[winlotwin]

Originally Posted by Zappo

You started off with a "Santro or WagonR" question but then veered off to ask about Esteems, Balenos and even Honda City provided the recurring costs are not more. You said you can stretch your budget.

On this theme let me suggest you an option. Spend around Rs.2.8 and get a new Indica Xeta. The FE is around 14 in city, it is more cavernous than many of the booted cars, has beige interiors (looks good), is even peppier than what it used to be... and IMO looks good as well.

In fact think about it and you won't find a better deal than that. And you will get a new true-blue 5 seater and still pay the same that you will pay for a used car (which may mean regular expenses if you fail to identify the car properly at buying stage). Mind you Indica is the cheapest car to own in its segments (yes, not only diesel but even in petrol). That is because their parts are very cheap, service costs are low and the car comes with a 3 years' warranty... so its the ultimate peace of mind for such a low spend!

Hi,
First of all thanks to all who took pain (or pleasure) to share their valuable views and experience...
Ya, what I can find out is that as far as used alternative is concerned techanically the better car is what is better maintened or better priced...

As far as stretching the budget is concerned, If worth buying it can be 2.9 to 3.1 or so...

I have Prejudices about Indicas... One is that these are expensive to maintain and not so easy to drive (mainly my wife will drive) ...

But at this price what I can get is the Base model without AC and Power steering (Indica seems heavy for Ladies) and thats why, for me, it may not proove value for money.

I will be going for Petrol version (of any car, for LPG cause) ...

I know that New car is just New Car no match or alternative to that, but at present , I am looking for value for money...

I have talked to some people and I think that I can get 2 years old Santro for 1.9 to 2.2 L ( upto 40kms done, It may sound inexpensive, but its true.) . ON Jmdcars.com the price of same is shown about 2.5-2.9 L
Indicas are more inexpensive and at present I don't know about the WagonR... may be 5-10 k expensive

So when I get any quote I will be back again... and will tell you

[goldie_malhotra]

Originally Posted by Zappo

You started off with a "Santro or WagonR" question but then veered off to ask about Esteems, Balenos and even Honda City provided the recurring costs are not more. You said you can stretch your budget.

On this theme let me suggest you an option. Spend around Rs.2.8 and get a new Indica Xeta. The FE is around 14 in city, it is more cavernous than many of the booted cars, has beige interiors (looks good), is even peppier than what it used to be... and IMO looks good as well.

In fact think about it and you won't find a better deal than that. And you will get a new true-blue 5 seater and still pay the same that you will pay for a used car (which may mean regular expenses if you fail to identify the car properly at buying stage). Mind you Indica is the cheapest car to own in its segments (yes, not only diesel but even in petrol). That is because their parts are very cheap, service costs are low and the car comes with a 3 years' warranty... so its the ultimate peace of mind for such a low spend!

Thats a great idea, Zappo - why bother with an old car, when you can get a new one for a little more.

And it meets all of winlotwin's requirements except for 3 - as an Indica is definitely not very easy to drive in the city, compared to santro or wagon-r. But its sturdy enough to take the bump and grind of indian roads.

[goldie_malhotra]

Originally Posted by winlotwin

I have Prejudices about Indicas... One is that these are expensive to maintain...

Quite unfounded - there are many members in this forum, who can vouch for excellent service network of the Tatas and low service and spare costs.

Originally Posted by winlotwin

But at this price what I can get is the Base model without AC and Power steering (Indica seems heavy for Ladies) and thats why, for me, it may not proove value for money.

I think in 2.8L you should get the A/C model, stretch to 3 and you get the P/S as well.

Originally Posted by winlotwin

I have talked to some people and I think that I can get 2 years old Santro for 1.9 to 2.2 L ( upto 40kms done, It may sound inexpensive, but its true.) . ON Jmdcars.com the price of same is shown about 2.5-2.9 L

I recently sold my 2003 Santro (top-end model) in Delhi, for around 2.80 L, and it had done around 20k on odo, so I think the price shown on that website is quite valid. I think the market price should not be below 2.4 L for any model and any usage.

However, you can still keep searching for a good deal, but beware, as cars with prices lower than the market often have an accident or a trouble-prone history.

[mithun]

Based on the 2nd hand car prices, it seems to be like that Wagon R is having a better resale value than the Santro. Is that true ?

[DCEite]

Originally Posted by mithun

Based on the 2nd hand car prices, it seems to be like that Wagon R is having a better resale value than the Santro. Is that true ?

Yes it is. Atleast in Delhi.

[naveendhyani]

my vote will go for wagon R simply cause of its AC & maruti brand value. else its more of a personal choice. they are more or less the same.

[Surprise]

Had driven both Wagon-R and Satro (short drives only). Both are equally good cars.

As someone suggested earlier, keep an open mind for both the cars & start hunting. Pick the less done, well maintainted car (be it a wagon-r or santro)

[SBR]

Reviving an old thread.

As my M-800 completes close to 7 years of trouble free ownership & about 67K KMS on the ODO, I am looking for an upgrade to a Used Wagon R or Santro in next 4 - 5 months say by June 2013.

My Requirements:

Given the nature of my job, I get to travel approx 1000 KMS within Bangalore City limits every month. My in city travel involves parking in tight spots almost on a daily basis. This car will be used to drop kids to school as well & will double up as a family car over weekends.

