[VWAllstar]

Originally Posted by blackbandit

I'm currently facing a dilemma and hope to get some valuable advice from forum members. I own a Figo, purchased in 2016, which has run close to 89,000 kms.

I am in a similar dilemma albeit my Figo is of 2018 (Mfg) and registered in 2019 with just 37K KMs of running. Personal view would be to not go from a Figo to C3. Figo is a simple car which is easy to maintain. Not sure if you have TDCI or the petrol. If the diesel then the running cost will be low as well. If you indeed want to move away from Figo then think of an EV - Tiago, Tigor or the Comet.

Cross posting from another thread for more traction

Need some thoughts on going ahead with MG Comet Excite Version.

I own 2 cars and 1 EV Scooter.
2019 VW Ameo HL + Diesel DSG (Do not intend to sell for another 5 years)
2018 Ford Figo S TDCI Manual (Can exchange for a Comet)
Ather Rizta Z 3.7 kWh (It is a gift for Dad and replaced his 2 decade old bike)

My plan is as below:

I wish to keep VW Ameo DSG for long road trips (> 3K KMs) which I do twice a year and for shorter drives around Mumbai (Lonavla, Pune, Mahabaleshwar, Konkan and the likes)

Exchange the Ford Figo S TDCI (love the car and upgraded the audio along with new tyres & battery) for a MG Comet (Max budget 8.5L OTR)

For Ather, I have added a 15V Plug with MCB near my entrance. High possibility that the space can fit the Comet as well when charging.

I drive 25 KMs daily for work (5 days a week) and prefer car for intercity trips. Haven't taken public transport since 2015 and don't think I can change that now.

Don't wish to use the Ather as I want that to be parked at home so Dad can use it whenever he wants. Moreover, I am not very fond of 2 wheelers as it is too much of hassle - wearing protector during rains, uncomfortable during peak summers and then I get all sweaty till I reach office.

Ford Figo S is a special car and I have maintained it in top notch condition. It has done only 36K KMs in the last 5 years as I prefer automatic in Mumbai Traffic. I also follow the TBHP saying, that keeping a car for long turns out to be more value for money. A tank full of Figo costs me Rs. 4000/- (approx) and returns roughly 500 KMs. It has no EMI, so rather than paying Rs. 8000/- per month as EMI for Comet, I can use that for nearly 1000 KMs in my Figo (easily 4-5 months of driving within the city)

Why the thought of exchanging the Figo S for a Comet?

Comet is also as special as the Figo S. Both are a rarity on roads so I shall still continue to have the exclusivity.
Driving a manual car in Mumbai is becoming a health hazard.
Owning an Ather has shown me how self reliant one can be when one drives an EV. No more Fuel Station trips.
Obvious reasons of owning a new technology, cost savings and ease of driving & parking the Comet.

What works against the Comet?

Comet is not as fun to drive as the Ford Figo S TDCI
Figo does not need any major repairs for next few years (touching wood)
I may shift to a new house in 2 years where I won't have the luxury of charging near my entrance.
It will add a financial burden of minimum Rs. 8000/- per month as EMI.

I am in a catch 22 situation and looking for some pro and counter thoughts to help me come to a decision. I don't wish to regret even a bit once I have decided & don't wish to keep dwelling on the thought of exchanging the car as well.

[AJ56]

At 8.5L would strongly consider a used car instead of a base model Comet. I’ll expain-

If I was in your place (I too hate manuals inside the city), I’d sell the Figo for whatever I can get for it and proceed to buy a used car for a max of 6-7L and keep the change for tyres and maintenance.

Reason being, the Comet is limited to just 101 km/hr (indicated speed, actual will be around 95 km/hr) which is well below the speed limit on expressways, that coupled with the bicycle thin tyres makes it only suitable for very short distances inside the city. The 0-100 time is also extreme (extremely slow that is). Even if you’re not looking for performance, a certain minimum level of acceleration is required to drive and overtake reasonably safely, which the Comet severely lacks. Look at Camry or Accord from 2012-13, brilliant cars with adequate power, top tier reliability, decent fuel economy (unless you floor it all the time) and good NVH.

In heavy traffic, you’re stuck anyway and I find size (4m vs 5m length) hardly matters, if anything I’m faster in the Camry vs say an Amaze as I can close gaps quicker owing to more power. It’s also much safer due to being heavier and having more airbags than a go kart sized car.

Just take your time and keep getting good examples you find evaluated at the authorised service centres, it’ll take some patience to find a single owner low mile example that’s in good health, but once you do you’re set for the next couple of years with a superior vehicle compared to a base Comet.

[manojrajakrishn]

Originally Posted by blackbandit

I'm currently facing a dilemma and hope to get some valuable advice from forum members. I own a Figo, purchased in 2016, which has run close to 89,000 kms. Last year, I decided to upgrade and bought a Verna 1.5 turbo DCT. At that time, due to a poor valuation for the Figo, I decided to keep it, and my dad has been using the car since then.

Recently, I've received an offer of ₹4.5 lakh for the Figo from a potential buyer. Now, I'm confused about whether I should sell the car, considering Ford has exited the country and service quality might gradually decline. On the other hand, if I sell the Figo, I would need to replace it with another vehicle.

With a budget of ₹12 lakh, the Citroën C3 seems to be the only car that could potentially replace the Figo. However, in my opinion, no car in this budget range feels mechanically superior to the Figo. I would say the Citroën C3 is on par, if not slightly better, than the Figo. This leaves me wondering whether the whole process of buying a new car is worth the extra premium.

Figo is a really solid car, as you have purchased it firsthand you would know the history of this car and would have an idea of what to expect in the next 5 years in terms of maintenance. Spares are available for Figo in the market and finding a reliable mechanic to maintain it once a year would do pretty well for a reliable car like Figo.

Unless your dad finds it boring to use and needs a change to keep it up with the latest features and 6 Airbags, selling it might not be the right choice.

I am saying this with my experience of selling an immaculate condition 2015 Swift in 2022 just because I received a good offer.

I suggest you wait another 2 years and decide on what to upgrade based on the evolving market during that time.

[rajathv8]

Originally Posted by blackbandit

...considering Ford has exited the country and service quality might gradually decline.

With a budget of ₹12 lakh, the Citroën C3 seems to be the only car that could potentially replace the Figo.

Though Ford has left, the general service feedback has been positive so far. There are plenty of Ford's still on the road, including the Gen1 Figo, which should keep the service and spares pipeline open for few more years.

Though the C3 is a good car, the sales of Citroen products in India have been low. You would end up in a Ford-like situation once again if Citroen decides to pull the plug on sales and continue only as a manufacturing/export base - manufacturers will always speak rosy works till the last day.

My recommendation would be to hold onto the Ford and change cars only if there is a fundamental change in requirement.