Car highly expensive to run!

hellmet · 22nd March 2011, 23:28

I stay 21km away from work which is 42km round trip commute daily, in the most dense urban traffic (Hyderabad, Tarnaka->Madhapur). A few months ago, I went ahead and bought a new BEAT, petrol prices hovering around 57 (?). In the winter, I was juggling between bike and car to keep a check on expenses.

But now, summer is full on (AC always on), and petrol at 65.18/- it's going to become extremely expensive to feed my car. At an average of 12kmpl which is optimistic for the kind of traffic I drive in, I will be spending this summer, close to 5000 per month just for commute. The fact is, I've this car on EMI for the next few years at about 7100 pm. All this is adding close to 12K per month, which is unbearable.

I can ride my bike and survive my commute with about Rs1100 per month, but it is highly inconvenient in the summer heat and seems to be getting increasingly dangerous riding one in this city

Maybe I shouldn't have hurried to get the car, maybe I should sell it away (for a huge huge loss due to depreciation). Maybe I should buy a better/safer bike (with disc brakes). Maybe I should have bought a diesel.

What would you do in my situation? I'm starting to consider selling the car away and buying a decent bike. What use is paying EMIs for a car you can't afford to drive?

gautamkhadse · 22nd March 2011, 23:32

I was in a similar fix and what I did was moved closer to the office . Now my office is just 2 Kms from home . So i can go by my bike too and then on the weekends you take out your car for fun . You dont have to sell it off .

download2live · 22nd March 2011, 23:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellmet

Maybe I shouldn't have hurried to get the car, maybe I should sell it away (for a huge huge loss due to depreciation). Maybe I should buy a better/safer bike (with disc brakes). Maybe I should have bought a diesel.

Are you married? If you have a family then having a car helps. Best advice is of course to stay close to office. I always make sure that I am in 6 kms radius of my office.

Tarnaka to Madhapur! Daily! You are a brave man.

svsantosh · 22nd March 2011, 23:39

Search for a LPG (Used OR New) car and exchange this new car for that... 1) Will save a lot on EMI's 2) Save a lot on fuel - other than that you dont have much choice. Last but best avoided is convert your current Beat to LPG - but will damage a lot of things in long run - best to do 1 or 2... Check with showroom/bank for exchange your current beat to a spark-LPG. I am sure bank will take care of ALL paperwork and you will end up with a similar new but more econimical car.

hellmet · 22nd March 2011, 23:39

I'm single and live with parents in an owned apartment. I don't think they'd appreciate me living elsewhere in the same city. If I started renting just to be closer, that'd atleast be 5-7K per month for rent, negating any savings on fuel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by download2live

Are you married? If you have a family then having a car helps. Best advice is of course to stay close to office. I always make sure that I am in 6 kms radius of my office.

Tarnaka to Madhapur! Daily! You are a brave man.

Indeed. My colleagues ask me if I'm going out on a war with all the safety gear on. It is just too dangerous these days.

bblost · 22nd March 2011, 23:43

Hyderabad is getting quite HOT.
But this will last for another 3 months. After that its back to normal temperatures.

Till then use the car daily as the AC really makes life easy. Mess up your monthly budget.

Over the rest of the year use the bike more so you can balance your yearly budget.

anekho · 22nd March 2011, 23:48

Try car-pooling with colleagues who live en-route - savings for all and AC comfort!

Besides, more the merrier!

lucifer1881 · 23rd March 2011, 00:02

12kmpl is on the low side, isn't it? The car has a small engine. I used to get 13kmpl on my 1991 Premier Padmini. No air-conditioning, yes. But ac or no ac should make a difference of 1kmpl in a car as small as this. Correct me if I am wrong on this.

I would advise you to get your fuel lines checked for leaks. My brand new Bolero was not averaging over 10kmpl. I took it to my mechanic, switched the engine on and had him crawl under the car. Lo behold! There was a small leak in the fuel line. It took a small screw driver to tighten the screw. My mileage went up to 12kmpl.

