[vardhan]

Hi,

Im a 2nd time car user (though the first time was in 1998-2001 in the US -

Honda Civic automatic), now in India - planning for a new car.
Im not very knowledgeable in cars, so need your advice/help in deciding.

My requirements/constraints:

1. Budget about 8 (can stretch to 9).
2. Single use (small family).
3. Will drive myself (hopefully a lot) - approx ~35km per day max (50 on
weekends). - I guess that rules out diesel for me? - in Bangalore, medium
traffic, or Pune if I decide to shift.
4. Looking for - driving comfort, good performance and driving feel, FE can
be compromised but not <10-11 kmpl, space, safety features like airbags, ABS, power steering/windows preferred. Good interiors/dash/controls.
5. Unsure of how long Ill keep the car (depends on my plans), given a choice
I intend to keep it for >4-5 years.
6. Looking at VFM, and low total cost of ownership (A.S.S., spares, resale)
when comparing.

-- remaining question in part 2 - as Im having some posting problems.

[vardhan]

My short-list (based on looking at the review threads here)
(not in any particular order):

1. SX4 - I tried a TD. Drive felt good, but I could see quite a few quality
issues discussed in the forum here (gear problems, boot, wheel alignment,
performance compared to others), the +ve seems to be the features +
service, and Im ok with the looks, onwheel audio feels good. Are the issues
prevalent, if not is'nt it a decent price? I heard people say that maruti is
charging since people are buying.

2. Verna CRDi (I hear it is much better than the petrol one) - looks are ok,
but going for diesel would be an overkill for me? - also no airbags.
Similarly for Swift diesel - is it a good compromise for a first car - to go for a
bigger one later? In the same vein - is the new Palio 1.3 L MJD a
possible choice for city driving in the same range?

(I dont seem to be able to most more than a certain number of lines per post, so rest in the last post)

[Sahil]

The corolla fits your budget and needs since its now on heavy discount.
Check out this thread http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/what-c...m-buy-not.html for more details.

[snaronikar]

Vardhan: Lots of threads are available in the forum for the cars to choose between your price range. Just go through those threads and you will find the answer.

But I feel if you stretch a bit, you can fit in SX4/Cedia where in you will get alomost all the features you have mentioned above. Although the interior parts in SX4 is satifactory. The FE also is around 8~10 kmpl inside city.

[ravibhat]

For this budget If you need all features in Sedan nothing can beat SX4 in its class.

You can Test Drive NHC and Logan as well. If you can stretch your budget think about Civic MT or AT since you have already used it. Its still hot favorite in india and worth it.

Regards,

Ravi.

[ram_hyundai]

for the bangalore trafic i would sugest to go for a smaller car than the sedan if the boot is of not much importance.
in that scenario swift diesel would be a good choice and the investment is also less.at a later point if you feel to upgrade then the resale part of swift would be the best as the demand for the vehicle is on a rise.
ram

[gemithomas]

If you drive alone and mostly within city i guess you should stick to a small car. I would look at the following options

1.Skoda Fabia if you could compromise on the cost of ownership.
2.Getz CRDi if you could compromise on a few features.
3.Palio Stile Sport 1.6. If you can compromise on the brand image and if you want real Value for Money

If you dont want a scrotcher take a look at the Chevy Aveo U-VA.- Its not a small car. YES!!. You really need to take a look at this. I guess the Highest version with option pack would give you all features and would come way within your budget. It handles really well. The engine is very smooth. And the ride comfort is good enough. The power though could have been slightly more.

[srinivasr79]

Go For a Ford Fiesta...I promise that you'll never feel bad rather be more happy with the decision...Have a test drive and decide...

[snaronikar]

Originally Posted by srinivasr79

Go For a Ford Fiesta...I promise that you'll never feel bad rather be more happy with the decision...Have a test drive and decide...

Originally Posted by vardhan

4. Looking for - driving comfort, good performance and driving feel, FE can
be compromised but not <10-11 kmpl, space, safety features like airbags, ABS, power steering/windows preferred. Good interiors/dash/controls.
6. Looking at VFM, and low total cost of ownership (A.S.S., spares, resale)

Hey Srini, Pls look into his requirements above and then comment/post. Don't know how Fiesta fits into the above.

[sreenidhibr]

From my own experience, I would say go for SX4 as it is real VFM. Don't worry too much about build issues; it is not prevalent.

[devarshi84]

Aveo would be comfortable in the chaotic traffic conditions with good *fter sales and cheaper maintainence. Also I have heard (no first hand experience) that NVH are pretty good.

Otherwise cedia would be a good bet as you are going to be driving it by self.

[reignofchaos]

You might wanna test drive the Mitsu Cedia. The Cedia Select should be around 9.xlacs on road in Bangalore. It satisfies all your requirements.

[androdev]

Originally Posted by Sahil

The corolla fits your budget and needs since its now on heavy discount.
Check out this thread http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/what-c...m-buy-not.html for more details.

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

You might wanna test drive the Mitsu Cedia. The Cedia Select should be around 9.xlacs on road in Bangalore. It satisfies all your requirements.

Look no further than these two if within your budget.

[snaronikar]

Maybe you can have a look into the Swift Dezire ZDi (which will have most of the safety features) due to be released in next month. :-)

[alexrabbi]

Either SX4 or cedia would be a good decision