Re: 7 Simple Guidelines if you're buying a European car A very interesting and thought provoking thread. Few things that crossed my mind while reading this -
1. German cars give that solid feel inside the cabin even after it crosses a lakh on the odo (My friend to whom I suggested the Octavia and drove on Day 1 still thanks me for this suggestion. I drove it again at 88,000 and it still felt like Day 1. My Elantra failed to give me a feel that matched this even at an earlier odo reading)
2. Mechanicals - It looks like a hit or miss thing for me. Let me comment on a few of the cars in our circle -
1. The Octavia - this is the one I mentioned above. Had the extended warranty for the Rider Classic and he enjoyed this warranty to every bit. Even used to get wiper blades replaced which he jokes was only because of the intro I was able to give him there. At 1,10,000 when he finally sold it, he didnt have any major work (even the clutch) to be done - everything was intact!
2. VW Jetta 2010 May - The CRDi version, PDI was a bit too loud. At 40,000 km as of today, I see an owner who still sings praises. Even today, we had a talk and he seemed to be more in love with his Jetta. He started taking better care of her after another friend of ours bought the new Jetta AT HL. This car is loaded with everything one can possibly dream of in that segment.
3. Mahindra XUV 5oo - No niggles or issues till date after having clocked 30,000 km. A close friend who also has a pre-owned, abused vRs he is restoring step by step, Peted Innova and a Scorpio. His was the first XUV that rolled out from TVS in Trivandrum.
4. My Elantra - blissful experience for the price I paid. However, a rattle that started at 5000 km on the dash continues at 1,20,000. Clutch is the Achilles Heel for this car - wore out more than I thought I would. Some blames it on the Petes, but I was told by a friend that it has a small unit that potentially makes it weak. Comparing with the Octavia, there is a certain difference at 1KM or 100,000 in terms of overall refinement. Both of us are happy - for the price I paid, I am happy for the services it offered and I tend of forgive the small rattles and trips to the service center and for the Octavia owner, he is delighted albeit having less power on tap for the refinement and solid build he enjoyed.
5. Laura PD - One of our friends has it and despite some of the earlier models having issues with the Compressor unit and the Engine mounts, this guy finds it difficult to let go of it despite having this constant urge to get an Automatic! Does periodic service and is gentle on the car - no mods AT ALL!
6. Verna CRDi - A friend of mine recently sold his Verna after having completed 86,000 on the Odo. I remember clearly the issues we found with its Clutch and rattles at around 10,000. The rattles just wouldn't go away and the strange sound after releasing the clutch existed even after repeated "Checks" by the technicians. Dull interiors for his 2007 Verna - sold it and got a pre-owned 2009 Passat HL. Jumped several steps! Had a minor issue with a Secondary Cooling Unit and knows he is out of warranty period. Says he consciously took the decision and is happy about it for the absolutely princely ride experience it offers. He says he wouldnt paying for a part that fails for the kind of difference it offers for an auto-crazy person like him.
7. Fiat Linea - A friend of ours bought a Linea recently and unluckily for him, has had more trips to the Service center than his hometown for minor niggles.
Great thread - and the lesson is whatever brand we own, there is an unlucky star that could turn our way and ruin the ownership experience. Otherwise, Koreans cost less and offer great Value for Money, Japs cost decent, offer moderate features but great reliability and service and Germans offer great refinement for a price tag!
I am looking to move up and after having read GTO's thread, I decided to go in for a pre-owned car. Got a sweet deal when I came across a 2010 Jetta that has done just 7000KMS! Elantra is still a favorite black stallion and I wouldnt want to let go of it. Finally decided to let go of our one year old i10 AT Asta. If someone is looking for a car of that sort, please send a PM. |