ARTICLE: The Best (used) Enthusiast cars for 6 lakh rupees! Or less

S2!!! · 7th July 2012, 00:04

The last time I drove the Polo 1.6, I was not left awe struck. It ain't all that fast compared to your Ritz 1.2L. Handling wise they are very different but in-gear acceleration wise I found the Ritz to have an edge and the Polo had this strange lag every time you floor it. Have you thought of installing stage 1 mods to your Ritz and use it as your daily drive?? A good intake, exhaust, fatter rubber (and even springs if you have to) and you have a new car customised to your taste

.

I would have suggested you a Punto 1.4 or an Octi RS but since you want something relatively trouble-free and new a Fiesta would probably be your best bet.

Edit: Oops I did not see the date of the last post. Actually even I am kind of in the same dilemma hence...

suhaas307 · 7th July 2012, 00:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by S2!!!

I would have suggested you a Punto 1.4

The Punto 1.4, even though a great car overall, isn't great when it comes to performance.

When looking for a hatchback, we test-drove the 1.4 and it just didn't feel like it was putting out 90 horses. In fact, it was a tad sluggish and lacked grunt when we needed it the most. Blame it on the gearing.

The Punto 1.3 MJD is more of an enthusiast car than the petrol 1.4. And despite the 90 horses, it is horrible when it comes to fuel-efficiency. While my Jazz returns a healthy 14 km/l in the city and the odd 19 km/l on highway drives, the Punto would do good if it delivered anything more than 11 in the city and 14 on highway drives.

The engine may be good, but the gear-ratios need work.

S2!!! · 7th July 2012, 00:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by suhaas307

The Punto 1.4, even though a great car overall, isn't great when it comes to performance.

I too found the Punto sluggish and there is no denying the fact that at times you feel like you can walk faster. The reason I mentioned a Punto 1.4 was solely because of its handling capabilities. It may not win a drag race with an Swift on a traffic light but show it some curves and it shows the others who is boss. An enthusiastic car may not necessarily be a power packed monster, it can be a corner carver as well and that is what the Punto exactly is.

Parthasarathig · 7th July 2012, 00:26

Speaking of hatches i wonder why noone spoke about the figo tdci. Extremely vfm plus stable at high speeds and a very good corner carver as well. Just my thoughts. Even though ive the petrol one i wont suggest it as not many can extract the mileage. Tdci serves all intents and purposes.

suhaas307 · 7th July 2012, 00:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by suhaas307

The Punto 1.4, even though a great car overall, isn't great when it comes to performance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by S2!!!

I too found the Punto sluggish and there is no denying the fact that at times you feel like you can walk faster. The reason I mentioned a Punto 1.4 was solely because of its handling capabilities. It may not win a drag race with an Swift on a traffic light but show it some curves and it shows the others who is boss. An enthusiastic car may not necessarily be a power packed monster, it can be a corner carver as well and that is what the Punto exactly is.

And that's why I'd said that it's a good car overall, albeit a good enthusiast car overall. It has appeal that very few cars actually have. It looks very classy and it has that typical Fiat flair of things being cheap in a nice way.

I mean, the interior is okay in terms of quality. But it's a great drive. The steering is very precise and has great feel. It's planted on longer drives too. So it would make a good enthusiast's car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

Speaking of hatches i wonder why noone spoke about the figo tdci. Extremely vfm plus stable at high speeds and a very good corner carver as well. Just my thoughts. Even though ive the petrol one i wont suggest it as not many can extract the mileage. Tdci serves all intents and purposes.

Agree completely. Fords are not new in the handling department. At least the European lot. The Figo's chassis is derived from the old gen Fiesta in the UK. And that car is known for its handling. All that TDCi Figo needs is a diesel tuning-box and some sorted rubber and you're good to go!

prashant316 · 7th July 2012, 13:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

Fiat Palio 1.6

Attachment 328307

Prices we've seen : Rs. 1.00 - 1.75 lakhs
Availability : Average. Expect footwork to find a good Palio 1.6 cheap. You can also buy a new one for under 5 lakhs, but used makes more sense (high depreciation)

What you'll like:

1.6 liter 100 BHP engine. Torquey too. India's 1st hot hatch
100 BHP for Rs. 1,00,000 only. Maximum bang for the buck
European build. Feels solid
Excellent ride quality and high speed stability
Spacious interiors (by hatchback standards)
Well-proportioned styling. Still a looker

What you won't like:

Average braking ability
Poor fuel efficiency, relative to the hatch segment
Fit & finish are unimpressive
Ordinary interiors
Frequent niggling issues. Spares aren't easily available

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

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

Can any of the experts here can help on this - wanted to know how is the Palio 1.9D compared to the petrol 1.6? Does it have more niggles and problems or is still as rock solid as its petrol counterpart. Especially in terms of the engine.

