Used 2nd car help - zen vs 800 vs Gypsy

[zenx]

Weird set of options I know - but here's the thoughts and requirements:

* Wife's getting into a line of work which needs cross-city commutes 2-3 days of the week, with laptop and probably some material, and some co-passengers once in a while. (RWH kinda work)
* We may be doing something that needs us to be in Coorg once in a few days, and even explore some of the back roads.
* Bikes are great for me but she's not too comfy riding in the rain/slush, long distances. And I'm a little paranoid about a 30kms one-way commute for her on a regular basis.

Basically, the thought occurred that a good 800 kitted out with LPG will be cheaper, more convenient than autos/Volvos, more flexible, weatherproof and safer than bikes.

Next - why not a very old Zen ? Had a 93 beauty between 1998-2001, and loved it.

And finally, esp because of the Coorg angle (tho there are reasonable roads where we're planning to go often) the Gypsy! The allure of the thing added to the possibility too

Budget: 1-1.25, including LPG work. Don't care too much about power. Reliability is important, as are low running costs (LPG-ability?). Don't mind giving up on boot space etc.

Or are used Indicas a more practical, boring option ?

P.S. I did go through ALL the gypsy threads (lovved them), zin + lpg discussions, but I need to choose *between* them and you guys always have a great set of points-to-ponder that helps decisions...

[babureddy]

Even me too in the same plan with the same kind of budget. Any suggestions please.

[vnabhi]

I would anyday vouch for a Zen. as it is sleeker, faster and safer. You even have AC in it, which a Gypsy does not have, and an 800 is sluggish with.

[narayan]

i would tend to beleieve, rear seat comfort and space and ride quality wud also be important if ur wife is going to be in the rear seat and working on a lap top also with ppl to accompany

not sure whether zen and 800 would serve the purpose in that case....gypsy ride is also bad on good roads -....

why not an ambassador, used mahindra armada or other models from their stable

[subscrive]

You can even consider very old palios.

[zenx]

Originally Posted by narayan

i would tend to beleieve, rear seat comfort and space and ride quality wud also be important if ur wife is going to be in the rear seat and working on a lap top also with ppl to accompany

not sure whether zen and 800 would serve the purpose in that case....gypsy ride is also bad on good roads -....

why not an ambassador, used mahindra armada or other models from their stable

Thanks. Nah she's going to be driving. Rear seat comfort isn't that big a deal. How bad are Gypsys really on average to decent roads - worse than BMTC buses (for the sake of a benchmark) or autos - which is one alternative ?

Ambys etc - too scared about maintenance, etc. And I myself have found them a pain to drive. The Zen does sound like the best bet cause we've driven one earlier, and drive a City otherwise. But the Gypsy sounds so coool

[kicksperliter]

ZENX , for 1-1.25 lakh you might not get a decent zen, so i think 800 would be a best bet and also as u said your wife is going to drive, GYPSY would be pretty bad selection......


try to get hold of a good mruti 800 5speed, its powerful so after LPG conversion it will not become tooo sluggish.



happy motoring..........................

[WhiteKnight]

Originally Posted by zenx

How bad are Gypsys really on average to decent roads - worse than BMTC buses (for the sake of a benchmark) or autos - which is one alternative ?

Gypsy's ride would be closer to that on autos than on BMTC buses.

[ashwin_seattle]

dont go for a gypsy man. its gear shift is aweful, and the pathetic ride, and interiors :(
go for a carburetter zen, i sold mine 1998 model in chd for 110000 so u can lay hands on a pretty decent one at 1.25-1.35

[zenx]

A 1995 800 (aftermkt AC fitted - purportedly a good one) available for 80k, and a 2000 zen (around 62k kms) for 1.6ish.
Also a 1998/9 Esteem Vx for 1.5L.
usage: between 250-300kms a week.
[ I'm also wondering if just running the City @ 11kmpl is that much more expensive than an 800 at 15kmpl if its not on LPG - given that conversion costs 20 k over and above the car's prices. Its a max saving of some 5-8k a year ? Or am I missing something ? ]

[gopz]

Originally Posted by zenx

A 1995 800 (aftermkt AC fitted - purportedly a good one) available for 80k, and a 2000 zen (around 62k kms) for 1.6ish.
Also a 1998/9 Esteem Vx for 1.5L.
usage: between 250-300kms a week.
[ I'm also wondering if just running the City @ 11kmpl is that much more expensive than an 800 at 15kmpl if its not on LPG - given that conversion costs 20 k over and above the car's prices. Its a max saving of some 5-8k a year ? Or am I missing something ? ]

zenx, I think you are looking at used car dealers...the prices are high. Look for a direct seller, you will save money and can use the saved money to do the repairs. Dont trust ANY of the used car dealers in Bangalore, I have done lot of research (for 2-3 months) before buying a 96 M800 with A/C 3 days ago. I got a well maintained one from the direct seller for Rs.65,000

[snaronikar]

Go for Zen. It is nice to ride and handle (you may know as you already had one). If you buy LXI and above which comes with P/W and A/C, I feel, your wife will not have to put too much pressure to rotate the steering...

[humyum]

Get a 5 speed maruti 800 ...best bet...u ll get a decent one for a lakh and below and its cheap to maintain/has a very good mileage and u can neglect the cng/lpg part as there wont be much savings there anway as the cng kit is going to be around 20 k to install