[luvjascha]

Originally Posted by Eddy

So my suggestion would be to go for a Hyundai petrol (Santro / i10).

Santro and i10 are decent vehicles, and no offence to all that own them, but there's no way I'm driving one of those.

So, are you suggesting that I go in for a petrol, rather than a diesel? This is what I absolutely need to know first.
I guess I could look at Hyundai too, and the only hatch I like and fits into my budget is the Getz Prime 1.1 GVS.

[Eddy]

For only 600km a month, definitely a petrol

[luvjascha]

Originally Posted by theMAG

Tata Indica Dicor, since you've so succintly mentioned your requirements.

And Eddy, you suggest a Petrol.

I appreciate all the inputs and advice, but frankly, I am back to square one.

[Eddy]

Its simple actually. Why do you want to go for a diesel ?

If it is purely to save money, then your running (600) does not justify one at all. Why do you want to pay more money (and therefore more interest) upfront when you just might not get back its worth ? Assuming you save Rs 2 / km using diesel, it would take 40,000 km or 5 years just to break even. I do not think its worth it.

However, if any of these factors also play a part in your decision making, then it is a different story altogether.
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...uy-diesel.html

[Eddy]

But just to confuse you further, if its a choice between a petrol or a diesel Indica, the net difference in the resale value should work in the diesels favour.

But then, you have to think reaaally long term.

[luvjascha]

Originally Posted by Eddy

Its simple actually. Why do you want to go for a diesel ?

I am leaning more towards a diesel for two reasons -
1. From a monetary standpoint (prices of petrol only keep rising, and even 10 years down the road, diesel will still be priced lower than petrol), and
2. The other being the FE factor. Diesels offer better FE than petrols.

Originally Posted by Eddy

Why do you want to pay more money (and therefore more interest) upfront when you just might not get back its worth ?

This will be an upfront purchase, no financing.

[luvjascha]

Originally Posted by Eddy

But just to confuse you further, if its a choice between a petrol or a diesel Indica, the net difference in the resale value should work in the diesels favour.

But then, you have to think reaaally long term.

I do intend driving the vehicle for a while; I'd say at least 5 years. Hence, resale value, although important eventually, is not an immediate concern to me.

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by luvjascha

1. From a monetary standpoint (prices of petrol only keep rising, and even 10 years down the road, diesel will still be priced lower than petrol), and
2. The other being the FE factor. Diesels offer better FE than petrols.

Both points very valid. But you also factor in the extra money that you are paying upfront. I don't have the exact figures, but I think the difference between a petrol and a diesel variant would amount to 70-80k.

FE of a Petrol: 13.
Cost per Km: = Rs 4
Monthly running= 600 so monthly fuel cost = 2400
Fuel expenses in 5 years = 1,44,000

Fe of diesel: 15
Cost per Km= 2.5
Monthly Running = 600 so monthly fuel cost = 1500
Fuel Expenses in 5 years = 90,000.

Net Saving = 54,000 which is less than the premium for diesel that you paid upfront.

PS: This is done on the basis of current fuel costs. Even if you extrapolate to factor for the increase in prices of petrol (which will be more than the diesel), I think its not a great idea to buy a diesel for 600 kms only.

EDIT: More analysis here
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...4-68-lakh.html

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/1...costadvzj9.jpg

[luvjascha]

Just to give you an idea on the price differences between the vehicles that I am considering.



1. TATA Indica 1.4L DiCOR: 4,19,123
2. TATA IndigoCS LS (1.4L TDI): 4,38,702
3. TATA XETA GLG (1.2L Petrol): 3,21,030
4. TATA XETA GLX (1.4L Petrol): 3,60,649
5. TATA IndigoCS GLS (1.4L Petrol): 3,85,568

Eddy, your logic makes complete sense. So, I guess what you're saying is that there'd be no maintenance/vehicle issue as such buying a diesel even with low monthly running, however, if I were to buy a diesel, the amount I'd end up saving in 5 years, would not be significant enough to justify me paying the extra moolah in buying a diesel in the first place, correct?

[Eddy]

Bang On !! The difference in Indica's case is 1,00,000 and 60,000 depending on the model and specs.

I own a swift diesel which runs for more than 2000 km per month and so I am hoping for a quicker ROI.

[luvjascha]

But 600 kms/month is just an average; it could be more on some months, when I drive cross country. Would you still suggest a petrol, even if my yearly running was 10K kms, most of which would be highway driving?
In the link that you sent earlier, a member said that the minimal monthy theory for diesel consideraton is inappropriate.

Amongst the petrols, what would you recommend between the TATA vehicles that I mentioned, and Hyundai's Getz Prime 1.1 GVS.
Also, which of them offers the best FE?
Please keep in mind that my priorities are,
FE, VFM, Comfort and Overall build and stability.

[greenhorn]

Just learnt that the indigo cs doesnt have power windows....

does that affect your decision. It would if it were me ...

[luvjascha]

Originally Posted by greenhorn

Just learnt that the indigo cs doesnt have power windows....

does that affect your decision. It would if it were me ...

I am aware of that. In fact, it does not come equipped with Central Locking and Internally Adjustable ORVMs, either.
It was a disappointment, when I first discovered it, but then again, it has almost 400 litres of boot space.

[luvjascha]

Originally Posted by Eddy

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/1...costadvzj9.jpg

The table displays the extra maintenance cost p.a. for the Swift diesel to be estimated at Rs. 15K, and none for the petrol! That is precisely the kind of information I needed to know.
So, there are maintenance costs involved, even in the new technology diesels, such as in the Swift. And my not doing a whole lot of running might add to this cost, what say?

[DirtyDan]

Originally Posted by luvjascha

The table displays the extra maintenance cost p.a. for the Swift diesel to be estimated at Rs. 15K, and none for the petrol! That is precisely the kind of information I needed to know.
So, there are maintenance costs involved, even in the new technology diesels, such as in the Swift. And my not doing a whole lot of running might add to this cost, what say?

I do not know on a car by car basis what the diesel maintenence costs are. But in general diesel maint costs are lower, not higher, than petrol and diesel motors tend to last far longer than petrol before a major overhaul is needed if they are properly maintained. I think you would be better served to research this yourself. Talk to Tata mechanics and service managers. Talk to road siders who have a good reputation.

There is one more thing....I do not know if it has been mentioned....a good diesel is also flat fun to drive.