Anuj_G · 8th July 2012, 08:54

Have owned a 1.6 S for 3 years now and I remember putting up my first post on Team BHP when I got it. The Aquarius still turns heads where it goes and will smile all the way to 6500 rpm and then ask for more. Saw 160 on the speedo the other day and although it's stable it's never boring. You have to be awake. The chassis and suspension setup is perfect and those 195 55s15 will put a wrinkle on the Tarmac before they loose grip. Hands down this is the best drivers car this side of the 3 series.

But unfortunately for me it's time to move on to something bigger for the family. Will be up on classifieds today!

m.shekhar · 8th July 2012, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anuj_G

Will be up on classifieds today!

Waiting for the same.
If possible can you please mail me the details on shekhar_sikkim5 (at) yahoo dot com also.

ayushagarwal26 · 9th July 2012, 17:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anuj_G

But unfortunately for me it's time to move on to something bigger for the family. Will be up on classifieds today!

Hey... It must be sad to let her go!

Can you PM me the details please? A Fiesta 1.6 would be the dream

I looked in the classifieds but realized you haven't put up the ad yet.

Thanks!

------

Also, thanks everyone for all your suggestions on the Fiesta v/s Polo query. I drove both a Polo 1.6 and a Fiesta 1.6 Sxi this weekend, and I can safely say that the German is no match for the sporty ol' American.

On a side note, I drove the Fiesta 1.6 I was talking about - 2010, 24k kms, single owner. Immaculately maintained, full service history, on sale by a passionate owner - nothing except minor bumper scratches, and original paint. No vibrations, idles and revvs beautifully, and is more or less like new. I'm floored. Trying to cut a deal - asking price has come to 4.7-4.8 from the original but ridiculous 5.5. Going by the current prices and discounts on the Fiesta classic, and the current petrol used car market, I believe the value should be as low as ~4.0 - 4.3. I may be wrong, but this is what the market seems to suggest. Any suggestions on the price point are more than welcome!

ayushagarwal26 · 11th July 2012, 13:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anuj_G

Will be up on classifieds today!

Hey Anuj, I tried to contact you but it seems you have both email / PMs disabled. In case you are indeed selling your Fiesta 1.6S, can you please send me the details at ayushagarwal26 at gmail dot com? Alternatively, if you don't mind sharing your phone number, I could call you (or send you my number in reply to your email) - whatever suits you.

Thanks!

NeO · 12th July 2012, 00:48

Hi gurus
I came across a polo 1.6 2010 mid for 4 lac
Yet to see the car, will update once I check her out
Wanted to know is this a good deal
Also way FE can one expect from a 1.6 considering I ride about 1k km month

Anuj_G · 13th July 2012, 16:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by m.shekhar

Waiting for the same.
If possible can you please mail me the details on shekhar_sikkim5 (at) yahoo dot com also.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayushagarwal26

Hey Anuj, I tried to contact you but it seems you have both email / PMs disabled. In case you are indeed selling your Fiesta 1.6S, can you please send me the details at ayushagarwal26 at gmail dot com? Alternatively, if you don't mind sharing your phone number, I could call you (or send you my number in reply to your email) - whatever suits you.

Thanks!

Sorry folks. Got a bit delayed in posting it up on classifieds. Its up now: http://classifieds.team-bhp.com/buy-...d/Fiesta.html/

Check it out. Its a really really nice car.

spacescreamer · 15th July 2012, 10:46

Been reading a lot, and just now got a query from a friend.

He is interested in this very budget of 6L,
and has got as a priority in his mind:

1) Long term running cost
2) Ease of locating servicing centers.

He is now hell bent on purchasing a Diesel version due to obvious reasons and has 3 models for consideration.

a) Swift diesel
b) Ritz dieslel
c) Ford Figo Diesel again.

So pls drop in some words regarding these 3 models.

d)Also, i was a bit hardpressed to recommend him the Swift dezire, even though he is only looking at a hatchback, cuz this friend of mine is gonna be married soon.. and i think a sedan will kinda prove future security IF he plans upgrade / finds hatchback insufficient.

Pls do pour in your suggestions regarding which hatchback is suitable out of the 3 models, and about my thinking regarding the Swift Dezire as well. Thx in advance guys

prateekm · 21st July 2012, 00:53

Dad is planning to buy a Cruze, so I'll be getting his Corolla. Now, I don't want to use a car with a boring 1800cc engine with a slushbox so I am planning to sell it and buy some good enthusiast's car. First, I thought of restricting my budget to 2.5l, but with limited options, I increased it to 4.5l. Here's a short summary of what I'd like in the car. I am looking only for used cars.

