Is 4.25 L the right price for a 2003 OHC Vtec

danlalan · 2nd April 2007, 00:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheap_deal

this thread is heading towards vtec vs baleno, hope the palio guys dont step in now

dude you forgot to mention the ikon 1.6 guys too

v1p3r · 2nd April 2007, 03:10

Oh yes, if you want outright high-revving point-and-shoot hooliganism, the Vtec is your car, by a country mile. No denying that. Every time I drive one, it makes me

. But then, so does my car.

wizardofid · 2nd April 2007, 09:51

Seems to me like there's a huge price difference for used cars between Mumbai (really low) and Bangalore (really high). I think it is probably difficult to get a 2003 OHC of any type in under 4L in Bangalore.

wizardofid · 2nd April 2007, 14:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by adityapd

btw saw a end Dec 04 ( almost Jan 05) Baleno Vx in scratchless condition at another dealer done 28,000 kms asking price for which is 4.0 L ...have given him an offer 3.6 L as well.

Given the same price range, the Baleno is almost 2 years younger than the Vtec...just wondering which car to finalise incase something materialises.

~A

ADITYAPD,
You saw a 28K Vx Baleno at under 4? Please do let me know which dealer this is? I'm seriously more interested in a low-mileage run Baleno than an OHC VTEC, though I know the VTEC is more fun to drive.

GeekSrik · 2nd April 2007, 14:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by wizardofid

Seems to me like there's a huge price difference for used cars between Mumbai (really low) and Bangalore (really high). I think it is probably difficult to get a 2003 OHC of any type in under 4L in Bangalore.

yes wizard, even i felt that under 4L was impossible here for a 1.5 exi of 2003 model. i d be surprised if my friend said even < 5L

adityapd · 2nd April 2007, 15:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by wizardofid

ADITYAPD,
You saw a 28K Vx Baleno at under 4? Please do let me know which dealer this is? I'm seriously more interested in a low-mileage run Baleno than an OHC VTEC, though I know the VTEC is more fun to drive.

The dealer was quoting 4.5L for this car and said he had an offer of 4.0 already. Hence I deduced that 4.0 was his cutoff price.

btw the dealer in question here is Auto pavilion at Khar in Mumbai. I can give you his contact details later since the same aren't available with me currently.

~A

adityapd · 4th April 2007, 16:58

Guys,

there's an update !

Called the dealer tdy and was told that the vtec was sold out at 4.25 L :(

~A

sanjayr328 · 21st November 2009, 22:54

Guys,

Picked up and continued on this old thread, hoping that one of you Honda VTEC experts see this and in time

. I have long wanted to buy the earlier generation Honda City VTEC and i think i found the right sort of car i was looking for. so this is what i found..

2003 VTEC ( for sure, i went through Raghavs checklist

)
36000 kms on the clock
Accident free, Pune based but Mumbai registered
Cared for car by the looks of it, decent service history, first owner etc

i took it for a short drive and felt the engine to be , well, a little gummy, if you know what i mean. I have driven Hondas before , my father is a big fan , so we have had all the Hondas launched so far including the Civic recently. With this car while there is no suspension noise, the engine did not seem very responsive and frankly i was a little dissappointed driving it, maybe expectations were high, i went upto 4 K RPM, maybe thats why it felt that way...for the last five years i have been into diesel majorly, Indica, Now a Indigo, but also have a new Santro ( Mrs) and that has a nice buttery feel..

i made an offer of 3 Lacs, owner is asking for 3.5 ..so my question to you experts is ..

1. Is the price right ? i foresee spending 20K on the car, 15 K will go on tyres, the alloys are in bad shape - all the polish and shine on them is gone, so will need to find a way to get them upto speed..

2. What about the gummy engine ? maybe it needs an engine flush and new plugs i dont know..

i guess any advice will be appreciated.. if any of you VTEC experts live in Pune, please PM me, i would appreciate if you take a look at the car..but you capuccino at CCD

regards
sanjay

GTO · 23rd November 2009, 11:06

Sanjay, a car in its 7th year and with only 36,000 kms on the odo? That sounds highly suspicious (though certainly not impossible). My suggestion : Have it checked inside out by a specialist garage / authorised Honda service station in Pune. If it comes clean, go for it. Well maintained OHC Vtec's are a rare breed. I'm using an '03 OHC Vtec as my daily driver and do intend to hold on to her for another couple of years. Flawless service, a clean car is key.

esteem_lover · 23rd November 2009, 11:14

Probably the car was not used much in the last 2 years which is why the engine could be 'gummy' as you claim. Go through the service records to see when & at what kms the car was last serviced. It is very difficult to get a good OHC Vtec, if this one is genuine, go for it.

Ramsagar · 23rd November 2009, 15:31

Its very hard to come by a OHC Vtec. Think should be genuine, anyways check with any Honda guys shall let you know.

sanjayr328 · 23rd November 2009, 22:32

Thanks for the guidance everyone, i guess car guys think alike. I went through the exact same doubts myself before i committed a price.

