Which one @12-13 lac EDIT : Bought Civic!!

MG1558 · 3rd January 2008, 13:02

Dear All,

I have been going through all the threads here to decide my next car but still can not make up my mind. Need your help please.

I have a Swift Vxi which we will keep and this would be the second car. Few points to consider are:

1. It would be maintained by company - so maintainance cost is not issue.
2. Fuel - paid by company - so FE not an issue.
3. City travel about 800 - 900 km per month.
4. Once in 2-3 months trip to mountains/jungles - about 1000-1200km.
5. Weekdays driven by driver - weekends & trips driven by me
6. Will keep this car for 4 years

The dilema with the models are:
1. Corrola AT - Great car to drive & driven in but old - getting out by Sept08.
2. Civic - Great car, almost finalised - but for the GC issue. The civics in our office are to be driven @ 2 kmph in rough roads, Spead breakers etc. with only one/ two in backseat. Not sure how it would be to take it out to Madikeri or Udipi or Hampi with 2+2 and luggage...
3. Safari 2.2 - Great road presence, Great Ad but unimpressive trims & refinement. All in office horrified that I'm seriously considering it - one can't go to office in that. I don't understand this water-tight funda of Car vs SUVs. Gurus.....Please let me know what is the problem if I go to office in a grey Safari2.2??? Other than the image issue -objectively how is it to own this car? BYW - my wife is okay with it

I love to drive and would like a car which is good to drive and comfortable at back seat also. I need to buy it next week.

Sorry about the long mail . So Gurus.....Please HELP.

Cheers,
__________

Swift Vxi -2006
Alto Lxi - 2004 (Sold)
Mariti 800 - 2001 (Will never sell)
Pulsar - 2000
Splendor - 1999

BUSA · 3rd January 2008, 13:27

Looking at your requirements i would suggest you the Honda Civic, fantastic car and although it scrapes a few speed breakers, it is worth it.

You can also look at Laura Ambinete since maintainance is not a issues, Optra Magnum will also be a good car to consider, if you intend sit in the back seat.

wanderlustindia · 3rd January 2008, 13:44

The top-end trim of the Cedia should set you back by 10.5 odd lacs OTR. That is still 1.5-2.5 lacs less than your budget and fits the bill. T-BHPians have rated it very highly. All the more reason to consider the 'Cedia'

. Good luck with your decision.

Akshay1234 · 3rd January 2008, 13:49

let me add another car to that. why dont you look at the innova?

shuvd · 3rd January 2008, 14:02

How about Octavia 1.8? Great fun to drive, but rear seats not good for tall passengers. Magnum is another contender. Fast and good rear comfort.

anandrs · 3rd January 2008, 14:05

MG, any particular reason why you did not short list the octavia ? And is your price band for OTR or for ex-showroom. In Bangalore, Civic costs 13.19 OTR whereas an octavia petrol would fit your budget.

One of my friends took his civic on the Madikeri road last week and he really suffered and scrapped. Think twice considering your usage.

CrAzY dRiVeR · 3rd January 2008, 14:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by MG1558

3. Safari 2.2 - Great road presence, Great Ad but unimpressive trims & refinement. All in office horrified that I'm seriously considering it - one can't go to office in that. I don't understand this water-tight funda of Car vs SUVs. Gurus.....Please let me know what is the problem if I go to office in a grey Safari2.2??? Other than the image issue -objectively how is it to own this car? BYW - my wife is okay with it

Usually, maintainence is the issue that scares people away from the Safari. But i think it suits you for these reasons-

1. Your car is company maitained. So no worries on that front.
2. FE no problem, and anyways, its a diesel!
3. Good backseat- since your car will be driven by driver most of the time.
4. Good GC and interior space- to handle your weekend trips.
5. Now with the 2.2 VTT- Power is not a problem.
6. Why no Safari to office? Scare everyone in the office and on-the-road with it.

PatienceWins · 3rd January 2008, 14:22

As maintenance and fuel are not issues, why do not you look at Cedia? Its a drivers car!!

hemanth.das · 3rd January 2008, 14:35

You have quite a few options talking about Coorg and hill stations you can look at the safari and the scorpio Hawk they are the best performers for these kind of terrains.

What is the matter whats your ride to office i drive either in a bolero or scorpio to office who cares.....

You can even look at the Innova amazing comfort for long journeys.

If you want to rough the car up and enjoy a peacefull drive and not bother much about the under and belly and things like that it is better to opt for a SUV and not look at a car. Cars are best suited for city.

tsk1979 · 3rd January 2008, 15:18

Maintenance not an issue? And you like the safari? Well go for it mate! This car will give you the most satisfaction, and though your office guys may be horrified initially, that feeling will change to envy!
Moreover you can enjoy a movie on the DVD system en route to office.

