Guide to Buy Second-Hand Auto Rickshaw – Model Years From 2015 to 2025
If youâre planning to Buy used auto rickshaw in India, choosing the right model year can make or break your ROI. The 2015â18, 2018â22, and 2022â25 windows each offer a different balance of price, reliability, and running costs. This guide breaks down what to check, how to benchmark value, and the smartest way to finance and transfer ownership. Follow the steps to avoid hidden repairs and keep your daily earnings steady from day one.
Year-by-year guide (2015â2025)
2015 models: Best for tight budgets and simple mechanics. Prioritize chassis rust checks (floorboard, cross-members) and engine compression; plan for suspension bushings, clutch plates, and a new battery within a year. Confirm Fitness Certificate/permit age limits in your state (some regions tighten rules earlier than 15 years).
2016 models: Slightly newer wiring looms and fewer electrical gremlins compared to 2015. Verify odometer consistency with service slips and tyre age; re-upholstery and canopy refresh are common, low-cost upgrades that lift resale. Inspect steering play and rear swingarm bush wear on a loaded test drive.
2017 models: BS-IV era kicked in, so emissions hardware and tuning improved. Check that the vehicle is truly BS-IV on the RC, keep an eye on catalytic converter health, and make sure PUC readings are stable. Good pick if your city enforces stricter emission checks.
2018 models: Sweet spot for many buyersâmodern enough, but still affordable. Youâll find lots of ex-fleet units with predictable service histories; examine front fork bearings, brake drums, and gearbox shift feel. Resale in 3â4 years is typically stronger than older brackets.
2019 models: Mature BS-IV builds with better NVH and refinements. Expect higher kilometres; prioritize complete service records and check for engine oil seepage around gaskets. Budget for tyres and a clutch refresh if pick-up under load feels lazy.
2020 models: BS-VI brought fuel-injection and tighter emissions; parts like O2 sensors and catalysts are costlier, so demand proof of scheduled maintenance. Cold starts should be crisp, idle stable, and there should be no warning lights. Great choice if you want cleaner running and fewer restrictions in metro areas.
2021 models: Pandemic storage means some vehicles have low kms but long idle periods. Inspect for battery sulphation, tyre flat spots, sticky brakes, and injector clogging (CNG/LPG valves too). A thorough fluid change and brake service usually restores reliability.
2022 models: Post-BS-VI improvements with better ergonomics and uptime. Many units still have warranty balance or at least dealer service trailsâuse them to validate mileage. Prices are higher, but near-term maintenance is typically minimal.
2023 models: Many makers rolled updates aligned with BS-VI Phase 2/OBD enhancementsâlook for an OBD port and clean scan report. Software calibrations matter; confirm there are no stored fault codes and that sensors pass self-tests. Ideal for buyers wanting modern diagnostics and longer regulatory runway.
2024 models: Often ex-demo or short-fleet cycles with excellent condition. Verify permit transferability and any accessories (roof rack, meter, extra tyre) included in the deal. Youâre paying a premium, so insist on full service invoices and two keys.
2025 models: Essentially near-newâquestion the reason for sale and check for hypothecation on the RC. Expect fresh tyres, unworn brakes, and factory paint; a pre-purchase inspection still protects you against accidental damage. If priced right, this bracket offers the longest usable life and easiest financing.
How to judge Used autorickshaw price without overpaying
Start by shortlisting 5â7 comparable listings in your city with the same fuel type and similar kilometers. Note asking prices, service history, tyre age, clutch life, and any recent engine or gearbox work. Next, conduct a four-step sanity check: 1) Set a baseline from the median of local listings, 2) Add or subtract for condition (paint, seat frame, canopy, meter), 3) Adjust for fuel type and permits included, and 4) Add near-term maintenance youâll likely face in the first 10,000 km.
Meet at least two sellers in personâone individual owner and one from Old auto rickshaw dealersâto compare how vehicles were run and serviced. During inspection, look for oil seepage around the head and gearbox, play in steering and swingarm bushings, and uneven tyre wear that hints at alignment issues. On the test drive, load the vehicle with passengers or weight to check hill starts, clutch bite, and brake pedal feel. If the difference between your baseline and the sellerâs ask is driven by ânew tyresâ or âfresh battery,â verify invoices and date codes.
Inspection and paperwork checklist before money changes hands
Bring a torch and a magnet. Check chassis and engine numbers against the RC and invoice, and look for weld marks near the chassis cradle. Evaluate the exhaust note for misfire, and confirm that the meter, lights, horn, and wipers work. For CNG/LPG, inspect cylinder hydro-test validity; for electric, assess state-of-health via the BMS readout or at least verify range on a long loop. If parts availability matters to you, a Second hand Bajaj auto rickshaw often has wide service access, but Piaggio, TVS, and Mahindra support networks are strong in many citiesâjudge by your location.
Paperwork to verify includes valid Fitness Certificate, insurance (own damage + third-party), current PUC, road tax status, and any pending challans. Ensure permits (passenger or goods) match your intended use and region. If the RC shows hypothecation, plan for bank NOC and Form 35 before transfer. For inter-state purchases, secure the sellerâs NOC and be ready for re-registration. Put all negotiated repairs and included accessories (spare tyre, tool kit, extra seats) into a signed sale agreement.
Finance, EMI, and deal closure: do the math first
If cash isnât ideal, compare lenders that specifically advertise Auto rickshaw loan for used vehicles. Shortlist two banks and two NBFCs, check processing fees, insurance bundling, pre-closure charges, and whether they finance older model years. Use an EMI calculator to stress-test three scenarios: conservative (lower EMI, higher down payment), balanced, and aggressive (higher EMI, faster ownership). Pick the one where EMI comfortably sits below your average daily net earnings after fuel, routine service, and permit costs.
Lock the vehicle with a small, receipted token only after document verification. Submit KYC, bank statements, and income proof as requested by your lender; some may accept trip sheets or union letters for informal income. Keep a simple timeline: 1) Technical inspection report, 2) Loan sanction and disbursal, 3) RC transfer initiation, and 4) Delivery with handover note and two sets of keys. Before taking delivery, confirm two spare tyres or negotiate price accordingly. A clean, documented handover protects your resale and eases future financing when you upgrade.
Quick steps to find and finalize the right unit
- Define your duty cycle (short urban hops versus longer suburban runs) and pick the right model-year window.
- Build a comparison sheet of five listings and note condition, kilometres, and included permits.
- Test drive with load, validate service records, and price-in first-year wear items.
- Choose the best listing from a trusted individual or dealer, then secure finance and transfer paperwork in parallel.
Conclusion
Buying smart is about matching model year to your routes, verifying condition with discipline, and staying firm on price. Use a structured checklist, compare multiple listings, and lean on professional inspections when possible. Whether youâre scanning Second hand auto for sale classifieds or visiting yards, take your time to validate documents and ownership. With patience and process, youâll secure a reliable workhorse at the right price and be ready to roll from day one.