Honestly i have been looking for a VTEC now for the last year or so, was too young to buy one when it was new, too old to get a new one now

, so i spent the last year scrounging everywhere for a low mileage VTEC , and guess where i found it , 4 kms from my home in Pune !!!

Owned by a very meticulous old gentleman with a real passion for keeping his cars well, this VTEC was his baby, and boy - he redefined the concept of a service record, he gave me a file which has notes to the dealer (Ichiban), the original invoice, bills , including the first petrol bill of the car..whew !! i mean, most of us are meticulous about our cars, but you have to see the service record to believe it. The car has been lovingly kept, sparingly used and maintained. He has even done the 40K service in advance, and was particular that the car be sold to someone who is equally or more passionate about driving and cars... guess who fit the bill

Fortunately i pitched a decent price, so the blue girl is going to be mine in a few days.

About the gummy engine - i took it for a longer drive, where the VTEC could stretch its legs a little, and she responds beautifully once you hit 4K plus RPM. but i am sure some work will be needed, brakes , new bulbs , lets see. I am looking forward to the "restoration" work.

Now, new tyres ( will have to read other posts on the forum for that ) however most likely will settle for a set of BS Turanzas, the alloys need some polishing, they have become dull , got the ICE from my Indigo with amps and subs etc - so that will be a transplant, steam cleaning for the interiors and dash cleaning, windscreen has those tiny scratches ( overzealous cleaning, so that needs cleaning ) ...otherwise spic and span...got to make a list and action it, before we head off to Bangalore in Dec....its VTEC time baby..

And then gotto build a roadmap for upgrades next year...

will post pictures , pre and post .. thanks guys.

danlalan · 23rd November 2009, 23:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

Sanjay, a car in its 7th year and with only 36,000 kms on the odo? That sounds highly suspicious (though certainly not impossible)

Certainly not impossible. Ive got the 2000 ikon with only 42000 kms on it. And the 06' swift with 2500 kms on it.
Even though both are used 4 out of 7 days a week Travel distance is hardly 3kms a day
So ya 36000 on a vtec sounds good. You need to open her up a bit now.

raul · 23rd November 2009, 23:24

From someone who recently bought a 2003 OHC 1.5 in Mumbai recently - 9 months ago, 4.25 is too high imho. The car is six years old and lots of things will slowly start requiring attention and will cost quite a lot of money to get done properly, 3-3.5 should be max depending on condition.

Dealers are known to tamper with the meters and there is no way to tell the mileage is genuine, unless you get a full service record. My advice is get it checked throughly by a trusted mechanic and very important with Honda service. Ensure there are no major accidents, make sure the engine and suspension is good and does not require work. Check AC system and tyre wear, at 34k it should be on original Honda fitted tyres. Also transfer from thane to mumbai rto costs 3.5k or 5k I think.

sanjayr328 · 24th November 2009, 09:54

Guys,

Any quick suggestions on Tyres, i am a bit of a Bridgestone fan, so Turanzas or Potenzas, need to stick to the factory size, we do a fair bit of long drives, so prefer it to be stock, the head lights traditionally are a weak area with these , and these are old, any suggestions there ? higher wattage bulbs maybe ?

2nd April 2007, 03:10	#32
v1p3r Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: BLR / DXB / LON Posts: 5,334 Thanked: 6,896 Times View My Garage	Oh yes, if you want outright high-revving point-and-shoot hooliganism, the Vtec is your car, by a country mile. No denying that. Every time I drive one, it makes me . But then, so does my car.
	() Thanks

2nd April 2007, 09:51	#33
wizardofid BHPian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 207 Thanked: 6 Times	Seems to me like there's a huge price difference for used cars between Mumbai (really low) and Bangalore (really high). I think it is probably difficult to get a 2003 OHC of any type in under 4L in Bangalore.
	() Thanks

4th April 2007, 16:58	#37
adityapd BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai, Philadelphia Posts: 288 Thanked: 7 Times View My Garage	Guys, there's an update ! Called the dealer tdy and was told that the vtec was sold out at 4.25 L :( ~A
	() Thanks

21st November 2009, 22:54	#38
sanjayr328 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 51 Thanked: 2 Times	Guys, Picked up and continued on this old thread, hoping that one of you Honda VTEC experts see this and in time . I have long wanted to buy the earlier generation Honda City VTEC and i think i found the right sort of car i was looking for. so this is what i found.. 2003 VTEC ( for sure, i went through Raghavs checklist ) 36000 kms on the clock Accident free, Pune based but Mumbai registered Cared for car by the looks of it, decent service history, first owner etc i took it for a short drive and felt the engine to be , well, a little gummy, if you know what i mean. I have driven Hondas before , my father is a big fan , so we have had all the Hondas launched so far including the Civic recently. With this car while there is no suspension noise, the engine did not seem very responsive and frankly i was a little dissappointed driving it, maybe expectations were high, i went upto 4 K RPM, maybe thats why it felt that way...for the last five years i have been into diesel majorly, Indica, Now a Indigo, but also have a new Santro ( Mrs) and that has a nice buttery feel.. i made an offer of 3 Lacs, owner is asking for 3.5 ..so my question to you experts is .. 1. Is the price right ? i foresee spending 20K on the car, 15 K will go on tyres, the alloys are in bad shape - all the polish and shine on them is gone, so will need to find a way to get them upto speed.. 2. What about the gummy engine ? maybe it needs an engine flush and new plugs i dont know.. i guess any advice will be appreciated.. if any of you VTEC experts live in Pune, please PM me, i would appreciate if you take a look at the car..but you capuccino at CCD regards sanjay
	() Thanks

