These cars are almost identical: how to save money by choosing the right model

When buying a used car, people often look first at the brand, then the model, mileage and price. However, one detail is often overlooked: some cars sold under different brands are actually very similar from a technical point of view.

Same platform, same technology, sometimes even the same engine or gearbox… but a different badge on the bonnet.

As a result, it is sometimes possible to buy a very similar car for less money, simply because it is less well-known or less in demand on the used car market.

Why are some cars almost identical?

Some cars sold under different brands actually use the same platform. This means they can share a large part of their design, engine, gearbox or technology.

This is the case, for example, with the Renault Captur and the Mitsubishi ASX, or the Renault Clio and the Mitsubishi Colt. For buyers, comparing these models can make it possible to find a very similar car, sometimes at a lower price. Mitsubishi uses Renault-based platforms for some recent models sold in Europe, including the ASX based on the Captur and the Colt based on the Clio.

This principle also exists with other brands. For example, the Mazda 2 Hybrid sold in Europe is very close to the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, while the Suzuki Swace is based on the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports and the Suzuki Across on the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.

Examples of very similar cars

Well-known model/Equivalent model/Good to know

Renault Captur/Mitsubishi ASX/Very similar urban SUV in recent generations.

Renault Clio/Mitsubishi Colt/Very similar city car in its recent European version.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid/Mazda 2 Hybrid/Same idea: a very similar hybrid city car.

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports/Suzuki Swace/Family hybrid estate based on Toyota technology.

Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid/Suzuki Across/Technically very close plug-in hybrid SUV.

Citroën Berlingo/Peugeot Rifter / Opel Combo / Toyota Proace CitySame family of practical and family-oriented vehicles.

Renault Kangoo/Nissan Townstar / Mercedes CitanSimilar vans and family vehicles depending on the generation.

These models are not always exactly identical, but they can share a very similar technical base. This is why it is worth comparing them before buying.

Where can you save money?

The saving does not always come from the new car price. It often comes from the used car market.

A model with a more popular badge may keep a higher value. On the other hand, its equivalent model may be less sought-after, and therefore sometimes cheaper to buy.

Here is a simple example:

Price of the most popular model/Price of the equivalent model/Possible saving

CHF 20’000/CHF 18’000/CHF 2’000

CHF 25’000/CHF 21’500/CHF 3’500

CHF 30’000/CHF 26’000/CHF 4’000

A 14% difference on a CHF 25’000 car represents a saving of CHF 3’500.

That amount could pay for part of the insurance, a set of tyres, a service, a vehicle inspection or several leasing payments.

A concrete example

Imagine a buyer looking for a hybrid city car.

They may naturally think of a Toyota Yaris Hybrid, because it is well known, reliable and in high demand. But by also looking at the Mazda 2 Hybrid, they may find a car that is technically very similar, with a different badge, sometimes offered at a more attractive price.

The same logic applies to someone looking for an urban SUV. They could compare a Renault Captur with a recent Mitsubishi ASX. Depending on the year, engine, equipment and mileage, one of the two may be more financially interesting.

The goal is not to say that one model is better than the other. The goal is to understand that some vehicles deserve to be compared together.

Important: same platform does not mean identical car

This is the most important point.

Two cars can be technically very close, but still differ in terms of:

• standard equipment;

• options;

• warranty;

• exterior design;

• interior finish;

• dealer network;

• parts availability;

• resale value;

• brand reputation;

• leasing or financing conditions.

For example, a car may be cheaper to buy, but also slightly harder to resell. On the other hand, if you keep the vehicle for several years, the initial saving can be very interesting.

How to compare two equivalent models properly

Before buying, you should not only compare the badge. You should compare the elements that really matter.

The easiest way is to search for listings with:

• the same year;

• similar mileage;

• the same engine type;

• a similar gearbox;

• comparable trim level;

• clear service history;

• remaining warranty or not;

• similar overall condition.

Then look at the price difference.

If two cars are technically very close, but one costs CHF 1’000 to CHF 2’000 less, it may be worth considering.

The mistake to avoid

You should not buy a car only because it is cheaper.

A cheaper car can be a good deal, but only if the condition, service history, equipment and price are consistent.

You also need to think about resale. A better-known brand may sometimes be easier to resell. A less sought-after brand may require a little more patience.

That is why the right question is not only:

“Which car is the cheapest?”

But rather:

“Which car offers the best balance between price, equipment, reliability, warranty and resale value?”

Is this relevant in Switzerland?

Yes, especially on the Swiss used car market.

In Switzerland, buyers are often sensitive to the brand, service history, warranty, mileage and overall condition of the vehicle.

This can create price differences between two very similar models. A better-known model may be more in demand, while a less well-known equivalent model may offer better value for money.

For buyers looking for a rational, reliable and economical car, comparing these models can be a real opportunity.

Frequently asked questions

What is an equivalent car?

An equivalent car is a model sold under another brand, but which shares a very similar technical base with another vehicle. It may have the same platform, a similar engine or shared technology.

Are two cars built on the same platform exactly identical?

No. They can be very similar, but there may be differences in equipment, finish, warranty, design or settings.

Why can the price be different?

The price also depends on brand image, demand, model reputation and ease of resale. A better-known brand may keep a higher value.

Is it a good idea to buy the less well-known model?

Yes, if the price is attractive and the vehicle is in good condition. It is especially interesting if you plan to keep the car for several years.

How can I know if two cars are technically close?

You need to compare the platform, engine, gearbox, dimensions, equipment and sometimes the origin of the model. If in doubt, it can be useful to ask an automotive professional for advice.

Conclusion

Many buyers search for a specific brand without knowing that a very similar model may exist under another badge.

However, these cars can represent a real opportunity to save money when buying, without necessarily making a major compromise on technology or comfort.

Before buying a used car, it is therefore useful to compare not only competing models, but also technically equivalent models.

On automotive platforms such as Sellyourcars.ch, this logic also helps to better understand the real value of a vehicle on the Swiss market.