Hi folks,
At the outset, let me state that my username doesn't really mean much. I'm not a big fan of the Edsel, though I'm interested in its history. For that matter, I'm interested in all things concerning automobiles. I work as a writer/editor in Bombay, and mostly cover business and technology. I hope to drop by sometime if you have regular meetups in this city. I live in Andheri (West).
I have been a lurker here for some weeks, but that's partly because I don't have a four-wheeler driving licence yet. I hope to get one soon though. I currently own two Enfield Bullets (a 1989 Std 350cc and a 2002 Std 500cc), and someday I hope to complete my "fleet" with a second-hand Gypsy (preferably white, late-1990s, soft-top.) Or even a Mahindra CJ would be nice...
However, practicality has led me to consider buying an old Maruti 800 as a first car on which to cut my driving teeth (so to speak). Advancing age has brought with it nagging ailments such as a bad back and mildly arthritic knees, so I don't bike as often as I used to. Solo trips that I did on my Enfield a decade ago — such as Delhi to Bombay and Bombay to Goa — are but a distant memory now. :(
Yes, I know it makes far more sense to buy an Alto or Wagon R, but I really need to find out if I can handle driving in a city like Bombay. So I'm looking at a sub-75K M800. I'm not too confident because I've had less than ten hours of practice at the wheel so far and I still manage to stall my friend's Wagon R at stoplights. *
embarrassed* Another reason to look at a used car is that I don't have covered parking, and will therefore have to leave the car under a tree at the mercy of the birds.
Once (and if) I get the hang of things, I intend to retire the 800 and go in for a better car. My budget then would be in the region of 4-5 lakh, so I'm not exactly considering a Landcruiser. But that Gypsy would be nice... especially since I also harbour dreams of eventually investing in a little cottage a couple of hours from Bombay, with a telescope, a shelf full of books, some bottles of wine, and an internet connection for company. All right, I'll be magnanimous and allow the wife to visit on weekends.
Thank you for reading this far. I've been checking out the BHP forums and it's been a voyage of discovery. I hope to contribute something constructive to the discussions here, even if my knowledge of cars is limited.
Cheers,
Hari