23rd November 2009, 11:06	#39
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,498 Thanked: 300,309 Times View My Garage	Sanjay, a car in its 7th year and with only 36,000 kms on the odo? That sounds highly suspicious (though certainly not impossible). My suggestion : Have it checked inside out by a specialist garage / authorised Honda service station in Pune. If it comes clean, go for it. Well maintained OHC Vtec's are a rare breed. I'm using an '03 OHC Vtec as my daily driver and do intend to hold on to her for another couple of years. Flawless service, a clean car is key.
	() Thanks

23rd November 2009, 11:14	#40
esteem_lover Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Madras/Py Posts: 7,556 Thanked: 502 Times View My Garage	Probably the car was not used much in the last 2 years which is why the engine could be 'gummy' as you claim. Go through the service records to see when & at what kms the car was last serviced. It is very difficult to get a good OHC Vtec, if this one is genuine, go for it.
	() Thanks

23rd November 2009, 15:31	#41
Ramsagar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: BLR_Nellore(AP) Posts: 1,396 Thanked: 252 Times View My Garage	Its very hard to come by a OHC Vtec. Think should be genuine, anyways check with any Honda guys shall let you know.
	() Thanks

23rd November 2009, 22:32	#42
sanjayr328 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 51 Thanked: 2 Times	Thanks for the guidance everyone, i guess car guys think alike. I went through the exact same doubts myself before i committed a price. Honestly i have been looking for a VTEC now for the last year or so, was too young to buy one when it was new, too old to get a new one now , so i spent the last year scrounging everywhere for a low mileage VTEC , and guess where i found it , 4 kms from my home in Pune !!! Owned by a very meticulous old gentleman with a real passion for keeping his cars well, this VTEC was his baby, and boy - he redefined the concept of a service record, he gave me a file which has notes to the dealer (Ichiban), the original invoice, bills , including the first petrol bill of the car..whew !! i mean, most of us are meticulous about our cars, but you have to see the service record to believe it. The car has been lovingly kept, sparingly used and maintained. He has even done the 40K service in advance, and was particular that the car be sold to someone who is equally or more passionate about driving and cars... guess who fit the bill Fortunately i pitched a decent price, so the blue girl is going to be mine in a few days. About the gummy engine - i took it for a longer drive, where the VTEC could stretch its legs a little, and she responds beautifully once you hit 4K plus RPM. but i am sure some work will be needed, brakes , new bulbs , lets see. I am looking forward to the "restoration" work. Now, new tyres ( will have to read other posts on the forum for that ) however most likely will settle for a set of BS Turanzas, the alloys need some polishing, they have become dull , got the ICE from my Indigo with amps and subs etc - so that will be a transplant, steam cleaning for the interiors and dash cleaning, windscreen has those tiny scratches ( overzealous cleaning, so that needs cleaning ) ...otherwise spic and span...got to make a list and action it, before we head off to Bangalore in Dec....its VTEC time baby.. And then gotto build a roadmap for upgrades next year... will post pictures , pre and post .. thanks guys.
	() Thanks

23rd November 2009, 23:24	#44
raul BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pune Posts: 920 Thanked: 372 Times	From someone who recently bought a 2003 OHC 1.5 in Mumbai recently - 9 months ago, 4.25 is too high imho. The car is six years old and lots of things will slowly start requiring attention and will cost quite a lot of money to get done properly, 3-3.5 should be max depending on condition. Dealers are known to tamper with the meters and there is no way to tell the mileage is genuine, unless you get a full service record. My advice is get it checked throughly by a trusted mechanic and very important with Honda service. Ensure there are no major accidents, make sure the engine and suspension is good and does not require work. Check AC system and tyre wear, at 34k it should be on original Honda fitted tyres. Also transfer from thane to mumbai rto costs 3.5k or 5k I think. Last edited by raul : 23rd November 2009 at 23:25.
	() Thanks

24th November 2009, 09:54	#45
sanjayr328 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 51 Thanked: 2 Times	Guys, Any quick suggestions on Tyres, i am a bit of a Bridgestone fan, so Turanzas or Potenzas, need to stick to the factory size, we do a fair bit of long drives, so prefer it to be stock, the head lights traditionally are a weak area with these , and these are old, any suggestions there ? higher wattage bulbs maybe ?
	() Thanks