Other than that, I don't think I can advise you much. You could use the MMTS. Park your bike at Secunderabad Station. Get a first class pass made - that costs Rs. 550 for a month. Get off at Hi-Tech station. Take a share auto or a bus - Rs. 5 upto Cyber Towers. Change auto if you need to go beyond that - another Rs. 5 for that. In all, the MMTS + auto should come around Rs. 750 for the month considering a 20 day work month.

Greatest benefit? Absolute peace of mind since you are not driving.

ph03n!x · 23rd March 2011, 01:23

A bunch of my colleagues in your situation sold their petrols ranging from 6 months to 3 years old, went in for Diesel cars. If moving closer is not an option, I suggest you do the same - there is only one way Petrol prices would go...

phamilyman · 23rd March 2011, 01:31

car pool. It would be foolish to assume that the government would keep diesel prices depressed forever - it has freed petrol prices and with so much diesel consumption in the metros over and above the transportation sector, its only a matter of time before diesel prices become intolerable for the government to manage.

Hold out for a season and then see. Don't rush into a diesel.

raghu230506 · 23rd March 2011, 06:39

Hi Hellmet,

Iam in the same state, Iam working from client location which is 60km two way, what I do is

> Few days commute by Bus (Volvo AC)
> Few days by my car ( I would leave early 7.00 AM in the morning and 4:45PM back, this saves a lot of time and fuel as I hardly get any B2B traffic thus ensuring a better mileage)
> Few days pooling

Now due to project re-location I would be relocating to Hyd this April (heat starts on) and my parents and own house are in A.S.Rao Nagar.

I have decided to stay near to office and rent out our own place.

I didn't understand you saying renting out negates the fuel saving, if you are close to office you save on fuel only thing would be what ever you get as a rent needs to be paid as a rent (same or might be higher)

MileCruncher · 23rd March 2011, 08:01

Firstly, doesn't your company offer transport?

My wife used to drive from Somajiguda to Hitec as it provided here flexibility but with the increasing traffic, she has moved to company pick and drop service.

If pick and drop is not available then I suggest the following:

Take a place closer toMadhapur and move in with your parents provided they are retired. But keep in mind the rent for your Tarnaka flat will be lower than the one you pay in Madhapur.
If that is not possible, work out a system to take the MMTS.Or even the AC bus service if its passes through your place.

As already reiterated by phamilyman, don't rush into buying a diesel as its will be decontrolled soon. Also anything lower than 1500 Kms wouldn't make sense on a diesel.

Cheers

P.S: Have you thought about buying the Nano ? Highly suitable for a city car that doesn't burn a hole in the pocket.

spookey · 23rd March 2011, 08:42

Hellmet ,

I saw a Chevy ad yesterday which said Beat now comes with factory fitted LPG kit. Check with your dealer if you could get it installed. It would cut your fuel expenses by more than 50 % and wont void your car's warranty as well

. Selling your relatively new car doesnt make sense , depreciation hit would be huge.

nomadabhi · 23rd March 2011, 09:46

What I understand is that you being a T-BHPian might have considered alot before buying what you have. So why to spoil it for only 2-3 months. If possible do car pulling.

I drive the Old Estilo (4-POT) to my office with daily running of 80kms + weekend trips. So I ended up into car pool for work.

Its your hard earned money so dont let it go for depreciation

sajo · 23rd March 2011, 10:36

I completely understand your situation mate. I am almost in a similar state.
But only I dont have to worry about car EMIs, since I stretched myself well beyond my means and bought something I couldnt afford without a loan.
I have a 40km round trip daily, which needs about 4k worth (approx figure) or two tankfuls of fuel every month. Ofcourse, that includes some non-work driving too.
Do I let that worry me ? No. Since I was fully aware what I was getting into, and infact that was exactly what I wanted.