MG1558 · 3rd January 2008, 15:41

Hi , thanks all for the quick replies....

....one thing, I shortlisted the 3 after considering all available cars/ SUVs. Now the idea is to get to 1 from list of 3. Need you to help in doing that...

@BUSA - I would not buy a Skoda...so Laura was not in consideration. You are right about Magnum back seat but how would you like to drive it on a hilly road? I don't think I'll enjoy - so did not consider.
@wondarlustindia - Yes you are right - its cool to drive, but back seat is not that enjoyable. Moreover, I'll keep this car for 4 years and not sure about HM.
@akshay1234 - yes, Innova is great comfort - but I just could not make myself like the looks of it - its subjective - no offence.
@anandrs - The budget is that much flexible...
@tsk1979 - trust me, am truly getting tempted...

navpreet318 · 3rd January 2008, 15:45

go ahead with the safari man.
the road presence is worth it.

as you already said you need to carry luggage and 2+2 passengers.

the damn thing has so much space you can play football in it.its very comfortable.also its deisel and has normal fuel efficiency too.

my friend is tired of his civic.says it drains his pocket and as his city saharanpur has really bad roads,every now and then the wheel alignment goes out.

as for the office guys.hehe.they don't even know the meaning of being horrified.they'll be horrified when a safari's hood will charge at them at the parking lot when you drive in.

its got commanding presence.and its a fact no one can ignore.

GTO · 3rd January 2008, 16:05

Free maintenance and low ground clearance notwithstanding, I'd highly recommend the Civic to you. It will keep you happiest.

Also try test-driving the entry-level Laura as well as the Optra (fully-loaded variant. They come with some nice goodies).

mobike008 · 3rd January 2008, 16:12

Seems like you have almost decided on the Safari 2.2 VVT. Go ahead, its a beast and will certainly keep you happy. However, IMHO, it looks great in black instead of grey.

MG1558 · 3rd January 2008, 16:13

Hi GTO,

Thanks. What is your logic for chosing Civic with low GC over Safari2.2 with free maintenance?

3rd January 2008, 13:02	#1
MG1558 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 31 Thanked: 0 Times	Which one @12-13 lac EDIT : Bought Civic!! Dear All, I have been going through all the threads here to decide my next car but still can not make up my mind. Need your help please. I have a Swift Vxi which we will keep and this would be the second car. Few points to consider are: 1. It would be maintained by company - so maintainance cost is not issue. 2. Fuel - paid by company - so FE not an issue. 3. City travel about 800 - 900 km per month. 4. Once in 2-3 months trip to mountains/jungles - about 1000-1200km. 5. Weekdays driven by driver - weekends & trips driven by me 6. Will keep this car for 4 years The dilema with the models are: 1. Corrola AT - Great car to drive & driven in but old - getting out by Sept08. 2. Civic - Great car, almost finalised - but for the GC issue. The civics in our office are to be driven @ 2 kmph in rough roads, Spead breakers etc. with only one/ two in backseat. Not sure how it would be to take it out to Madikeri or Udipi or Hampi with 2+2 and luggage... 3. Safari 2.2 - Great road presence, Great Ad but unimpressive trims & refinement. All in office horrified that I'm seriously considering it - one can't go to office in that. I don't understand this water-tight funda of Car vs SUVs. Gurus.....Please let me know what is the problem if I go to office in a grey Safari2.2??? Other than the image issue -objectively how is it to own this car? BYW - my wife is okay with it I love to drive and would like a car which is good to drive and comfortable at back seat also. I need to buy it next week. Sorry about the long mail . So Gurus.....Please HELP. Cheers, __________ Swift Vxi -2006 Alto Lxi - 2004 (Sold) Mariti 800 - 2001 (Will never sell) Pulsar - 2000 Splendor - 1999
	() Thanks

3rd January 2008, 13:27	#2
BUSA Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bombay Posts: 5,130 Thanked: 20 Times View My Garage	Looking at your requirements i would suggest you the Honda Civic, fantastic car and although it scrapes a few speed breakers, it is worth it. You can also look at Laura Ambinete since maintainance is not a issues, Optra Magnum will also be a good car to consider, if you intend sit in the back seat.
	() Thanks

