What Car: changing the aging Lancer

[vivek_agra]

Need to change the aging Lancer (Oct 2000, GLXi) for my wife. She is a senior consultant and has a driver. The drive is about 1500km/month.

Hence looking for a car, which will be driven by driver mostly.
Backseat comfort is important (I have Skoda RS, I drive myself)

Looking at less used Corrolla, Accord (new shape), new Cedia Spirit (8.65 on road in GGN)

Perception is an important consideration..
Budget is from 6 to 9 lakhs.

Like Cedia, given Lancer experience, but had few doubts on
- Perception
- Resale value
- Spare part costs (though i expect not too many needed)

Any thoughts on what is the perception of Cedia in the market.

thanks

Vivek

[Dippy]

Have you considered the NHC? Its a good car to be driven in, seats are comfortable and its in your budget too. Another car that comes to mind is the Optra 1.6.

[vivek_agra]

Dippy, I think the size is important, Optra may qualify. How is Optra as a car to own and maintain.

[DCEite]

For backseat comfort, following cars are in your budget:

Toyota Corolla HE 1.8J
Cheverlet Optra
Honda City ZX
TATA Indigo XL


now take your pick.

[Dippy]

The Optra is a good package overall and they offer a 4 year warranty as far as I remember. I dont know about the service maybe other Optra owners on the forum can shed some light on it. I found the back seat very comfortable Taking into mind the point you mention let me rate the Optra IMO

Perception - Very classy

Resale value - not as good as the Hondas or Toyotas (Found a 2004 1.8 t Automart for just 5.5 lakhs asking price low run great condition)

Spare parts - might be pricey but then they offer you a good warranty period

Hope this helps. Happy car shopping.

[csentil]

Originally Posted by vivek_agra

(snip)
Looking at less used Corrolla, Accord (new shape), new Cedia Spirit (8.65 on road in GGN)

Perception is an important consideration..
Budget is from 6 to 9 lakhs.

Sorry to point out, Accord at a budget of 6 to 9 lakhs?? Even if you get a second hand one at that price you should go ahead and buy it!!

Corolla stripped down version is almost 9+ lakhs. Not worth it, as it would be replaced next year and its stripped of all the goodies.

Optra is a good choice and so is the NHC. Optra has very elegant looks, almost stately and sort of an official car and is a good performer. NHC has futuristic looks and is the leader in that segment.

[unknown]

For backseat comfory nothing can Beat corolla Buy the "Corolla Executive" It's costs around 9-10 bracket

[shuvc]

Originally Posted by vivek_agra

Looking at less used Corrolla, Accord (new shape), new Cedia Spirit (8.65 on road in GGN)

Perception is an important consideration..
Budget is from 6 to 9 lakhs.

You seem to be considering a used car too. In that case you could also look at the old gen Accord, old gen Sonata. Both big, classy and comfortably within your budget.

Purely for perception, a D segmenter will have more presence than a C+. Try and hunt for a used new shape Accord within 9L.

[himanshugoswami]

Go in for an Optra 1.6 in a dark shade! It looks classy, has all the requisite goodies even in the base version, and copupled with the discounts on offer, you will get a middle version (royale i think) for about 8.5. It definitely has more street cred than an NHC or Indigo XL or even the cedia. The Corolla is neck and neck with teh Optra.

[suman]

Optra Royale 1.6....I hope she has a GOOD driver who will take care of the car.

[theMAG]

I'm not sure if any car manufacturer makes Senior-Consultant specific cars, but since image is important to you a Jap/Euro sedan is what you want. And a City is in that price range. You could also get it repainted in glittering gold paint before taking delivery. The Cedia doesnt have sufficient road presence. If you're OK with this replacement car looking perceptibly upscale than your RS you could also go with your original choice of used Accord

[normally_crazy]

I would second Dippy here. Go for the Chevrolet Optra. Looks classy and huge. Is very comfortable and relatively trouble free. Also with GM offering nice A.S.S deals makes it very VFM.

[manikjeet]

Optra is a good car it is really a looker thats what i feel. Even i was thinking of getting a optra a few months back and the dealer was giving the fully loaded optra at 9.45 (in chandigarh) so you could go for the fully loaded model with the sunroof and all
We didn't go for a optra because my dad found civic more appealing

[Fiero]

Optra 1.6 is the perfect choice IMO ... have an Optra 1.8 ... 2 years 20000K ... quite inherently reliable ... maintinance won't be an issue ... the rest of the pros and cons have been mentioned ... engine is not class leading by any sense of the word ... but the rest is well into corolla territory ... beats it at a few things as well

[abhibh]

Well the comfort levels of Optra is even better than Corolla. The next thing IMHO that provides better comfort is ACCORD. Go for optra with eyes closed. Maintenance depends upon dealer in your area. If you are not comfortable with the maintenance of GM then you can opt for Corolla.