[yashg]

Originally Posted by sunilrs

In the non-luxury segment as well, my only choice really is either the Creta or the Compass

Since you mentioned entry level luxury, and you want a premium car with low width and Compass is already on your radar, I'd suggest get the Compass. It's a lovely vehicle. Jeep may not be luxury brand but it is definitely a premium brand and you already have a BMW so Jeep would make a good companion. I haven't faced any major service issues with Jeep in the last couple of years and I guess you would be able to keep it for 10 years. Jeep is cramped in the rear in that it is good only for two adults but it's a joy to drive. It comes loaded with features and a solid car. Worth considering.

[sunilrs]

Hello - Thank you all for your updates, suggestions and advice, it is much appreciated.

So a quick update on the search:

1) Mercedes A200 2021 model with less than 20k kms: In great condition and obviously maintained very well by the owner. The drivability is not great but I am tempted to keep it in the consideration list just going by the condition of the car. The warranty expires in January 2025.

2) Mercedes GLA AMG 2022 model with 25,000 kms: The test drive was a lot of fun and I quite enjoyed it. There is some wear and tear but it is in acceptable range and the car has an extended warranty till 2027. I am organising a home test drive this week to see if it fits in the parking. I am doubtful if it will fit the parking slot but the sales guy said he will get it home to check out the fit.

3) Mini Countryman 2022 model with 30k on the odo: The car was well maintained but I did not enjoy the drive at all, Did a back to back with the AMG and somehow the AMG was far more fun. I am not sure if its due to the particular one I tried so still planning to check out another example before I make up my mind.

I will check out the Q2 and 220i over the coming week. They seem rather slow in responding but fingers crossed. Octavia VRS is a good idea and will definitely look it up.

So far an A35 AMG seems like the best option, if I can find a good example.

On the Compass, I did check out the top end trim last year and quite a few friends have it but the drive in the petrol auto did not seem inspiring especially in the City .

Unfortunately EVs are out of the question due to society issues about charging etc. and also I am not yet ready to make the switch given that for long drives it will still be an issue to find chargers etc. May be when it is time to change the X1, I will have a bit more flexibility.

[Abel_Philip]

Try to get hold of an lci 1 series 118d

[omar]

My recommendation would be to first decide if you want a Sedan, Hatch or SUV. Then narrow it down from there.

If you truly want a fun car, would recommend the options below:

1. GTI
2. Abarth 595
3. VRS 230 or 245, if it fits your space (a real VFM car).
4. Cooper S

The Troc is also a fun car, and should be considered.

[Game_of_Roads]

Given that you have the X1 already, why not consider the Virtus GT or the Slavia 1.5 DSG ? While it is not going to be premium like the luxury cars, they check a lot of boxes - fast(enough), super practical, fits your size restrictions, tremendous driving pleasure for the money and they are both really good looking cars in the current sea of highly overdone and gawky looking cars.

[smartindboy]

MG ZS ev
Byd Atto3
Kushaq or Taigun (in that order)
Volvo XC40

[suhaas307]

Given the requirements and the constraints applied, here are my suggestions:

1) A35 AMG sedan / GLA35 AMG crossover: Seems like the ideal car for general commutes + weekend drives / occasional holidays. You will have to verify if it fits in your parking spot, as I am seeing varying answers regarding the car's width. Visually, the car does not look too wide and appears to be around the same width as a new gen City / Ciaz, but I could be wrong. Be warned: the A35 sedan is quite low to the ground and can be challenging while negotiating bad roads.

2) A used Audi A3 sedan / convertible: Fairly quick, reliable and fun-sized Audis, the convertible particularly! Will definitely fit in your tight parking spot without compromising on luxury / performance. Older petrol versions came with the 1.8 TFSI while the newer ones came with 1.4 TFSI. Both good engines that offer enough performance to keep you interested.

3) BMW 116i / 118d: If you can find a well maintained example, these cars are a hoot! The last of the analogue BMWs. Nothing like a RWD hatch, honestly. Again, worth considering only if you find a good example. The aftermarket support is immense as well! Huge bonus is that you can get these cars for super cheap these days.

