Wow! Thank you so much everyone, for all the detailed inputs.
The gist I'm getting from the collective conversation is:
1. No upgrade to the Octavia at a sub 70 lac price point would give a commensurate value for money equation. Diminishing returns will rear its ugly head a lot in this segment of vehicles.
2. My Octavia itself is in such good condition that either I shouldn't upgrade now and should wait for a couple of years and go for a higher segment of vehicles OR I should just keep the Octavia and buy the new car.
3. If YOLO has the final word, the C300D seems to be the best bet of the lot from an all-rounder perspective. Alternately, it could be the ultimate YOLO move and I could go for an M340i.
4. The A6 is clearly the choice for VFM in this segment. I will try out the A6 properly once again. However, I think there's a facelift around the corner. And I wouldn't want a generation older new car.
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Originally Posted by Axe77 The biggest reason to NOT upgrade in my mind is the space the entry Germans offer compared to the brilliantly packaged Skodas. |
I couldn't agree more. The boot of the Octavia is a cavern! You could probably fit a 330i in there!
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Originally Posted by GreasyCarb55 Pick 530i for comfort or Pick M340i for the ultimate YOLO. |
Totally agree with the 340i logic. That would be the ultimate YOLO. I can't stop grinning just thinking about it. However, I don't seem to agree with the 530i argument. For lower power than the 3 series for a heavier car, would not it be a serious compromise on drive? The 5 cabin too doesn't look as new age as even the new C class, IMO.
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Originally Posted by sauravpat The A4 and A6 are both not made on the MQB platform but on the MLB platform which even underpins the A8 and Porsche Macan. The MQB is shared by the Audi A1 and A3.
All in all I still feel you should give the A6 a proper look since you will get a bigger car with more equipment compared to the C or 3 series. |
Thanks for the info on the Audis, @sauravpat. That was news to me! I will give the A6 a serious look.
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Originally Posted by animeshc I can totally relate to your emotions with the Merc 220D and Bmw 3 series, my take away after test driving them were more or less the same.
I had reached the conclusion that the 530d is the only car that feels like a proper upgrade in terms of comfort/luxury as well as the driving pleasure.
I personally wanted something sportier and after a long debate, ended up with a S5. If you are up for a bit of impracticality (compromising some amount of luxury for a V6 petrol, louder exhaust, sportier looks and IMO more road presence) it might be a great choice too.
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The 530d is too expensive for me. Maybe I could wait for a year or two for financials to make more sense AND maybe the facelift to come in, before going for that. Wouldn't an S5 too be seriously expensive compared to all the cars in question here?
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Originally Posted by BHPjunkie The options you have mentioned are not really an upgrade to the Octavia. I would suggest wait it out and get a proper upgrade in the form of the E or 5. I
In case you still firm on upgrading, I would really be interested in your Octavia. DM me if you are planning to sell.
Cheers! |
Thanks! Will let you know if I decide to take the plunge. As of now, am still on the fence. Thinking of waiting a year or two and going for the proper upgrade - the E or the 5.
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Originally Posted by Caramba Also do consider the Kodiaq is it quite sedan like and for me the best option in the market to upgrade from the Octavia. |
If I am upgrading, I'd rather go for a luxury brand. While I'm sure the Kodiaq is a brilliant car, it's not quite something that will make me fall in love again - not after the Octavia.
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Originally Posted by Acharya Looking at atrocious price points of lux-barges, lack of respect for luxury vehicles by sundry city riders and regrettable conditions of city roads in the country, it's hard to muster courage and put hard earned money for this kind of upgrade. |
Amen to that! The Octavia is just too good a car, 4.5 years and 50k km later. I even have an additional year and a half of extended warranty and maintenance on it.
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Originally Posted by WhiteKnight My friend, start including premium SUVs into the equation. |
I can probably try and X3 - wouldn't hurt TDing one - just that I'm pretty sure it will have to be a replacement for the Octy.
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Originally Posted by sgm Coming from an Octavia, you will be hard pressed for space in the rear seats and boot in a C or 3. If you can consider E or 5, the space issue can be fixed to some extent. |
Thank you! I'm quite surprised at how great a package the Octavia turned out to me. Looking at the boot of these potential replacements was honestly, laughable! Especially with a space saver tyre eating into whatever little boot space there was.
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Originally Posted by KungFuPanda If you are really keen on something, why not try something different. Allow me to introduce you to Attachment 2335988 |
This is actually a thought I was having, looking at the comments here. Maybe wait a year or two and look at picking up an i4.
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Originally Posted by robby0707 Keep the octavia and get a pre owned 530d? And keep aside rest of the funds for maintenance! |
While pre-owned cars are definitely a great option, I just don't think it's for me. For a decision as emotionally engaged as a car, I just need to have it first.
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Originally Posted by evil_grin Upgrade your suspensions to Bilstein B6s or the one from the RS. You'll be driving a whole new car at a much lower cost. Trust a brother. The driver and munshi in you will both thank me. |
Let me reach out to you separately. While I've never done any modifications to my car, I think I can evaluate it, at this stage of its life.
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Originally Posted by TechnoBloop Considering your budget and the requirements, the best bet would be the Audi A6 Technology. |
Will evaluate this option this weekend. Keeping the Octavia as well is such an exciting prospect. Although that would mean stretching finances a bit.
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Originally Posted by GeeTee TSI How about 6 cylinders |
I'm drooling at the prospect of an M340i!
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Originally Posted by Cresterk No german offers the keyless entry or ventilated seats package unless you go all the way up to their flagship models for some reason. Even before the semi-conductor shortage. I would rather have both of those than the auto parking package tbh. Maybe its to have an incentive to upgrade. t. |
It's quite ludicrous that sub-20 lac Slavia offers these but 60 lac+ cars don't!
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Originally Posted by itwasntme Alternatively, bite the bullet and go for the insane M340i. At least if you want to suffer the ride quality / cramped interiors for the next 6-8 years, do it with a 382 bhp monster than the 'milder' 258 bhp 330i. Kids (present & WIP) won't complain of the rear seat for many years now!
I'd suggest test-driving the 530i M Sport and the C300d before taking any call. |
The C300D isn't available for TD in Mumbai. Planning to try it out when I go to Dubai later this month. Bad ride quality in a 382 BHP monster is definitely better than that in a 258 BHP one!
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Originally Posted by jayram.r Dude..buy any of the cars you lust for. Just let us know when you plan to sell the damn hot Octavia |
Haha, sure buddy! Will let you know if I do decide to take the plunge!