Mehran in 2023: is buying a used ‘Boss’ still a good decision?

WEB DESK: Despite Suzuki discontinuing the Mehran in Pakistan over four years ago, ‘The Boss’ still dominates the roads.

Whether you’re in a bustling city, a quiet rural area, or on highways in varying conditions, spotting a Suzuki Mehran, also referred to as ‘The Boss’, remains a common sight even in 2023. But what keeps this basic-looking vehicle so popular?

Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its affordability. The Mehran continues to be one of the cheapest options in the Pakistani auto market.

Despite its basic design, the key to its appeal lies in its budget-friendly nature. Not only is it inexpensive, but it’s also incredibly easy to maintain.

Spare parts for the Mehran are widely available across Pakistan and come at a fraction of the cost compared to similar cars in its category.

Interestingly, Mehran was sold in Pakistan for decades with minimal features; it lacked ABS, airbags, and even air conditioning upon its initial launch.

Surprisingly, the introduction of air conditioning in Mehran was seen as no less than a luxury feature after years of its launch.

Despite these limitations, the Mehran earned immense love from Pakistanis because, at the time, there were limited options available. It was the most basic yet value-for-money vehicle that required low maintenance, making it a popular choice.

Even today, ‘The Boss’ remains in demand in the used car market in Pakistan. Many individuals prefer it due to its familiarity and ease of maintenance.

Believe it or not, Suzuki Mehran is still being sold for nearly Rs2 million in local showrooms and online marketplaces.

Here’s a screenshot of two Mehran vehicles that were recently listed for sale in Pakistan on an online marketplace:

Suzuki Mehran price (used)

Particularly, the 2019 model stands out as the most expensive one, being the last year it was locally manufactured in Pakistan. The price of the Mehran when it was discontinued was less than Rs1 million.

However, older models of the Mehran, manufactured before the year 2000, can be purchased for as low as Rs300,000 due to their age.

Suzuki Mehran is available for sale in Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, and almost every city, underscoring its enduring popularity.

If you’re considering buying a Suzuki Mehran in 2023 or 2024, the decision depends on your needs and budget.

If you require a basic car for commuting from point A to point B and are willing to compromise on comfort to save money, the Suzuki Mehran can be a suitable choice.

Read more: Used cars to buy in Pakistan under Rs1.7 million

As petrol prices in Pakistan have increased massively in the past few years, it is important to speak about fuel consumption. Mehran Euro 2 models provide a fuel average of around 13 kilometres per litre and feature a fuel tank capacity of 30 litres. On long routes, Mehran can provide up to 17 kilometres per litre. However, long journeys in the Mehran might be tiring.

While no car is entirely maintenance-free, the Mehran stands out for its affordability in terms of parts and maintenance.

Every car requires regular maintenance, but the Suzuki Mehran won’t drain your wallet. Its parts, including headlights, bumpers, and tail lights, are readily available in local car markets, making repairs hassle-free.

However, if your budget exceeds Rs2 or Rs3 million and you seek comfort and better specifications, other options in the used car market might be more suitable.

There’s a variety of used cars available in the Rs3 million price range for buyers seeking more features and comfort.