What matters:

Initial pickup: Yes, I'd love the 'thrown-back-into-your-seat' kinda feeling. A good 0-100 also matters.
Reliability: The car will do only a maximum for 3-4k a year, so I don't want to spend a fortune on maintaining it.
Petrol: Due to the low running, a petrol seems fine for me.
Features: The more the features, the better.
Mod-friendly: Though I'll keep the car stock for about an year, it should be mod friendly because I plan to do performance upgrades after a year.
Availability of spares: Spares should be easily available even after 3-4 years.
Safety: 2 airbags & ABS/EBD is a must.

What doesn't matter:

Looks & snob value: Doesn't matter much, I just need something which will be fun to drive.
Mileage: Anything above 8kmpl in city will do just fine.
Resale: I'll use the car for another 3-4 years, so resale is another thing I don't care about.

Potential contenders:

Skoda Octavia vRS
Positives:
Found a few for sale between 3.00 to 4.00 lacs, and this is what my heart wants.
Has a great pickup, has plenty of features and is mod-friendly.

Negatives:
What concerns me is the maintenance. I could afford 40-50k a year on maintenance, but spending that amount on a car which just runs hardly a couple of thousand kilometers doesn't convince my head.

Mitsubishi Cedia
Positives:
Few available in the market, but at a throwaway price. If I go for this, I'll save myself a lac or two easily which can be spent later for modding.
Good handler and reliable too.

Negatives:
Spares availability after a couple of years because the future of Mitsubishi in India seems a bit uncertain to me.
Lacks the features and pickup of the vRS.

Honda Civic
Positives:
Looks sexy, easily available in the market but I might spend up more than the planned budget. Honda service and reliability, spares not that expensive and easily available.

Negatives:
Bad low end torque would be a pain to drive in the city.
Less on features.
Low GC.

Optra Magnum
Positives: Has a diesel engine, so I won't have to think twice on taking the car for long drives.

Negatives: Car already discontinued, can have spares problem?

So what do you guys suggest? This is my first car, so it will be a keeper for at least a few years.

suhaas307 · 21st July 2012, 01:22

If you want a fun car that won't break your bank, a Maruti Swift is the way to go. A well maintained low-mileage Swift would be your best bet. You might even have some money left over for the modifications. And if you find a well maintained and low-mileage (pre-facelift) G13B powered Swift, that would be even better!

The Swift is a fun car. Very chuck-able, nimble, mod-friendly, etc.

The cars mentioned here, especially the vRS, will command premium maintenance costs. Plus, they're pretty big especially when you add city-driving to the equation.

Unfortunately, cars have become less fun to drive these days. Remember the glorious Zen?

7th July 2012, 00:04	#391
S2!!! Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,918 Thanked: 10,064 Times	Re: ARTICLE: The Best (used) Enthusiast cars for 6 lakh rupees! Or less The last time I drove the Polo 1.6, I was not left awe struck. It ain't all that fast compared to your Ritz 1.2L. Handling wise they are very different but in-gear acceleration wise I found the Ritz to have an edge and the Polo had this strange lag every time you floor it. Have you thought of installing stage 1 mods to your Ritz and use it as your daily drive?? A good intake, exhaust, fatter rubber (and even springs if you have to) and you have a new car customised to your taste. I would have suggested you a Punto 1.4 or an Octi RS but since you want something relatively trouble-free and new a Fiesta would probably be your best bet. Edit: Oops I did not see the date of the last post. Actually even I am kind of in the same dilemma hence... Last edited by S2!!! : 7th July 2012 at 00:06.
	() Thanks

7th July 2012, 00:26	#394
Parthasarathig BHPian Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Pothole-city Posts: 892 Thanked: 541 Times View My Garage	Speaking of hatches i wonder why noone spoke about the figo tdci. Extremely vfm plus stable at high speeds and a very good corner carver as well. Just my thoughts. Even though ive the petrol one i wont suggest it as not many can extract the mileage. Tdci serves all intents and purposes.
	(1) Thanks

8th July 2012, 08:54	#397
Anuj_G Newbie Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 13 Thanked: 13 Times	Have owned a 1.6 S for 3 years now and I remember putting up my first post on Team BHP when I got it. The Aquarius still turns heads where it goes and will smile all the way to 6500 rpm and then ask for more. Saw 160 on the speedo the other day and although it's stable it's never boring. You have to be awake. The chassis and suspension setup is perfect and those 195 55s15 will put a wrinkle on the Tarmac before they loose grip. Hands down this is the best drivers car this side of the 3 series. But unfortunately for me it's time to move on to something bigger for the family. Will be up on classifieds today!
	(1) Thanks

