[k2max6]

Automatic Cars have very poor resale as compared to the manual counterparts.

Moreover we do not have much buyers in the indian scenario for automatic and hence difficult to sell.

They are very expensive (relatively) to repair if something goes wrong with the gearbox.

The automatics are slowly picking up pace in India.

Honda City CVT is very good.

[loving_alaap]

CVT has the best FE in terms of AT cars in India.

Even better than Santro / i10 AT.

Worth buying the car.

[Trust_In_Thrust]

Hi friends .I am posting this on behalf of one of my friends.
Option 1 Baleno Lxi White 57000 kms run .with CNG fitted since last 25000 km
Asking 2,25,000Rs
Option 2 Zen Lxi 17000kms run .Asking 2,00,000 rs.
Which one considering zen will be converted to CNG also .
Both cars are first owners.
I am concerned about things i read in this forum that baleno steering rack costs 40,000 rs.
My friend is confused and so am i .
Please help.

[yzfrj]

Sedan Vs Small car.
IMO what car to buy is really based on the needs the buyer has.

Having said that I'd go for the 17k Kms Zen.
Just because lot less things will go wrong on a car with 17k kms than a 57k kms.

CNG/LPG kit on a car is pure crap this is purely my personal view.
It will be having worse pickup and drivability than an old indica diesel with 150k kms pulling a caravan on a steep incline.

[AirWind]

If you are putting a CNG/LPG, better pick up the Baleno, its got the boot to house the cylinder and the power to compensate for the drop. The asking price seems to be high for a Delhi registration though... negotiate for sub 2 lakhs.

[pulsar56]

The price is too high IMHO! (for both!)

CNG/LPG kit on a car is pure crap this is purely my personal view.
It will be having worse pickup and drivability than an old indica diesel with 150k kms pulling a caravan on a steep incline.

+1 to that!

[pedrolourenco]

Buy both. Swap the engines. Keep the B-Zen and sell the Z-Baleno.

[rider60]

what is your friend going to use this car for, mostly city driving with occasional highway drives? or mostly highway drives with considerably less city usage? or a mix of both city and highway? and how does your friend plan to keep the car?

these quesitions should considerably reduce your confusion.

there are a few other variable to consider too, but these questions will primarily help you narrow down to one.

[Ravveendrra]

Originally Posted by yzfrj

...... CNG/LPG kit on a car is pure crap this is purely my personal view.
It will be having worse pickup and drivability than an old indica diesel with 150k kms pulling a caravan on a steep incline.

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

Buy both. Swap the engines. Keep the B-Zen and sell the Z-Baleno.

Lol! I agree with both the above posts. You guys had me ROFTL @ yzfrj & pedro.

Cheers

[Trust_In_Thrust]

Well the baleno is a 2006 November model at 2.25 L including CNG.
Zen is a october 2003 model at 2L + 40K(CNG) = 2.40 L .
Now i assume that the suspension of baleno would require works and soon the clutch plate so baleno will cost around 2.25L + 40 K = 2.60 L .
My friend would drive it everyday for around 80 kms , highways (2-3 times yearly)would also include cross country runs .He is more interested in Baleno (thinking the spares would cost him double to that of zen and he is happy with that ).
I have asked him to look at the Baleno and he will look at it this sunday .It is white in colour and the owner has done only regular servcies not any parts change including tyres till now .
Also the zen owner is not negotiating on the prices at all but i must say the zen is as good as new .
So waiting for sunday to go and see the baleno.

I am still worried about the 40K for steering rack only as if such are the prices it will be difficult for my friend in the long run.

[Ravveendrra]

Originally Posted by Trust_In_Thrust

......
I am still worried about the 40K for steering rack only as if such are the prices it will be difficult for my friend in the long run.

Heyy why are you stuck on the cost of a steering rack? It is not as if they require regular replacement. They normally last the lifetime of a car, so stop harping on it.

Cheers,

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by yzfrj

CNG/LPG kit on a car is pure crap this is purely my personal view.
It will be having worse pickup and drivability than an old indica diesel with 150k kms pulling a caravan on a steep incline.

+1 to that.

@ trust in thrust: CNG being a dry fuel reduces the engine life and one needs to change piston rings earlier than the mandated /average life. Your friend should choose depending upon what is his requirement, but if CNG is a major requirement then your friend should go for a fresher virgin petrol engine as chances of something going wrong are less.

Since running is going to be high, I would suggest looking at Diesels as well

My $0.02

[k2max6]

Originally Posted by Trust_In_Thrust

I am still worried about the 40K for steering rack only as if such are the prices it will be difficult for my friend in the long run.

40k for steering rack

Enquire from some local mechanics.You being in delhi should not worry.
Acocording to me you can easily get the same from mayapuri for less than 8-10k.

You have mentioned Zen 2003 model.Are you sure that the odometer reading is authentic.
17k is too less for a 6 year old car.
Unless and until you know the owner personally you cant trust anyone in delhi.

[Trust_In_Thrust]

It is possible he will pick both cars .So we called up the guy for Zen and said 1.80 L max .But he refused so we have given him our number if he decides to change his mind.It is next to a brand new car .I pray he relents on price .Now waiting for tomorrow to go with him and check out the Baleno.
It is mentioned here that Baleno rack costs 40K.
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-t...-thread-5.html
I checked today and a MGP one is available for around 7K so that is a relief.

Waiting for tomorrow now .

[Surprise]

Originally Posted by TeddyBear

3. Should i get a mechanic to verify the car for previous accident? Any other way to get the accident history?

You can verify whether the original beading were in place at doors, bonnet, dickey. Open the door and inside the door corners, you could see beading running to full doors length (like a strip). If the door gets replaced due to some reasons, I don't think these beading will be in place.

Someone correct me if Iam wrong