[GTO]

Ford Fiesta 1.6



Prices we've seen : Rs. 3.5 lakh and up
Availability : Excellent. Plenty of used Fiesta 1.6' in the market today. Ford's frequent "special editions" can land you a brand new 1.6 for 6 lakhs (or in the whereabouts)

What you'll like:

• Clean timeless styling
• Revv happy 1.6 100 BHP engine. Quick, smooth and linear power delivery
• A currently sold model. Used Fiestas will be relatively recent examples
• Well balanced ride & handling. Loves corners. A hoot to drive
• Direct steering & slick shifting gearbox
• Solid build quality is better than tinny Jap competition

What you won't like:

• Small cabin size. Space at a premium
• 1.6 is not as fuel efficient as say, the OHC or Baleno
• Inconsistent quality & reliability

Some ownership reviews on the car (Please search for the complete list):

• Ford Fiesta 1.6 Review 1
• Ford Fiesta 1.6 Review 2
• Ford Fiesta 1.6 Review 3

Some discussions on the car (Please search for the complete list):

• Used Fiesta 1.6 or 1.4. What to buy?
• Buying a Fiesta 1.6 from a factory sale
  

[GTO]

Ford Ikon 1.6



Prices we've seen : Rs. 90,000 - 2.0 lakhs
Availability : Excellent. The Ikon has been on sale since the year 2000 and has managed respectable sales too. 1.6 production stopped 3 years back. Better to avoid the early / high mileage models, and opt for a more recent example @ 1.75 lakh rupees.

What you'll like:

• Revv happy 1.6 ROCAM engine. Torquey unit aids city driveability
• Compact & responsive steering. Gearbox nice to use as well
• Good handling skills. Absolute blast to drive
• Excellent driving position + driver seat
• Rear seat is perfectly contoured for comfort
• Solid build quality is better than tinny Jap competition

What you won't like:

• Lousy brakes. The single fly in the ointment
• Reliability is inconsistent. Some parts are prone to failure
• Outdated interiors. Quality is iffy

Some ownership reviews on the car (Please search for the complete list):

• Ford Ikon 1.6 Review 1
• Ford Ikon 1.6 Review 2
• Ford Ikon 1.6 Review 3

Some discussions on the car (Please search for the complete list):

• Right price for a used Ikon1.6 NXT
• What price to expect for a 2005 Ikon 1.6?
• Advice: Buying a used Ikon 1.6
  
  

[GTO]

Maruti Swift



Prices we've seen : Rs. 2.75 lakh and up
Availability : Excellent. The Swift has gone on to become one of Maruti's biggest success stories. An average of 8,000 new Swifts added to our roads each month. Also note that you can buy a new Swift for under 6 lakh rupees.

What you'll like:

• Driver-oriented handling. A very chuckable hatchback
• Currently sold model. Parts, service and Maruti's after-sales equate to peace of the mind
• Extremely mod happy. Long list of after-market options available
• Also sold with a diesel engine that's surprisingly fun to drive. And fuel efficient too
• Snazzy looking hatch. Looks only elevate with alloys, thicker tyres and more

What you won't like:

• 1.3 petrol engine seems outdated. Poor low end torque
• Lacks in overall quality, fit and finish
• Rear bench is claustrophobic. Low on space too

Some ownership reviews on the car (Please search for the complete list):

• Maruti Swift Review 1
• Maruti Swift Review 2
• Maruti Swift Review 3

Some discussions on the car (Please search for the complete list):

• Bought a used 2006 Swift Zxi
• Choosing between a used Swift Vxi or a used Baleno
• 2005 Swift Vxi for 2.8 lakhs. A good deal?

[GTO]

Maruti Gypsy 4x4



Prices we've seen : Rs. 50,000 - 3.50 lakhs
Availability : Obviously way better than the Classic. Gypsies have been on sale for nearly 25 years now. Avoid 1.0 liter engine variants. New Gypsy also available for Rs. 6.0 lakhs at your nearest Maruti showroom

What you'll like:

• Revv happy MPFi engine. Refinement high (by 4x4 standards)
• Built tough, simple and robust. Loves to be abused
• Outstanding offroad capability. Literally a mountain goat
• Open-top cruising
• Japanese reliability (dream on, Jeepers) + Maruti's after sales support. Peace of the mind
• Easy to drive, even within the city

What you won't like:

• Loves to sip petrol. No diesel option
• Lack of low end torque for offroad use
• Light weight clutch requires generous slipping in 4x4 mode
• Harsh ride quality (bumpier than the Classic)

Some ownership reviews on the car (Please search for the complete list):

• Maruti Gypsy Review 1
• Maruti Gypsy Review 2
• Maruti Gypsy Review 3

Some discussions on the car (Please search for the complete list):

• Buying a '94 Gypsy for 2.5 lakhs
• Buying a Gypsy from Auctions
  
  
  

[GTO]

Imports:



The W126 Mercedes S-Class can be had for anywhere between Rs. 3.0 - 6.0 lakhs. A "blue-blooded" Benz, the W126 is widely regarded as the last of pure Mercedes'. Classic timeless styling, over-engineered in every way, massive interior space, simple easy-to-fix mechanicals and an outstanding cruiser. Enthusiasts will prefer the 500 / 560 SEL (V8 engines). Some spares are even cheaper than the Maruti Esteems! This is a workhorse Mercedes. Had the longest run of any S Class generation (1979 - 1992) and remains one of the most successful luxo-barges worldwide. If you find a clean car, pick it up without a second thought. If you don't, do share the contact details of the owner



The W140 Mercedes S-Class is yours for anywhere between Rs. 4.0 lakhs - 12.0 lakhs. The 140 was known as an extremist, a cost-no-bar luxury automobile. Fact is, the R&D costs were so high that Mercedes never made a single $ on any of them. Massive size and presence are imposing, its easy to see why this car was (and remains) a favorite with the int'l mafia. Right from the double-glazed windows to the S600 V12 engine, the W140 was a super-sedan in every way. Can make the currently sold W221 S Class look like a wimp. Unreal luxury and insulation from outside world. 200 kph feels like 80 kph (seriously). S500s are rare in India, S600 even more so. 6 cylinder S320s are plenty. Complex car equates to huge $$$ in ownership costs.



