[abhishek2]

Helloo to all,

I'm in a fix on deciding which car to go for,

Firstly, my requirements-

- Daily long drives possible 60-70kms full traffic.
- 3-4 years trouble free.
- Spare costs not an issue but good service centre a major factor in decision.
- Should not look outdated.
- Should be fun and fuel efficient.
- No over or underbudget (11-16Lakhs)

Some strict no's-

- No Tata - Current safari TCIC owner since 3.5 yrs - poor service (car still exciting in winters)
- No Hyundai - Don't trust Korean cars, no appeal
- No Chevy - Bad owning experience, poor service, no appeal
- No Octavia - Old, no appeal
- No Corolla - Old, no appeal
- No Civic - Good car, VFM, Fun - somehow puts me off (after alot of thought without any clear reasons)
- No Accord
- No Black Colour
- Not too fond of Vitara

So am left with the significant others - Endeavour and Laura

Please advice for a wise as well as satisfying decision.


Abhishek

[androdev]

I am one of the official Laura sales persons around

Originally Posted by abhishek2

- Daily long drives possible 60-70kms full traffic.

Big YES. You can even go to crowded vegetable markets. It will fit into most of the parking slots. Excellent visibility (except a bit thick A pillar)

- 3-4 years trouble free.

Not sure. But I have not heard of any common complaints either - this car has been in production for 4 years internationally? 2 Yr warranty.

- Spare costs not an issue but good service centre a major factor in decision.

Spare costs will be high. Even those tiny plastic tire valve caps have "made in Germany" on them! Popular opinion is that Skoda service centers are a bit thick. Regular consumables (oil, brake pads, etc.) are not a big deal - but accidental repairs will cost a bomb. each xenon headlight unit will cost 50K!

- Should not look outdated.

Subjective. IMHO, it is classy. very. Xenons rule.

- Should be fun and fuel efficient.

You bet!

- No over or underbudget (11-16Lakhs)

Don't know about Delhi prices. It is not VFM like Honda.

Few things to note:
Back seat is only for two people.
Engine a bit noisy esp at low speeds - but sound proofing is very good.
If you go for test drive - make sure the tire pressure is as per spec. Dealers always keeping 40+ psi - makes the ride feel very rough.
Tire/road noise is high with OEM tires - better upgrade the tires if you don't like it.

If you prefer BIG cars, then obviously this is the wrong car. Good luck!

[benbsb29]

Abhi, if i had that money, and also considering the choices you have listed, i wold opt for the Endeavour. I like the macho image that goes with it.

This because you have ruled out most of the other options at that price range.

[rohan_fonseca]

Since cost of spares are not a faactor for you, the Laura does sound a good choice. The Endevour however has great road presence.

[esteem_lover]

Originally Posted by abhishek2

Some strict no's-

- No Tata - Current safari TCIC owner since 3.5 yrs - poor service (car still exciting in winters)
- No Hyundai - Don't trust Korean cars, no appeal
- No Chevy - Bad owning experience, poor service, no appeal
- No Octavia - Old, no appeal
- No Corolla - Old, no appeal
- No Civic - Good car, VFM, Fun - somehow puts me off (after alot of thought without any clear reasons)
- No Accord
- No Black Colour
- Not too fond of Vitara

So am left with the significant others - Endeavour and Laura

Please advice for a wise as well as satisfying decision.


Abhishek

All your requirements cry for the CRV, but it is a tad higher than your budget, right ?

[extreme_torque]

Definitely Laura among these two, 16 lakhs + for a vehicle that has leaf springs at the back it too much of a rip-off IMHO. Its meant for carrying passengers in comfort not loading.

Although you have ruled out chevvy, Optra Diesel is a wonderful choice, would be cheaper and give you everything you want and more.

[Ram]

It's a little like saying, shall I have an ice-cream or a veg-thali or a beer?
All of these have their place. All satisfy your craving in different ways.

Any one of these cannot substitute the other, except with some out of balance people.

No offense to any individual intended.

[extreme_torque]

@ram... the guy cant buy both so we have to chose one for him.

P.S. No offence taken

[GTO]

It's a little like saying, shall I have an ice-cream or a veg-thali or a beer?

LOL! So true.

@ Abhishek : If you are keen on ride quality (or averse to a harsh ride), its the Laura only. Fords new Endeavour has an improved ride...but it is still harsh.

[nitroxx]

consider the places you go to ? would you park a laura? n feel safe? or an endeavour? coz if its places like kalbadevi in mumbai then I'd say no car LOL! however if its like def col or sunder nagar in delhi then yup any would do..anyways I second GTO

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by GTO

Fords new Endeavour has an improved ride...but it is still harsh.

No improvements on the ride GTO, i test drove the car 2 months back when i was looking to replace my current Endy...although i loved the new interiors and engine the suspension was no different and i instantly turned it down.

Infact the wider rubber on my older gen endy helps the suspension a little, the new endeavour has downsized rubber too. All in all the ride quality is bad, way too bumpy.

[speedy]

Originally Posted by Sahil

No improvements on the ride GTO, i test drove the car 2 months back when i was looking to replace my current Endy...although i loved the new interiors and engine the suspension was no different and i instantly turned it down.

Infact the wider rubber on my older gen endy helps the suspension a little, the new endeavour has downsized rubber too. All in all the ride quality is bad, way too bumpy.

. i was not too happy with the endeavour's ride quality. i would suggest to go in for the laura. the ride is good and it also has alot of features.

[abhishek2]

An update on my situation,

After much thought i booked my Endeavour on the 24th of Oct, The dealer Harpreet Ford promised me delivery by the 15th of Nov.

I had been in constant touch with the sales executive since then, with him telling me everytime that he will find out and call me back.

Finally, yesterday called him again being very close to the deadline of 15th Nov, tells me they will not be able to deliver atleast until December.

Now i am suddenly in two minds if i should go in for the Laura instead.

Please suggest what i should do.

1. Should i wait for another 15 days or more
2. Or should i just buy the Laura??

[hondadude]

Why don't you wait for a couple of months and buy a 2008 model of Laura or Endeavour.

[phamilyman]

stay with an endeavour brother - it has that status anywhere in the country which Laura can't give you - you know how traffic in Delhi makes way for safaris and endeavours with laura you won't get that respect/fear -
that would make the daily travel much more satisfying.
rest i'm not qualified to comment