The pre-owned luxury car market in India is evolving as buyers increasingly look beyond new vehicles for premium brands at relatively accessible prices. However, concerns around vehicle history, authenticity, maintenance and resale value continue to influence purchasing decisions. Manzil Pathan, founder of Billionaires Cars India, which operates in Mumbai and Hyderabad, believes that transparency and customer confidence are central to building this segment. Recently honoured with the Best Entrepreneur Award by actor Suniel Shetty, Pathan speaks about the changing pre-owned luxury car market, buyer expectations and the challenges of running a business in this space.
Because maintenance requirements and ownership costs can vary considerably between models, a pre-owned luxury car needs to be evaluated carefully. The biggest concern is trust. A luxury car is a significant investment, even when it is pre-owned. Buyers want assurance that the vehicle has been maintained properly, that its documents are in order and that there are no undisclosed issues. Mechanical condition, accident history, service records and ownership details are all important. We believe a dealer’s responsibility goes beyond simply displaying a car and negotiating its price. The customer should know exactly what they are buying. Transparency at every stage helps build long-term relationships. We focus on selecting vehicles based on their condition, documentation and overall value proposition. Customers should not make a purchase based only on the brand or the asking price. The vehicle’s service history, kilometres driven, maintenance record and present condition all need to be considered. Our approach is to help buyers make an informed decision rather than simply push a particular model. Are customers now looking at pre-owned luxury cars as a practical alternative to buying new ones? Yes, there is a section of buyers that sees value in purchasing a pre-owned luxury vehicle. The initial depreciation on a new luxury car can be substantial, and a well-maintained pre-owned vehicle can offer access to a premium ownership experience at a different price point. However, affordability should not be judged only by the purchase price. Insurance, servicing, replacement parts and future maintenance costs must also be factored in. We encourage customers to consider the total cost of ownership before making a decision. Luxury SUVs continue to attract considerable interest, particularly among buyers looking for a combination of space, comfort and performance. At the same time, luxury sedans retain their appeal among customers who prioritise driving experience and refinement. Preferences also depend on age, lifestyle and intended usage. Some buyers are looking for an everyday premium vehicle, while others want a particular model or performance-oriented car. The pre-owned market allows customers to explore a wider range of options across different price brackets. You recently received the Best Entrepreneur Award from actor Suniel Shetty. What does this recognition mean to you?
We want to strengthen our presence in Mumbai and Hyderabad while exploring opportunities to expand into other markets. More importantly, we want to improve the buying experience and build a business that customers can rely on. The pre-owned luxury car segment has considerable potential, but sustainable growth will depend on professional practices, transparent transactions and after-sales support. Our focus is on building a long-term relationship with customers rather than treating every sale as an isolated transaction.