3rd January 2008, 13:44	#3
wanderlustindia BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 608 Thanked: 63 Times View My Garage	Cedia?? The top-end trim of the Cedia should set you back by 10.5 odd lacs OTR. That is still 1.5-2.5 lacs less than your budget and fits the bill. T-BHPians have rated it very highly. All the more reason to consider the 'Cedia' . Good luck with your decision.
	() Thanks

3rd January 2008, 13:49	#4
Akshay1234 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 10,265 Thanked: 12,317 Times	let me add another car to that. why dont you look at the innova?
	() Thanks

3rd January 2008, 14:02	#5
shuvd Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Calcutta Posts: 1,081 Thanked: 7 Times View My Garage	How about Octavia 1.8? Great fun to drive, but rear seats not good for tall passengers. Magnum is another contender. Fast and good rear comfort.
	() Thanks

3rd January 2008, 14:05	#6
anandrs BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 42 Thanked: 0 Times	MG, any particular reason why you did not short list the octavia ? And is your price band for OTR or for ex-showroom. In Bangalore, Civic costs 13.19 OTR whereas an octavia petrol would fit your budget. One of my friends took his civic on the Madikeri road last week and he really suffered and scrapped. Think twice considering your usage.
	() Thanks

3rd January 2008, 14:22	#8
PatienceWins Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,416 Thanked: 807 Times View My Garage	As maintenance and fuel are not issues, why do not you look at Cedia? Its a drivers car!!
	() Thanks

3rd January 2008, 14:35	#9
hemanth.das BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: bangalore Posts: 158 Thanked: 123 Times	You have quite a few options talking about Coorg and hill stations you can look at the safari and the scorpio Hawk they are the best performers for these kind of terrains. What is the matter whats your ride to office i drive either in a bolero or scorpio to office who cares..... You can even look at the Innova amazing comfort for long journeys. If you want to rough the car up and enjoy a peacefull drive and not bother much about the under and belly and things like that it is better to opt for a SUV and not look at a car. Cars are best suited for city.
	() Thanks

3rd January 2008, 15:18	#10
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,717 Thanked: 22,825 Times View My Garage	Maintenance not an issue? And you like the safari? Well go for it mate! This car will give you the most satisfaction, and though your office guys may be horrified initially, that feeling will change to envy! Moreover you can enjoy a movie on the DVD system en route to office.
	() Thanks

3rd January 2008, 15:41	#11
MG1558 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 31 Thanked: 0 Times	Hi , thanks all for the quick replies.... ....one thing, I shortlisted the 3 after considering all available cars/ SUVs. Now the idea is to get to 1 from list of 3. Need you to help in doing that... @BUSA - I would not buy a Skoda...so Laura was not in consideration. You are right about Magnum back seat but how would you like to drive it on a hilly road? I don't think I'll enjoy - so did not consider. @wondarlustindia - Yes you are right - its cool to drive, but back seat is not that enjoyable. Moreover, I'll keep this car for 4 years and not sure about HM. @akshay1234 - yes, Innova is great comfort - but I just could not make myself like the looks of it - its subjective - no offence. @anandrs - The budget is that much flexible... @tsk1979 - trust me, am truly getting tempted...
	() Thanks

3rd January 2008, 15:45	#12
navpreet318 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dehradun Posts: 2,264 Thanked: 2,983 Times	go ahead with the safari man. the road presence is worth it. as you already said you need to carry luggage and 2+2 passengers. the damn thing has so much space you can play football in it.its very comfortable.also its deisel and has normal fuel efficiency too. my friend is tired of his civic.says it drains his pocket and as his city saharanpur has really bad roads,every now and then the wheel alignment goes out. as for the office guys.hehe.they don't even know the meaning of being horrified.they'll be horrified when a safari's hood will charge at them at the parking lot when you drive in. its got commanding presence.and its a fact no one can ignore.
	() Thanks

3rd January 2008, 16:05	#13
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,534 Thanked: 300,738 Times View My Garage	Free maintenance and low ground clearance notwithstanding, I'd highly recommend the Civic to you. It will keep you happiest. Also try test-driving the entry-level Laura as well as the Optra (fully-loaded variant. They come with some nice goodies).
	() Thanks

3rd January 2008, 16:12	#14
mobike008 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 11,703 Thanked: 14,829 Times View My Garage	Seems like you have almost decided on the Safari 2.2 VVT. Go ahead, its a beast and will certainly keep you happy. However, IMHO, it looks great in black instead of grey.
	() Thanks

3rd January 2008, 16:13	#15
MG1558 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 31 Thanked: 0 Times	Hi GTO, Thanks. What is your logic for chosing Civic with low GC over Safari2.2 with free maintenance?
	() Thanks