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Originally Posted by arnabchak Best bet Guru is as below:
1) M 800 of 1994-97 vintage will be about 25K-50K depending on the condition
2) 1999 vintage Zen would be approx. 60Kish or so
3) Tata Nano 2008/09 will be approx. 60k or so.
If you are okay with a sedan,
1) Maruti Esteen on 2001-2002 make should be about 70K ish
2) Daewoo Matiz(part sourcing may be difficult though)- Rs. 25K-Rs.30K of 1999-2002 vintage. |
Thank you for the suggestions Arnab. The Nano is my primary choice, followed by M800 of 2006+ vintage.
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Originally Posted by libranof1987 If the distance is that short (~4km one way) and you have three cars in the family already, any chance you can get a driver instead and utilize the existing cars more? |
I did think of this. Another option for me is to have someone drop her at office and I usually reach home late afternoons, so, I can pick her up from office in the evenings, but I'm not sure how feasible this is.
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Originally Posted by scuderiamania If i were you I would not consider pre 2000 cars given all the talk about banning the use of cars older than 15years.
The Nano is a rather competent city car. I can say so after having used a friends Nano who bought it second hand for about 65000 to be used as for family runs to the local stores etc. Like you this was their 3rd car in the family.
Also, being relatively new, finding parts for the car will never be a problem. |
Absolutely agree with you. The only "old" car I've considered is the Zen AT (1998 model), which is just due to it's rarity, and the AT comfort in city.
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Originally Posted by Rajeevraj I actually agree with your sisters comment that it is a useless investment (More so with 3 cars in the family).
You may find a car at the price of an Activa. But I don't think you can match the maintenance cost of such a car to the Activa.
And please do not consider 10-15 year old cars just for meeting the challenge. I would not even recommend a 6-7 year old Nano. It maybe easy to buy, but will be difficult to live with for your sister (Unless you are around all the time to take care of the car).
As suggested above, maybe a better utilization of the existing cars is a better approach. Or up your budget and get a decent used car and don't focus on meeting the cost of a scooter. That is a losing battle. |
I was under the impression that the Nano's niggles have been sorted out by Tata. Unless the car breaks down at office, there's always an Activa at home, for those emergency situations. You observations about the maintenance costs are spot on, and has crossed my mind too. But the peace of mind, in the ever maddening traffic, should negate the concerns about the running and maintenance costs. (Growing Middle class thought process, I guess
)
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Originally Posted by ashis89 First of all, buying price of the car might be similar to a new scooter but the daily running cost and maintenance will be much higher, almost to the tune of 5~6 times. I hope you have this in your mind. While replacing the parts, it is going to be a 2-4 lakh worth car.
For the budget mentioned, do look around for Nano as well as M800. I have owned/driven either of them and they are ideal for new drivers. At the same, they are the cheapest to maintain.
If you are okay with a slightly expensive maintenance and running cost (due to lower FE) but better car, look for good examples of Zen or 1st gen WagonR/Santro. Tall boys are much more convenient and comfortable for newbie drivers |
What are your observations of the Nano? I've driven it only once, when it was launched, and really didn't know what to make of it, since my experience with driving was limited during those days.
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Originally Posted by dhanushs Since its your sister, I would suggest you never buy anything that is not reliable.
And for that matter, IMHO, the only car cheapest and that will suit your requirements is the good 'ol 800. that too no older than 2006 and kms ~25,000.
Believe me, any car older that that, or complicated than the 800 will show a lot of problems, which a car enthusiast and a DIY guy may be able to live with, but not a lady who is looking for a practical solution. |
True that. Couple of years ago, I bought an 800 just for the heck of it (as a new driver myself at that time), from a friend who moved out of town. Had to get the suspension, tires and battery changed (The costliest investment being the tires
). Never ever gave up, in spite of all the abuse that several new drivers would give it (almost all of my friends, who lived in the same neighborhood as me, have learned to drive on this car).
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Originally Posted by smartcat Guru, none of the cars you have shortlisted has power steering.
Go to Maruti TrueValue and opt for the cheapest Alto or Wagon R. Take a loan if you don't feel like spending a higher amount upfront. |
I never felt the need of PS in the M800, does the Nano warrant a PS? I honestly have no idea about this car, except the belief that since it is a tallboy and a pretty small car, maneuvering it should be easy for even new drivers. Please do provide your observations vis-a-vis Normal Nano and the Nano Twist (I think this is the model with PS).
My heartfelt thanks to all of you for your suggestions. Looks like the Nano is the 1st choice as a 2nd/3rd car.