Used Car - Budget 1.25L

[lamborghini]

Hi guys,
We are looking for a used car with a tight budget of Rs 125K max.
It will essentially be used for the city and should be easy on the pocket and require much maintainance.
There should also be spare parts available for cheap.
FE is not a major critera.
I have listed my options.
Thanks.

[lamborghini]

Is it possible to fit a power steering onto the zen?
My sister would like a power steering.

[drifter]

At 1.25 lakhs... you should be looking at 98-99 and if lucky a '00 zen.
Since you are on a tight budget fitting a power steering on the zen will be an unnecessary expense. your sister shouldnt have any problems without the power assistance. Check with the second hand car dealers. Make sure the condition is good....coz most probably you are going to end up with a car that is more than 5 years old.

Unless you decide to buy a completely different car. (from past experience)

[EDIT]

By the way i just saw the poll...voted for '98 zen.

Drifter

[adya33]

I don't think fitting power steering is that easy & also whether is will be trouble free
I voted for Matiz - Its a beautiful car & if you could find mechanic who would do its work then nothing like it. Also GM will be coming with Matiz in India soon so then its spare won't be much of a problem

or if not Maruti 800 2001 will make sence (damn cheap, great FE) but get only if its 5 gear model (4 geared one suck)

[drifter]

I voted for Matiz - Its a beautiful car & if you could find mechanic who would do its work then nothing like it. Also GM will be coming with Matiz in India soon so then its spare won't be much of a problem

I simply love that car...only reason i didnt vote were the spares.

Drifter

[X-Machine]

Hey lambo,
From the options you've stated,the 98 zen seems like the best option.Its more practical,and is not too hard on the pockets either.And knowing Maruti,the Zen will take them to the next decade for sure.

X

[navin]

what about the alto VX 1.1?

[Abhay]

I would vote for the Matiz....its a cute , small , city car ..even better if a female will be using it....I don't think it gives many problems either.

[nitinbhag]

M800..
IMHO, best car for new lady drivers for in-city driving..

[Montoya]

I votedf of others. I think a Alto in 800cc avtaar will be good.

[v_s_natarajan]

[quote=lamborghini]Hi guys,
We are looking for a used car with a tight budget of Rs 125K max.
QUOTE]
wait till ratan tata comes out with the one lakh rupee care, man.
1.25lakhs/
option one:Go to an army auction day and buy the old M&M jeep.
option two: Buy a second hand bajaj tempo and modify it. people atleast will be scared of you in the roads.
Option three. Buy a Fiat 118Ne. you probably will get two 118NE's
Use one and keep the other for spareparts.

I am just kidding except the third option

[maedi]

Hi Lambo,

From first hand experience of owning a matiz, i'll advise you to go for it. A stat that might inspire some confidence - Top Gear rated the Matiz "best small car of the year" in 1999. The models vying for the top honour included Kia Pride, Hyundai Atos, Rover Mini, Ford Ka, Volkswagen Lupo, Fiat Cicento, Daihatsu Kore and the Toyota Yaris (Ok, thats 1999...but see what it was up against)

Advantages
a) For 1.25 you'd probably get the top of the line SP (Power Steering, Windows (Front), AirCon, Top of the line Plastics on the Interiors, Body Col Bumpers etc...).
b) It's much safer than the competition, in fact safer than the A class for the offset impact test.
c) With Clearlens headlamps as standard, the car doesnt show its age easily... a good paint job and wheels can almost make the car look new.
d) Has enough power to satiate (most) women drivers .
e) Nimble handling (you can do without the power steering).
f) Loads of room on the inside.
g) Powerful Aircon.
h) FE (though you've mentioned this isn't criteria for the choice)

The downside:
a) Doors dent easily on impact (manufacturer cut corners to keep the car light for FE). (However, note that the side impact beams are of good quality).
b) With the Aircon on, you need to downshift often and the 52 bhp engine is a tad taxed....in mumbai though you shouldnt feel this too much....has jsut about enough power for a city car....

Spare parts aren't too much of an issue....they're available easily....alot of korean vendors who catered to Daewoo sell their stuff to Auto Shops etc in India....i got my LH wing Mirror for 795, 6 months back....the car doesnt give you any major problems....the biggest issue is that the silecer wears of easily....and that replacement costs about INR 1400...

The Matiz vs the other options.....

Matiz Vs 800 - Its a much better car all around...except spares....
Matiz Vs Zen - Roomier, Better Interiors than the 1998/99 models...safer...

Feel free to ping me with specific queries, i'll be more than glad to answer them!

Best,
Maedi.

[Samurai]

Originally Posted by v_s_natarajan

option one:Go to an army auction day and buy the old M&M jeep.
option two: Buy a second hand bajaj tempo and modify it. people atleast will be scared of you in the roads.

Not the ideal choice for a new lady driver.

[v_s_natarajan]

Originally Posted by Samurai

Not the ideal choice for a new lady driver.

I am sorry.
I did not realize that.
then Zen is what it is.

[lamborghini]

Saw an Auto Zen.
Looked good from the outside but i have doubts regarding the suspension.
Price was 1.25 for an early 1997 zen done 33006 km.