5 cars under ₹15 lakh I would buy if I planned to keep it for 10 years

Buying a car with the intention of keeping it for a decade changes the way you evaluate it. Instead of focusing only on the latest features or aggressive pricing, long-term ownership prioritises reliability, mechanical simplicity, durability, and proven engineering.

With that in mind, the ideal long-term car should have a dependable engine, strong build quality, widespread service support and a reputation that inspires confidence even after years of use. Here are five cars under ₹15 lakh that stand out if the goal is to keep them for the next ten years:

Naturally aspirated engines generally have fewer components than turbocharged units, which can help long-term reliability. And, we’ve already seen this same engine perform well on the , too. The Elevate also offers basic modern features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and ADAS on higher variants, making it modern without being overly complex.

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Despite its rugged nature, the Thar includes features like a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control and steering-mounted controls, making it usable as a daily driver while remaining extremely capable off the road. The engine, too, is a reliable and powerful one. The most powerful, at least on this list.

The Taigun also carries a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, reinforcing its reputation for structural strength. Inside, it offers features like a 10-inch touchscreen, digital driver display and ventilated front seats, making it both decently-equipped and enjoyable to drive. German cars like the and the Passat have been well known to last for years, if maintained properly.

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The Seltos remains one of the most feature-rich SUVs in the segment, offering equipment such as ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera and ADAS features in higher trims.

More importantly, the Jimny comes with serious off-road credentials such as a ladder-frame chassis and AllGrip Pro four-wheel-drive system with low range, making it one of the most capable adventure vehicles in this price bracket.