mean that it was of poor quality.

Speaking of the body, Audi cars have never had any difficulties with the body. The interior itself can hardly be called current, but it is important not to forget that the debut cars were released a long time ago. The power units are of traditional German quality, reliable and equipped with an abundance of modifications.

Under the hood there can be powerful 1.6- and 1.8-liter engines generating 102 and 163 “horses”. There are also versions with the Quattro all-wheel drive system, which has increased maneuverability, excellent handling, and dynamism. You can find a good Audi A4 model for up to 200 thousand rubles.

Buying tips

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

Council numberDescription
Tip #1Before going to the salon, it is better to read everything carefully and find out on the Internet. Maybe the model will turn out to be “so-so”.
Tip #2If you still like the look of the model, it’s better to take with you an intelligent companion who is well versed in cars. The main thing is not to be alone in order to avoid stupid mistakes. At this stage, you can still abandon the idea of ​​buying something that is not what you really need.
Tip #3It is necessary to pay close attention to the purchase and sale agreement proposed for consideration by the dealer. Each point and sub-point must be checked. You are allowed to read the document for as long as necessary. A detailed “research” of the contract is done to avoid pitfalls.
Tip #4Before buying a vehicle, you need to review the title and then check everything. The information is verified from the PTS and the contract. If there are errors, it is better to immediately refuse the purchase.


You need to listen to advice to buy a quality car

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.

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.

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.

Mitsubishi Lancer IX

The last car we would like to bring is the Mitsubishi Lancer 9. The Japanese car is reliable to use. The sedan, despite its age, boasts a rather aggressive appearance when compared with previous versions.

Regardless of which engine you choose, there will be no fundamental differences in operation. The inside will no longer be in perfect condition. There may also be questions about the chairs, but you can do all this yourself. But the technical part of the Japanese model is excellent.

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.

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