Team-BHP - My introduction

Hello there. My name is Jack and I was pretty stoked when I got the approval email for being part of this prestigious forum. I'm going to go right ahead and share a brief introduction about myself:-

I am 24 years old, originally from Mumbai but currently based in Los Angeles, working in Film Production. Started driving at the age of 14 and I've always found this forum super helpful for any motoring questions I've had so I finally decided it was time to join in on the action and sign myself up. More so, I can't emphasize enough how glad I am to be approved as a member. I'm basically researching new cars at the moment since I plan to get rid of my 2006 Sonata Gold when I get back to India next month.

Here's a list of cars I've owned in the past:-

Mumbai

1. 2002 Honda Accord 2.3 VTI (2002-2005)
2. 2003 Opel Astra Club 1.6L (2003-2006)
3. 2005 Ford Ikon 1.3 Flair (2005-2011)
4. 2005 Hyundai Sonata GOLD 2.0 (2005-Present)

Los Angeles

1. 2011 Ford Mustang V6 (2012-Present)

Now that I've done the formal introduction thing, I'd like to pose a quick question. Like I said, I've been researching new D segment sedans to buy when I'm back in Mumbai next month. I'm currently torn between The Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta & Hyundai Elantra. I'd like some feedback on which one is the best bank for my buck, in your opinion. I'm looking for a good combination of sophistication and pep.

Also, side note: I'm really impressed with the Hyundai Creta as well. So much so that I might consider buying my first SUV. Are there any members who currently own The Creta? Any feedback is welcome.

Keep revving, folks!

Congratulations and welcome on board, jack91!

Among the three, I'd suggest for the Altis, followed by the Jetta. The Altis has the smallest engine and is least powerful of the lot, and it might not be fun to drive. However its advantage on reliability front is unmatched. Cost of maintenance for a 6 figure mileage is lower than all the immediate competition.

A close family friend owns a first in India generation 1.9 TDI Jetta. The owner is happy after using it for 6 years / 70000 kilometers. However he has a manual transmission variant. I have driven it for few times. It's fast, handles well and is built like a tank. If you go for Jetta, go for the manual transmission over the DSG. The regular cost of maintenance will be more than a Toyota.

On a side note, why not think of a Renault Fluence?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildy (Post 3805572)

Welcome aboard and very interesting to read that you work in Film Industry. Hope you enjoy your stay here. :)

Regarding your query, please post it in appropriate forum of Team BHP.

Best to You. :thumbs up

Thank you. Yes, I realize now that I should post this on the "what car" forum. Rookie mistake. Appreciate your thoughts though. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rajeevraj (Post 3805567)

Congratulations and welcome to the club. On your D segment question, the first car that comes to mind when you say sophistication and pep is the Skoda Octavia.

The Creta is a good car but in a different segment. Read up the official review and ownership reports by Ravenavi, Naveen Raju and BNM. Should give you all the info you need.

All the best.

Thank you! Yes, I have to admit that Skoda Octavia really appealed to me. However, it's about 2-3L higher variant to variant when compared with the options I mention. I guess if I really stretch my budget, I could aim for it. Not sure about it's VFM though. Either way, I'm going to move this query to the "What Car" thread. Glad I've gotten these many responses. Appreciate it. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO (Post 3805815)

Welcome!

Mod Note: Lets not turn this into a 'What Car' thread please. We have other dedicated discussions for that.

Yes, realize that now. Moving this query over to that thread. Thank you. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rehaan (Post 3805893)

Welcome aboard Jack91!

Do get familiar with the search / title search / advanced search functions.

For now, knock yourself out:

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Cheers,
R

Thanks a ton, Rehaan. I read your post and was very amused by all the in-depth info it provided on the recent Compact SUV boom in the country. Since I wasn't around in India when it took place, the details you provide are invaluable. Congratulations on your Hyundai Creata AKA Lazarus. May you have many more smiles and miles with it. :)

More so, I'm moving this query over to the "What Car" forum. Thank you once again, buddy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swapnil4585 (Post 3805574)

Thank you for your feedback. I echo your sentiment about the Altis, especially when you consider that it's the better VFM option compared to the rest. The slightly underpowered engine options aside, it certainly delivers on most other aspects demanded from this segment.

The Jetta too is an extremely competent choice I found. German engineering has it's own perks and it's in a league above it's Korean & Japanese rivals in that respect. But as you mentioned, maintenance costs and a slightly higher price tag are it's drawbacks.

Appreciate your feedback and just wanted to say I will be moving this query over to the "What Car" thread. Thanks once again. :)