Weekend travel will include another 400 KMS every month.


I am looking for a tall boy as the number of times I get in & out of the car on a daily basis is high plus I am 5.11 tall and heavy built. So a Tall boy is essential.

With a budget of around INR 2.50 lacs, the two options I have is Wagon R (2007/2008 version) or Santro. Plan to exchange my M - 800 and take a used car loan for the balance amount.

I need good service back up with spares availability as I travel to other parts of the state / country.

Given my M - 800 Ownership, I am more tilted towards Maruti as a brand and Wagon R more than the Santro.

Plan to own the car for next 3 years at least and then look for a new one.

Please advise.

[SBR]

Originally Posted by SBR

Reviving an old thread.

As my M-800 completes close to 7 years of trouble free ownership & about 67K KMS on the ODO, I am looking for an upgrade to a Used Wagon R or Santro in next 4 - 5 months say by June 2013.

My Requirements:

Given the nature of my job, I get to travel approx 1000 KMS within Bangalore City limits every month. My in city travel involves parking in tight spots almost on a daily basis. This car will be used to drop kids to school as well & will double up as a family car over weekends.

Weekend travel will include another 400 KMS every month.


I am looking for a tall boy as the number of times I get in & out of the car on a daily basis is high plus I am 5.11 tall and heavy built. So a Tall boy is essential.

With a budget of around INR 2.50 lacs, the two options I have is Wagon R (2007/2008 version) or Santro. Plan to exchange my M - 800 and take a used car loan for the balance amount.

I need good service back up with spares availability as I travel to other parts of the state / country.

Given my M - 800 Ownership, I am more tilted towards Maruti as a brand and Wagon R more than the Santro.

Plan to own the car for next 3 years at least and then look for a new one.

Please advise.

No replies . Are these cars out of discussion points now. Bhpians, please reply.

[saket77]

Hello,

Both cars are reliable ones but I would prefer the Wagon R over Santro. Both are tall boy designs & getting in & out is among the easiest things in the world to do in both cars. May be Santro will be a wee bit more easier in this aspect..not sure though.
But I believe the cost of ownership will be the key. Hyundai service costs are typically higher than Maruti and I'll be concerned about it if I am buying a used car.
With the Wagon R, you can expect a tad better FE. I am not really sure if 5 passengers will be comfortable in it esp in long journeys, but same goes for the Santro too.

Just my 2 cents!

Regards.

[9thsphinx]

We've been using our Santro as our daily workhorse since 2005. Although the running is not quite a lot, the Santro has given us little to no problems till date, apart from the usual niggles here and there. I absolutely love the meaty torque on this little hatchback and it can comfortably carry 5 passengers with 2 medium size suitcases. Its tallboy structure is a boon for taller occupants and the seats are pretty comfortable - the dark fabric easy to maintain. One thing that looses out to the Wagon R would be the mileage. Our is the Santro Xing XG model (pre ERLX) and with a moderate to light foot it only gives an average of 10-12 on petrol 100% city driving with AC on 80% of the times.

The Santro was fitted with a CNG kit in 2010 and has been running without any problems on alternate fuel. Per km running cost with A/c comes to approx 2-2.25 Rs. Pickup hasn't decreased, no vibrations - only the occasional air filter cleaning required as specified by the installer.

Easy to ride, park and maintain my vote goes to the Santro.

Hope this helps!

[msaudf]

i feel more inclined towards the Wagon R as spares are much less expensive and available even with local spare part dealers. Major parts of the Maruti Wagon R are cheaper than the santro's.
I guess it has a slightly better resale value too compared to the santro. you can see many Santro's from 1999 2000 even 2001 cars for sale at just 90,000, but Wagon R's are hard to come by at those prices. If i were you I'd buy the Wagon R.

[pikaxe123]

Albeit I am a suzuki fan due to the ease of availibility of parts & spares. But In this case I will have to say santro.

• The fit finish is slightly better than wagon-r. I have have couple of freinds who have either aging 5yrs + and the distance run is 50k plus.All i can say that the Wagon r rattles & the santro doesn't.
• due to the butter smooth steering which makes city drive fun & effortless.
• Downside:If you wish to deal with hyundai in terms of spares cost & availibilty, MUL is anyday better.

This is a subjective matter. But this is my opinion.

[SBR]

Originally Posted by msaudf

i feel more inclined towards the Wagon R as spares are much less expensive and available even with local spare part dealers. Major parts of the Maruti Wagon R are cheaper than the santro's.
I guess it has a slightly better resale value too compared to the santro. you can see many Santro's from 1999 2000 even 2001 cars for sale at just 90,000, but Wagon R's are hard to come by at those prices. If i were you I'd buy the Wagon R.

Thanks for the reply guys. Personally, I am more inclined towards the Wagon R as this comes from a current Maruti owner. However, I like the Santro for its engine and the drive ability it offers in bumper to bumper traffic especially in a place like bangalore. The eRLX engine is a gem. However, Wagon R wins over Santro in terms of A.S.S, spares availability and long term ownership. This is my assumption. I will start looking out for a good Santro & Wagon R, test drive them and then make a wise decision.

[msaudf]

Good luck with your search mate. While you are on the look out it would also help if you did some research on the swift petrol, also the chevy spark (low resale though) and maybe the Indigo diesel. these are cars that could fit your budget. just my 2 cent.
Cheers buddy.
Saud