(Top) Car audio systems from Soundstream and Kicker; (below) the Nissan 350Z 35th anniversary model

Want to exchange your Hyundai Accent for a Verna? Confused whether to go for a Merc S-Class or a Montero? Undecided on the latest subwoofer series for your car audio system — Kicker or Soundstream?

A “unique, one-stop car shop for all conceivable customer needs” has clicked into gear, revving up to catch the car boom.

At Marks N Glix (195, Block J, New Alipore), you can buy/sell/exchange your car, get accessories fitted, and also go in for any kind of modification/customisation or performance enhancement to turn your plain Jane jalopy into a head-turner.

“This is the first time such a broad basket of facilities is being offered to Calcutta’s increasingly discerning car customer. The idea is to cater to the changing needs of today’s generation, often easily bored with the existing vehicle, and forever looking for something new,” says Vinay Daga, a partner in the retail project.

The used-car market in Calcutta is growing at a fast clip and is now pegged at over Rs 100 crore a month, according to Harsh Agarwal, another partner. “However, we are not just dealing in used cars. From a basic Maruti 800 to high-end imported makes like Audi, Lexus and Nissan, you can buy it all from our showroom, and we are ready to give the customer a spread of five to six models to choose from in a given price band,” he adds.

A one-year warranty will come with every used car. You can also test-drive multiple vehicles. Every purchase — even a Maruti 800 — comes with a free trip to Bangkok.

“Today, with so many makes and models to choose from, the customer is often confused and since we don’t have loyalty to one particular brand, we are able to provide prospective buyers important advice on mileage, resale value, spare parts availability,” points out Daga.

People these days are less sceptical of buying used cars, with the rollover rate accelerating every day and vehicles changing hands sometimes after just a few months. Ask young Vivek Bihani who exchanged his one-year-old Honda Civic for an Accord.

“When I bought the Civic, that was at the top end of my budget. But when the Accord was launched here, I realised I could afford it and so I went for it,” smiles the 28-year-old.

“Car-owners in Calcutta have a high degree of emotional attachment to their vehicles, which translates into better maintenance. Road conditions have also improved quite a lot, and so wear and tear is much less these days, also boosting the used-car market,” observes Abhishek Daga of Marks N Glix.