[Surprise]

A friend of mine wanted to buy a used car that should be within 1.25 Lakhs. Any manufacturer and any model is okay with him. Planning to run the vehicle in gas after sometime.

This is meant to use during weekends for shorter drives & may be once or twice in a week to office from residence which is about 12kms one way.

The criteria's were

1. Good fuel economy (planning to run in gas at a later date)
2. Maintenance cost should be very minimal

Had seen few cars like 95'model esteem (95K), 99'Santro fully loaded (1.25k), 97 Zen (1L), 99 M'800 Deluxe (1.1L) carb version. But yet to take a decision on the same

Please suggest

[nitrous]

When did M800 come in a 1.1L carb version??
For 1.25 Lakhs, he can find a sweet 2000 MPFi Maruti-800 in chennai.Easy to use,easy to maintain,cheapest to run,very compatible with gas conversions.
Lemme know if u need help.

[rohitbagai]

Go for Esteem. If your friend can extend budget to 1.5 you can find a MPFI esteem/Or a Carb esteem of 1998-99 model

[himanshugoswami]

I guess teh esteem is his best bet. but 95K for a 95 model seems kinda steep. 1.25l should get him at least a 99 or 2000 model.

Caveat: I dont know about the 2nd hand car scene in chennai- Maybe the esteem commands a good resale there. i am quoting from my experience in delhi

[rohitbagai]

Originally Posted by nitrous

When did M800 come in a 1.1L carb version??

Its 1.1 lakhs and not ltr

[Surprise]

Originally Posted by nitrous

When did M800 come in a 1.1L carb version??

1.1L = Rs.One lakh and ten thousand

[rohitbagai]

There is 1998 Esteem at True value KHIVRAJ MOTORS (P) LTD they are quoting 1.40k.

[Surprise]

Originally Posted by nitrous

Lemme know if u need help.

Thanks Nitrous. Will get in touch with you.

Also wanted to add that my friend has just completed his driving class. What I thought was instead of a M800, if you can buy a Zen or an Esteem within your budget, can have fun with car once in a while when you wanted it. But Iam not sure whether a Zen or an esteem would be a problem on the maintenance front.

Since the driving is going to be minimal the difference of 2-3 kms per liter is not going to make big difference. Also he will have this car for atleast next 3 years.

[gbpscars]

Esteem will be the best bet (will suit his criteria).

Look around and compare thoroughly. Preferably go with TrueValue.

If going for a low budget means more a matter of affordability than something like a 2nd car for daily use, then it is advisable to look for a base sedan than a small 800 or zen.

After the gas kit is fit in, you will still have some space left for use in an esteem. Consider the fact that anyone will grow out of a zen very soon and that too after fitting a gas kit, there is already less space to grow.

[nikkibike]

99'Santro fully loaded (1.25k)

[GTO]

If your friend is buying a 1.xx lac car, he is either a first time car buyer. Or is buying an additional car for rough use?

The '95 Esteem is too old. The 800 and Zen out. I think the Santro would be his best bet. Also, it would be wise to search deeper as the Esteem price is on the high side.

[Surprise]

Originally Posted by GTO

If your friend is buying a 1.xx lac car, he is either a first time car buyer. Or is buying an additional car for rough use?

He is a first time buyer.

Originally Posted by Surprise

What I thought was instead of a M800, if you can buy a Zen or an Esteem within your budget, can have fun with car once in a while when you wanted it. But Iam not sure whether a Zen or an esteem would be a problem on the maintenance front.

Am I right here?

Also wanted clarification on maitenance part.

[amu1983]

First, no matter which car he chooses, LPG conversion isn't cost effective unless you travel at least 500 km per month. The LPG kit costs something like Rs. 30,000, and he won't recover that cost, if he just uses the car for weekend trips and occasional home-2-office ride.

From what I've heard, esteem and Santro both start giving problems after 3-5 years of use. But, correct me if that perception is wrong.

I think, if his family is small, something like an Alto or M800 would be a better fit, owing to their proven low maintenance costs. It'll be difficult to find an Alto for 1.2 lakhs, since it's a new launch.

[determinus]

Originally Posted by Surprise

Also wanted clarification on maitenance part.

I just sold my 96 Esteem done 84k for 85,000 in Pune. The 4 years that I owned it (I hardly used it for the last 2 years) other than the regular service, the only part that I had to change was a lower arm. That too beacuse of the old age chap running on Pune roads. It is damn cheap to run that way. Also I used to get 12-13kpl regularly in office commute.

It is great for mods, so makes a good used buy. Go for an LX version as the electricals konk off quite easily in usage. Read, no power windows or central locking etc.

[signature12345]

Hi,

With your budget you may get a old M-800 OR ZEN OR SANTRO. I was also in your state when i had to get my first car and after lot of analysis i went ahead with a 97 Esteem .

With Esteem, u have the gas kit with in the boot space and still have space for some luggages and in comparison to 800 and others the Esteem can easily seat 3 in the rear.

All the Best