22nd March 2011, 23:28	#1
hellmet BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: GTA \| GHMC Posts: 886 Thanked: 1,025 Times	Car highly expensive to run! I stay 21km away from work which is 42km round trip commute daily, in the most dense urban traffic (Hyderabad, Tarnaka->Madhapur). A few months ago, I went ahead and bought a new BEAT, petrol prices hovering around 57 (?). In the winter, I was juggling between bike and car to keep a check on expenses. But now, summer is full on (AC always on), and petrol at 65.18/- it's going to become extremely expensive to feed my car. At an average of 12kmpl which is optimistic for the kind of traffic I drive in, I will be spending this summer, close to 5000 per month just for commute. The fact is, I've this car on EMI for the next few years at about 7100 pm. All this is adding close to 12K per month, which is unbearable. I can ride my bike and survive my commute with about Rs1100 per month, but it is highly inconvenient in the summer heat and seems to be getting increasingly dangerous riding one in this city Maybe I shouldn't have hurried to get the car, maybe I should sell it away (for a huge huge loss due to depreciation). Maybe I should buy a better/safer bike (with disc brakes). Maybe I should have bought a diesel. What would you do in my situation? I'm starting to consider selling the car away and buying a decent bike. What use is paying EMIs for a car you can't afford to drive?
	() Thanks

22nd March 2011, 23:32	#2
gautamkhadse BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: pune Posts: 343 Thanked: 311 Times	Re: Car highly expensive to run! I was in a similar fix and what I did was moved closer to the office . Now my office is just 2 Kms from home . So i can go by my bike too and then on the weekends you take out your car for fun . You dont have to sell it off .
	() Thanks

22nd March 2011, 23:39	#4
svsantosh Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Dubai Posts: 3,990 Thanked: 6,175 Times View My Garage	Re: Car highly expensive to run! Search for a LPG (Used OR New) car and exchange this new car for that... 1) Will save a lot on EMI's 2) Save a lot on fuel - other than that you dont have much choice. Last but best avoided is convert your current Beat to LPG - but will damage a lot of things in long run - best to do 1 or 2... Check with showroom/bank for exchange your current beat to a spark-LPG. I am sure bank will take care of ALL paperwork and you will end up with a similar new but more econimical car.
	() Thanks

22nd March 2011, 23:43	#6
bblost Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 11,000 Thanked: 15,305 Times View My Garage	Re: Car highly expensive to run! Hyderabad is getting quite HOT. But this will last for another 3 months. After that its back to normal temperatures. Till then use the car daily as the AC really makes life easy. Mess up your monthly budget. Over the rest of the year use the bike more so you can balance your yearly budget.
	() Thanks

22nd March 2011, 23:48	#7
anekho Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: . Posts: 1,995 Thanked: 684 Times	Re: Car highly expensive to run! Try car-pooling with colleagues who live en-route - savings for all and AC comfort! Besides, more the merrier!
	() Thanks

23rd March 2011, 00:02	#8
lucifer1881 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 368 Thanked: 2,030 Times	Re: Car highly expensive to run! 12kmpl is on the low side, isn't it? The car has a small engine. I used to get 13kmpl on my 1991 Premier Padmini. No air-conditioning, yes. But ac or no ac should make a difference of 1kmpl in a car as small as this. Correct me if I am wrong on this. I would advise you to get your fuel lines checked for leaks. My brand new Bolero was not averaging over 10kmpl. I took it to my mechanic, switched the engine on and had him crawl under the car. Lo behold! There was a small leak in the fuel line. It took a small screw driver to tighten the screw. My mileage went up to 12kmpl. Other than that, I don't think I can advise you much. You could use the MMTS. Park your bike at Secunderabad Station. Get a first class pass made - that costs Rs. 550 for a month. Get off at Hi-Tech station. Take a share auto or a bus - Rs. 5 upto Cyber Towers. Change auto if you need to go beyond that - another Rs. 5 for that. In all, the MMTS + auto should come around Rs. 750 for the month considering a 20 day work month. Greatest benefit? Absolute peace of mind since you are not driving.
	() Thanks

