[inreverse]

@Vajra: At 10-12 lacs a 1st Gen Skoda Superb 2.8 V6 (In Mint Condition*) would be a steal deal... Do keep this baby under your search light as well. Hard to find a good one** but worth a shot.

1. Monster engine and loads of gadgets.
2. Space, comfort and safety.
3. Moderate brand value.

* If you personally know someone who wants to sell it.
**Again as rightly said by GTO. Be aware of dishonest Skoda Dealers they might've already played around with it.

[dipen]

Originally Posted by inreverse

@Vajra: At 10-12 lacs a 1st Gen Skoda Superb 2.8 V6 (In Mint Condition*) would be a steal deal... Do keep this baby under your search light as well. Hard to find a good one** but worth a shot.

1. Monster engine and loads of gadgets.
2. Space, comfort and safety.
3. Moderate brand value.

10-12 laks for a Superb is not a deal. 4-5 year old Superbs would fetch no more than 7.5 laks in the open market (if in the best of condition with all service records).
Enthusiasts would rather buy a Accord V6 for similar money for peace of mind.

[Abhi_Automobile]

I will strongly recommend a German car to you. The Beemer looks in nice condition and if you think you can afford the service costs, then go for it.

All this, of course, after getting it checked from a reputed dealer. I think all the luxury brands offer mechanic checkup at minimal (in German terms) costs. I will not trust to many 'local' type mechanics for a Beemer.

The thrill of driving a BMW 3 series is unmatched. If not for service costs ( which I assume you will take care), the fuel bills will be lower too.

The Accord will not give you a mileage of more than 6 under any 'real' circumstances. although you have reported relatively less monthly usage, you seems to be concerned over the fuel bills too. Out of the German trio, Merc will be my last choice.

[Vajra]

Thanks inreverse and Dipen for your views.

Skoda would not be in my sights at all. No point. I don't have the time to run around fixing my car. Just want a seriously fast and reliable beast.

This thread has expanded from the title to encompass many other brands.

The original 318i and C200k are dropped from consideration while the Accord V6 still is a prime contender.

In second place is a Chevy Cruze LTZ, 2010 model with 7500 on the clock. Asking is 11 for this beauty. Strongly considering it. Warranty is transferable (or so I have been told). No problem whatsoever with clutch or turbo lag contrary to reports in sections of TBHP.

Also considering an Xtrail, 2008 model with 27000 on the odo. But given the high cost of maintenance, its not realistic to go ahead. Beautiful engine though.

Made an offer of 13.5 for a 3 month old Jetta 1.9 Comfortline but predictably no response from the dealer. Bit happy though, because I was in two minds about going for it.

I would be happy with either the V6 or the Cruze. The Cruze is brand new, while the V6 has AT. One is a luxobarge and the other is a streetfighter.

What do you think guys? I need to make up my mind fast. The Cruze wont wait for me...

[inreverse]

No worries @Vajra: We as a community are happy to help. The Honda Accord V6 currently under your radar will best suite the budget and the maintenance will not be as neck tight as compared to a Skoda. Also when the Accord changes hands and goes to the third buyer it will still fetch you some "Green Peace" aka moolah.

You may want to check out Cruze related thread in here before you circle in on it.

Cheers!

[Vajra]

I did!

Is there something I should know?

I thought its a pretty good car..

[dipen]

@Vajra
Did you try to find any used 325i. They would be a nice bargain too.

[inreverse]

Originally Posted by Vajra

I did!

Is there something I should know?

I thought its a pretty good car..

It is a pretty good car. Full bang for the buck. I've read in forums on T-BHP about the Chevy diesel under the Cruze's hood to have a massive turbo lag in city traffic.

Buy the Cruze Petrol if you are going to spend more time on city tarmac

Turbo Lag Link

[BANDHAV]

Originally Posted by inreverse

Buy the Cruze Petrol

Pardon my ignorance but can you shed some more light on it. I was of impression that Cruze is only available with 2.0L Diesel engine, is the petrol engine a latest offering?

[Vajra]

Nope, no petrol.

Inreverse is ahead of the curve :-)

[Vajra]

For those tuning in late, I thought I would post a few pics of the cars which were the reason for starting this thread.

The 318i (2004) still looks a real beaut !

Coming up next are the pics of the C200K (2005)

and slightly OT but relevant as it is a car I would love to consider is a 2003 SLK 230 in pristine condition!

I read somewhere that GTO would love to get his hands on a 560. Well there has been one parked right where I live. Though its close to 20 years old it has unbelievably low mileage and is in fair shape. Will post those pics soon.

[Mpower]

Thats a E46 pre-facelift model which means 2002 and earlier. It also has the old engine from E36. Please check the papers.

[Vajra]

It was imported by Kashyap Motors in 2004 august and sold same month to the current owner. It is very possible it is an older model.

But it is not in consideration anymore. Photos uploaded as I visited the cars again with a camera and took some for the lads at large..

[Vajra]

Ok Now for some pics of the SLK. The dealer wanted 20 and I guess he would have come down quite a bit but its a two seater with terrible boot space and parts will be very hard to get.

So I was content to take pics for my buddies at TBHP.

[adilkhan5]

Originally Posted by Vajra

Ok Now for some pics of the SLK. The dealer wanted 20 and I guess he would have come down quite a bit but its a two seater with terrible boot space and parts will be very hard to get.

So I was content to take pics for my buddies at TBHP.

Condition appears good, but shape looks dated!