PACKAGE: OLD BONDS FADE, NEW MODELS BECKON: MADURAI’S USED-VEHICLE MARKET HITS REVERSE
EV registrations in Madurai rose from 3,200 in 2024 to 4,400 in 2025, with another 3,800 recorded so far this year. Tamil Nadu’s 100% road-tax exemption for EVs continues until Dec 31, 2027, for another 14 months,” he said. Younger buyers, in particular, are keen to try newer models with updated features rather than settle for older vehicles,” he said. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Madurai | Silver Rate in Madurai | Bank Holidays in Madurai | Public Holidays in Madurai | Madurai AQI | Weather in Madurai | Petrol Price in Madurai | Diesel Price in Madurai | CNG Price in Madurai | LPG Price in Madurai Stay updated with the latest Madurai news.
Financier Aadhi Rajaram said buyers increasingly prefer a new vehicle with a warranty and fewer maintenance concerns when the monthly repayment difference is marginal. EV dealer G Gnanaprakash said buyers were increasingly willing to spend more upfront on a new electric scooter rather than purchase a used petrol model, considering the savings on fuel and maintenance. A Manikandan, who runs a second-hand showroom in Madurai, said the figures represent only officially recorded ownership transfers, not every sale.
Madurai: The bargain to sell is getting harder in Madurai’s second-hand vehicle market. Used scooters, motorcycles and cars that once attracted buyers chiefly on price are facing growing disinterest as customers look beyond the sticker rate. Dealers say even budget-conscious buyers increasingly consider new models, leaving the resale trade struggling to retain its appeal. Another factor hurting the resale market is the narrowing EMI gap between new and used vehicles. “For many, the appeal of owning a new vehicle outweighs the savings offered by a second-hand one, even if it means a longer repayment period. Adding to the pressure on the resale market is the growing preference for electric vehicles , particularly among city commuters. Some buyers delay updating registration records after purchasing vehicles, meaning actual transactions could be higher. He cautioned against treating the RTO figures as a complete measure of the trade. “Festive-season offers on new vehicles often temporarily affect used-vehicle sales. He expects petrol two-wheelers to regain buyers if the exemption expires and EVs become costlier. Download the TOI App.
Monthly ownership transfers plunged from 1,659 in June to 1,064 in July before recovering to 1,350 in August, as dealers reported increasing hesitation among prospective buyers. Automobile engineer M Ravikumar said the shift from E10 petrol, containing 10% ethanol, to E20 had raised concerns among buyers of older vehicles, many of which were certified only for E10. Some may require replacement of rubber hoses and gaskets, while ethanol’s lower energy content can reduce mileage by 3%-5%. ” Although the Union govt maintains that testing has found no widespread engine damage, Ravikumar said uncertainty over long-term maintenance costs had made buyers hesitant to invest in used petrol vehicles.
The decline was particularly pronounced in July and August, coinciding with growing concerns over the compatibility of older vehicles with E20 petrol. “While this does not necessarily make them unsafe for E20, the higher ethanol content has fuel-system compatibility implications for certain older models.
Records from the city’s three RTOs show 19,795 vehicle ownership transfers in 2025, compared to 14,576 so far in 2026. Average daily transfers have declined from 54 to 50.