12th July 2012, 00:48	#401
NeO Newbie Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: mumbai Posts: 22 Thanked: 0 Times	Hi gurus I came across a polo 1.6 2010 mid for 4 lac Yet to see the car, will update once I check her out Wanted to know is this a good deal Also way FE can one expect from a 1.6 considering I ride about 1k km month Last edited by Eddy : 23rd October 2018 at 10:42. Reason: SMS Language
	() Thanks

15th July 2012, 10:46	#403
spacescreamer BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Noida Posts: 31 Thanked: 8 Times	Re: ARTICLE: The Best (used) Enthusiast cars for 6 lakh rupees! Or less Been reading a lot, and just now got a query from a friend. He is interested in this very budget of 6L, and has got as a priority in his mind: 1) Long term running cost 2) Ease of locating servicing centers. He is now hell bent on purchasing a Diesel version due to obvious reasons and has 3 models for consideration. a) Swift diesel b) Ritz dieslel c) Ford Figo Diesel again. So pls drop in some words regarding these 3 models. d)Also, i was a bit hardpressed to recommend him the Swift dezire, even though he is only looking at a hatchback, cuz this friend of mine is gonna be married soon.. and i think a sedan will kinda prove future security IF he plans upgrade / finds hatchback insufficient. Pls do pour in your suggestions regarding which hatchback is suitable out of the 3 models, and about my thinking regarding the Swift Dezire as well. Thx in advance guys
	() Thanks

21st July 2012, 00:53	#404
prateekm BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Mumbai & BLR Posts: 790 Thanked: 553 Times	Help me decide an used enthusiast's car in 4.5 lacs. Dad is planning to buy a Cruze, so I'll be getting his Corolla. Now, I don't want to use a car with a boring 1800cc engine with a slushbox so I am planning to sell it and buy some good enthusiast's car. First, I thought of restricting my budget to 2.5l, but with limited options, I increased it to 4.5l. Here's a short summary of what I'd like in the car. I am looking only for used cars. What matters: Initial pickup: Yes, I'd love the 'thrown-back-into-your-seat' kinda feeling. A good 0-100 also matters. Reliability: The car will do only a maximum for 3-4k a year, so I don't want to spend a fortune on maintaining it. Petrol: Due to the low running, a petrol seems fine for me. Features: The more the features, the better. Mod-friendly: Though I'll keep the car stock for about an year, it should be mod friendly because I plan to do performance upgrades after a year. Availability of spares: Spares should be easily available even after 3-4 years. Safety: 2 airbags & ABS/EBD is a must. What doesn't matter: Looks & snob value: Doesn't matter much, I just need something which will be fun to drive. Mileage: Anything above 8kmpl in city will do just fine. Resale: I'll use the car for another 3-4 years, so resale is another thing I don't care about. Potential contenders: Skoda Octavia vRS Positives: Found a few for sale between 3.00 to 4.00 lacs, and this is what my heart wants. Has a great pickup, has plenty of features and is mod-friendly. Negatives: What concerns me is the maintenance. I could afford 40-50k a year on maintenance, but spending that amount on a car which just runs hardly a couple of thousand kilometers doesn't convince my head. Mitsubishi Cedia Positives: Few available in the market, but at a throwaway price. If I go for this, I'll save myself a lac or two easily which can be spent later for modding. Good handler and reliable too. Negatives: Spares availability after a couple of years because the future of Mitsubishi in India seems a bit uncertain to me. Lacks the features and pickup of the vRS. Honda Civic Positives: Looks sexy, easily available in the market but I might spend up more than the planned budget. Honda service and reliability, spares not that expensive and easily available. Negatives: Bad low end torque would be a pain to drive in the city. Less on features. Low GC. Optra Magnum Positives: Has a diesel engine, so I won't have to think twice on taking the car for long drives. Negatives: Car already discontinued, can have spares problem? So what do you guys suggest? This is my first car, so it will be a keeper for at least a few years. Last edited by prateekm : 21st July 2012 at 00:56.
	() Thanks

21st July 2012, 01:22	#405
suhaas307 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 8,830 Thanked: 12,255 Times	Re: Help me decide an used enthusiast's car in 4.5 lacs. If you want a fun car that won't break your bank, a Maruti Swift is the way to go. A well maintained low-mileage Swift would be your best bet. You might even have some money left over for the modifications. And if you find a well maintained and low-mileage (pre-facelift) G13B powered Swift, that would be even better! The Swift is a fun car. Very chuck-able, nimble, mod-friendly, etc. The cars mentioned here, especially the vRS, will command premium maintenance costs. Plus, they're pretty big especially when you add city-driving to the equation. Unfortunately, cars have become less fun to drive these days. Remember the glorious Zen?
	(1) Thanks