Toyota Celica : An absolute blast to drive! Jap reliabilty, superb handling and good power. Racy driving position. Great "first" sportscar.



Mazda Miata : Compact convertible, rear wheel drive, peppy engine and short-throw gearbox. One of Mazda's biggest success stories.

[gods-envy]

Nice thread GTO.
One question though - can one really get a VRS for between Rs. 3.5 - 6.5 lakhs?
I am more looking at the Rs 3.5L price?

Also, how about including the Alto Vx1.1, for the most basic drivers' car?
And also the Ikon 1.6.
I have heard raves from the owners of these two cars as well.

[aaggoswami]

1) I think that a used Fiesta can be added to the list. Its a nice car by today's standards. Good engine with even spread of grunt and relatively better handling. Still in procduction, so spares are not as big an issue.

2) I think even Lancer Cedia can make it to the list. This car's suspension deserves a special mention.

3) Unfortunately, most of the cars are no longer in production so I would not plonk my money in here unless this is going to be my second or third car. If its going to be my only car, I would end up with Korean product.

4) Lancer is another car worth mentioning. Lancer would be my obvious choice. That 1.5 mill ( actually its 1468cc IIRC ) is very reliable and this one car is a timeless beauty. As timeless as Willys jeep and Bettle. Still looks the best and well proportioned.

The car has proved reliable in India, the trailing arm suspension at rear is better than current sedan's cost saving torsion beam setups. Take it to mountains and a good driver can push it well ahead of even some Rs. 10 lakh cars.

Although fit and finish are not as good, but the cabin is still a comfortable place to be in. The sound insulation is still good and low seating position gives a good feeling at high speed.

IMHO, this car is better engineered than many cars currently available in the Indian market. One drive and look under the hood tells that this is not just a cost effective shortcut sedan.

Here from all the cars listed, my vote goes to Lancer.

Baleno which is better performing and more fuel efficinet would have got my vote, but now that VW deal has hit me hard. The way VW has behaved till now, I have no respect for it and its too dominating in all relationships. I am afraid of longer waiting for Baleno parts and rise in spare costs.

Can we have a poll here ?

[khan_sultan]

Hey, a nice collection of enthusiast's cars in one thread. I would like one of each in my Garage. I already have 2 out of these already :-)

Each one is unique in it's own way and different from rest so can't say which is better or more better :-)

Now, time to search for a W124 or a W126.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by gods-envy

One question though - can one really get a VRS for between Rs. 3.5 - 6.5 lakhs?
I am more looking at the Rs 3.5L price?

You betcha! Of course, the 3.5 - 4.0 L rupee RS will be early model years / high mileage / well worn examples. Want a Mumbai agents number?

Also, how about including the Alto Vx1.1, for the most basic drivers' car?

Don't see the Alto 1.1 as a pure enthusiasts car. Amongst hatchbacks, the Palio 1.6 is so much more satisfying to drive.

Originally Posted by aaggoswami

1) I think that a used Fiesta can be added to the list.

And also the Ikon 1.6.

Superb suggestion! Will have the Fiesta 1.6 added (instead of the Ikon). Thanks

I think even Lancer Cedia can make it to the list. This car's suspension deserves a special mention.

Another great suggestion. Will add, thanks!

3) Unfortunately, most of the cars are no longer in production so I would not plonk my money in here unless this is going to be my second or third car.

That's one of the reasons why they are cheap

Originally Posted by khan_sultan

Hey, a nice collection of enthusiast's cars in one thread. I would like one of each in my Garage. I already have 2 out of these already :-)

I have two on the list too

Now, time to search for a W124 or a W126.

Hey, the clean W126s come this way first. Get in line, Khan!

[esteem_lover]

Shouldn't the Civic and the Accord 2.4 also find a place here ?

And how about the Hyundais ? Elantra CRDi comes for around 4L.

[sanjayatarizona]

Stonking thread GTO. I may join you in the queue for the W126 as well .

[snaronikar]

Nice thread GTO. Can you add some of the used MUVs/SUVs we get in 5-8 lacs range. This will help lots of people who are interested in going in for utility vehicles.

[v12]

Excellent thread! Went through the prices and the minimum prices for the RS and the VTEC did surprise me a bit. Maybe the lowest priced ones are the ones that seems to be the first batch and high mileage ones.

I was wondering why the Ford Ikon 1.6 was not a part of the list, but just read your comment.

Also why no BMW's along with the Merc's. Are they priced more than +lakhs or is it because of availability?

Is it possible to include prices of the various Lancer models also - the SFx and the Invecs 1.8 too?

[.anshuman]

You missed out the Ford Ikon 1.6,Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Elantra CRDi.

[fx45]

nice informative guide there but could be made better
also can be added is the 1st gen camry and 1st gen accord for India both were 4bangers if i am not wrong.

Good effort