Should you buy a used Hyundai Verna?

One of the most popular sedans in India, the Verna, is known for offering a refined drive and a long equipment list. Here's how to buy a used example.

Published On Feb 13, 2023 08:00:00 AM

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1.5 petrol and diesel get dual-tone upholstery; fit and finish is very good.

GOOD FOR: Lengthy features list, Refined engines

LOOK OUT FOR: DCT gearbox, Brake wear

The Hyundai Verna makes for a compelling option in the used car market, as it’s a feature-rich, refined sedan from a reputed brand. There are plenty of used examples that can be found in the market, but which one should you go for and what should you look out for? Read on to find out.

The third-gen Verna received a facelift in March 2020 and it came with some comprehensive updates, despite just being a mid-life-cycle update. The Verna received a larger grille, new LED headlights and tail-lights, and reprofiled bumpers on the outside, while the interior got a new touchscreen and digital dials. And aside from the dual-tone black and beige interior colour scheme, the new Turbo version got an all-black theme with sporty red accents.

Hyundai Verna: engine and gearbox

Apart from the cosmetic changes inside and out, the big updates were under the skin. The 2020 Verna facelift received completely new engine and gearbox options. It gets two petrol engines and one diesel. The first of the two petrol engines is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit good for 115hp and 144Nm that can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT auto.

The second petrol engine is the 1.0-litre turbocharged unit from the Venue, developing 120hp and 172Nm, exclusively paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The diesel is a 1.5-litre unit that puts out 115hp and 250Nm and this can be had with a 6-speed manual or torque converter automatic gearbox options.

All engines are smooth and refined, so you should choose based on your usage. The 1.5 petrol is versatile enough for use in the city and out on the highway and it will also be the most affordable to purchase. Meanwhile, the diesel will make sense if you have a lot of running planned. For the enthusiasts, the Verna Turbo is the one to go for, but it’s worth keeping in mind that the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol isn’t the most frugal unit around.

Hyundai Verna: variants, features and warranty

New bumper and tail-lights mark out the facelift; five-spoke alloys look cool.

At launch, the Verna facelift was offered in S, S+, SX and SX (O) trims, with a base-level E trim added to the line-up later. In terms of features, the top-spec Verna SX (O) gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, BlueLink connected car tech, an Arkamys audio system, full-digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, hands-free tailgate opening, wireless phone charger and a sunroof.

On the safety front, the Verna packs in two airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors as standard, with higher variants getting additional features such as six airbags, ESC, reversing camera, front parking sensors (turbo-petrol variant only) and a tyre pressure monitoring system. While all variants are decently equipped, it’s worth spending a bit extra and going for either the SX or SX (O) trims as they get all the feel-good features. Being a Hyundai, spare parts availability won’t be an issue and authorised service centres are spread throughout the country, which should make your ownership experience stress-free.

What to look out for in a second-hand Hyundai Verna

DCT gearbox

Although not a known fault, it’s best to check the health of the dual-clutch auto gearbox if you are going for the Turbo version, as this can be an expensive fix. On a test drive, ensure that the car gets off the line smoothly, the gearbox shifts seamlessly and isn’t jerky.

Brake wear

Some owners have also said the brake pads on the Verna, especially automatic versions, tend to wear out prematurely. Before purchasing the vehicle, get a mechanic to assess the brake wear and the condition of other consumable parts as well.

Even though it’s not a common issue, a few owners have faced early clutch wear from their manual Vernas, so it’s advisable to get the clutch and pressure plate checked out before buying. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the Verna doesn’t have the most spacious rear seat.

Second-hand Hyundai Verna price and resale value

Rs 9 lakh-12 lakh

Buying a used Verna facelift for anywhere between Rs 9 lakh-12 lakh, depending on the trim level and engine-gearbox combination, represents decent value. There isn’t a huge demand for used Vernas and the fact that the new-gen model is right around the corner should help you haggle the price down to a certain extent.

Hyundai Verna factfile
Years produced	2020-Present
Price when new	From Rs 9.31 lakh (ex-showroom, India)
Engine	4 cyls, 1497cc, petrol/ 3 cyls, 998cc, turbo-petrol/ 4 cyls, 1493cc, turbo-diesel
Power	115/120/115hp
Torque	144/172/250Nm
Ground clearance	165mm
Boot space	480-litres