4) Mini Cooper S / JCW: This one is a no-brainer and has already been suggested by several members already. Finding a well maintained example is the way to go. It's arguably the most fun-to-drive car under 50 lakh.

5) Polo GTI: Finding a good well-maintained example will be a challenge, but it would be worth it. Will comfortably fit in your parking spot and offers plenty in terms of performance and exclusivity. Not the most luxurious, but being a CBU it comes with some premium touches that the localized Polo lacked.

6) Audi TT: Just a smidge over 1800 mm (by 32 mm) but totally worth it! 2.0 TFSI mated to a quick shifting DSG and Quattro AWD. It's all the sports-car you will ever need! Used examples can be found and shouldn't cost you a lot to acquire either.

Happy shopping!

[sunilrs]

So a quick update, having checked multiple cars etc over the last few days. These are my final options and would love some advice

1) 2022 GLA AMG 35 run 30,000 km by First Owner with an extended warranty till 2027. Cost quoted in 44.5 Lakhs (all service records are available and looks good)

2) 2023 Unregistered BMW 220i MSport Pro with 300 kms on the odo - Quoted 46 Lakhs
Warranty till end 2025, extendable.

I have checked both cars and both fit in the parking slot and are in good condition, though will do one more check. .

The GLA AMG seems like a more practical choice, I really enjoyed the drive and the car seems more practical with enough space for four in case someone joins us and a usable boot.

The 220i is a fun two seater since only kids can sit comfortably at the back and the boot is also very small just enough for a couple of overnighters at most.

So the 220i is a newer car, I am tempted to consider the GLA AMG. Insurance will be additional in all cases.

Any advice and directions for further price negotiations at all will be much appreciated, keeping in mind that I would like to keep either car for atleast 5-6 years if not more.

[iliketurtles]

Originally Posted by sunilrs

So a quick update, having checked multiple cars etc over the last few days. These are my final options and would love some advice

1) 2022 GLA AMG 35 run 30,000 km by First Owner with an extended warranty till 2027. Cost quoted in 44.5 Lakhs (all service records are available and looks good)

2) 2023 Unregistered BMW 220i MSport Pro with 300 kms on the odo - Quoted 46 Lakhs
Warranty till end 2025, extendable.

Any advice and directions for further price negotiations at all will be much appreciated, keeping in mind that I would like to keep either car for atleast 5-6 years if not more.

I would pick the GLA over the 220i if I were you. Not only is it more fun to drive and more powerful from factory, it has better interiors and a better sound system too (if it is the Burmester). The fact it has more ground clearance is a plus as well.

44.5 seems like a good price too. Most examples listed online are pricier. But see if you can shave a little off the price. Given how much it has run. And don't forget to keep the number of a high quality aftermarket garage handy. It'll save you a lot in maintaining the car post 2027.

[lamborghini]

Honestly living in Mumbai - the GLA will be the more practical and fun choice; albeit reliability and maintenance of the BMW would be cheaper and easier to live with.

That being said since you are open to sedans and already have a tourer in the form of the X1, I would urge you to consider the M340i.

Many well kept examples are trading hands at around 45-50L mark; you would get a proper 6 cylinder engine, with build and reliability that should make it easier to live with - added bonus - the engine should be E25 compliant as well.

The only worry would be ground clearance but if you're driving a city and are considering the 220i; I feel you can live with the 340i ground clearance too.

The only downside is that the ride can be harsh, but it wasn't a deal breaker for me when I drove it around Mumbai and really flattens the roads once you pick up some pace.

[sunilrs]

Hi everyone

After all the back and forth - The deed is done - I booked a less than 300 kms run unregistered 220i M Sport Pro version, there is a bit of comfort with BMW and that made the decision easier.

The AMG GLA was tempting and great to drive but after going through the service records saw multiple visits at 1000 kms intervals just before it went up for sale. The other challenge was that there definitely was some recent work due to an accident due to which I was a bit nervous about the same

I did explore a couple more tempting options including one very tempting offer for a 2022 3 series GL at 42 lakhs but parking considerations put paid to that option. In case anyone is interested can put you in touch with the owner.

Looking forward to getting the car in a couple of weeks.