23rd March 2011, 01:23	#9
ph03n!x Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coimbatore Posts: 2,564 Thanked: 5,957 Times	Re: Car highly expensive to run! A bunch of my colleagues in your situation sold their petrols ranging from 6 months to 3 years old, went in for Diesel cars. If moving closer is not an option, I suggest you do the same - there is only one way Petrol prices would go...
	() Thanks

23rd March 2011, 01:31	#10
phamilyman Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 5,968 Thanked: 4,641 Times	Re: Car highly expensive to run! car pool. It would be foolish to assume that the government would keep diesel prices depressed forever - it has freed petrol prices and with so much diesel consumption in the metros over and above the transportation sector, its only a matter of time before diesel prices become intolerable for the government to manage. Hold out for a season and then see. Don't rush into a diesel.
	() Thanks

23rd March 2011, 06:39	#11
raghu230506 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 766 Thanked: 63 Times View My Garage	Re: Car highly expensive to run! Hi Hellmet, Iam in the same state, Iam working from client location which is 60km two way, what I do is > Few days commute by Bus (Volvo AC) > Few days by my car ( I would leave early 7.00 AM in the morning and 4:45PM back, this saves a lot of time and fuel as I hardly get any B2B traffic thus ensuring a better mileage) > Few days pooling Now due to project re-location I would be relocating to Hyd this April (heat starts on) and my parents and own house are in A.S.Rao Nagar. I have decided to stay near to office and rent out our own place. I didn't understand you saying renting out negates the fuel saving, if you are close to office you save on fuel only thing would be what ever you get as a rent needs to be paid as a rent (same or might be higher)
	() Thanks

23rd March 2011, 08:01	#12
MileCruncher Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: MH01 Posts: 4,235 Thanked: 589 Times View My Garage	Re: Car highly expensive to run! Firstly, doesn't your company offer transport? My wife used to drive from Somajiguda to Hitec as it provided here flexibility but with the increasing traffic, she has moved to company pick and drop service. If pick and drop is not available then I suggest the following: Take a place closer toMadhapur and move in with your parents provided they are retired. But keep in mind the rent for your Tarnaka flat will be lower than the one you pay in Madhapur. If that is not possible, work out a system to take the MMTS.Or even the AC bus service if its passes through your place. As already reiterated by phamilyman, don't rush into buying a diesel as its will be decontrolled soon. Also anything lower than 1500 Kms wouldn't make sense on a diesel. Cheers P.S: Have you thought about buying the Nano ? Highly suitable for a city car that doesn't burn a hole in the pocket.
	() Thanks

23rd March 2011, 08:42	#13
spookey BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bombay Posts: 77 Thanked: 43 Times	Re: Car highly expensive to run! Hellmet , I saw a Chevy ad yesterday which said Beat now comes with factory fitted LPG kit. Check with your dealer if you could get it installed. It would cut your fuel expenses by more than 50 % and wont void your car's warranty as well . Selling your relatively new car doesnt make sense , depreciation hit would be huge.
	() Thanks

23rd March 2011, 09:46	#14
nomadabhi BHPian Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mumbai Posts: 352 Thanked: 105 Times View My Garage	Re: Car highly expensive to run! What I understand is that you being a T-BHPian might have considered alot before buying what you have. So why to spoil it for only 2-3 months. If possible do car pulling. I drive the Old Estilo (4-POT) to my office with daily running of 80kms + weekend trips. So I ended up into car pool for work. Its your hard earned money so dont let it go for depreciation
	() Thanks

23rd March 2011, 10:36	#15
sajo Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pune Posts: 2,625 Thanked: 1,153 Times	Re: Car highly expensive to run! I completely understand your situation mate. I am almost in a similar state. But only I dont have to worry about car EMIs, since I stretched myself well beyond my means and bought something I couldnt afford without a loan. I have a 40km round trip daily, which needs about 4k worth (approx figure) or two tankfuls of fuel every month. Ofcourse, that includes some non-work driving too. Do I let that worry me ? No. Since I was fully aware what I was getting into, and infact that was exactly what I wanted.
	() Thanks