Does buying a used Baleno make sense?

sonic · 25th January 2005, 18:37

Hey Guys,

I test drove a lot of cars while shopping for a mid-sized car- Accent, Ikon, Corsa and Baleno. The sheer performance and handling of the Baleno blew me away!

However, the resale value of the Baleno is a concern for me - I don't keep cars for more than 3 yrs max and Baleno already looks dated. So it wouln't be a wise investment, considering I don't have a lot of cash to blow. :(

So I was wondering if it made sense to go for a second-hand Baleno - I would get a good deal since resale is low and I think it would be better investment.

My only concern is that you never know about used cars......

Could you please let me know if my idea of going in for a used Baleno makes sense or not? (or should I pitch in a lil more and go for a used City?). Also, please let me know what I should watch out for if I'm buying a used Baleno.

And by the way, does the Baleno give any probelms with time....I plan on keeping the car for abt 3 yrs more.

hoping to get lotsa replies since many members own Balenos!

.anshuman · 25th January 2005, 18:54

depends on what you are looking for in a car i was in market some time ago (delhi)looking for some good second hand car possibly a honda1.5 or a safari4x4 but however i aborted my search i got a lot of information on second hand market,you can also include honda city and mitsubishi lancer in search as both of them are equally good cars with honda stressing on performance and handling and mitsubishi excels in ride comfort and looks,while baleno is also a very good car for you if you dont care about the looks and maruti image,then accent is good car for everyday use not recommended for enthusiasts but accent has good resale value,ikon again is a very hot car but doesnt rock the used car market as the cars fresher looking variant is launched in market every year then the older variant doesnt look as fresh and a word of caution before baying ford cars the spares are not available in market only in ford dealers so if approach with caution if you live in remote town or plan to travel there.

[SIZE=2]Note From Moderator - Useless hyperlinks in your post WILL NOT BE TOLERATED in the future.[/SIZE] I believe i have PM'd you about this before, so this will be the last warning.

Shan2nu · 25th January 2005, 18:58

If you want a Baleno go in for a brand new one. If you want a City, you should get a 2003 Vtec Model for around 5.5-6 Lakhs.

Do you plan to modify your car? In that case the City 1.5 would be better. The Baleno though has better drivability since it has low end torque. The Hondas need to be kept at a slightly higher rpm.

Shan2nu

sonic · 25th January 2005, 19:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shan2nu

If you want a Baleno go in for a brand new one.
Shan2nu

Could you please let me know why a used Baleno is not recommended? Are there any known issues in used Balenos or something?

Shan2nu · 25th January 2005, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonic

Could you please let me know why a used Baleno is not recommended? Are there any known issues in used Balenos or something?

For the simple fact that the Baleno is now almost 4 lakhs cheaper than what it used to be. Why buy a 2nd hand one if you can afford a brand new car.

It's always good to start afresh, especially with performance cars.

Shan2nu

sonic · 25th January 2005, 20:00

going for a new Baleno would be a stretch goal for me!! I would have to blow all my savings and even take a loan.....

So assuming that I can't afford a new Baleno (even at 6 Lakhs), is a used one a safe or good buy? Let us say my budget is around 4 Lakhs....... Or do you strictly recommend that I not go in for a used one? Is yes, could you please briefly explain why?

PS: Sorry for the thrash on this topic, but I'm trying to make up my mind and I need all the data I can find!!

Dippy · 25th January 2005, 20:12

Hey sonic theres no harm in buying a used Baleno . You certainly might get some decently used pieces around. One idea is to check out the True Value Maruti used cars. These Marutis have a certain no. of point checks done, the car is refurbished and then put for sale. They even give you a warranty on the used car. And generally they dont accept accident cars .

Try that option. You could fine a good baleno of less vintage for a good price

Dippy

The Wolf · 25th January 2005, 21:07

Yes Sonic,,as rightfully mentioned by Dippy, True Value Maruti used cars is one sure to get a good pre owned car. Maruti warranty is highly valued coz the quality standards with these huys has never dipped.

Well, talking about resale value...today the market value of pre owned Baleno is not very impressive but trust me this resale will surely plateau(stay the same or close) as people start buying more Baleno's. Baleno started off really bad!!! but its the most upcoming model due to a price slash. The car except for rear looks is just awesome!!! Its the most/one of the most powerful car in its segment and the fuel efficiency is extremely impressive at an average of 13 for a city drive(without aircon) and 94 horses ready to gallop with a mere fly landing on your foot...Well can U match those figures with any other car in this segment???cannot really. Now, if one rejects the car inspite of all these merrits just coz its not as good looking as a Lancer or City...well there is surely something to ponder about!!! The looks of the car is merely a superficial issue in a longer run when it boils down to driving pleasure and reliability....unless your account is in Swiss bank

.

Everything is nothing and nothing is everything.
-Chuck Shuldiner.

Shan2nu · 25th January 2005, 21:26

Well there's nothing wrong in buying a 2nd hand Baleno. I was under the impression that you didn't have a prob with it's price tag of 6. But if you have to go in for a 2nd hand car, you might want to give a few Hondas a look.

Shan2nu

dipen · 28th January 2005, 00:05

Considering todays market , the resale of the BAleno is not bad .
Even today the Baleno fetches more than the Ikon 1.6( Despite the Baleno LXI being cheaper than the IKON 1.6 NXt which has alloys and fogs as extra over the BAleno ) and the corsa 1.6 Its resale is almost on par with the best resale value car Accent in its segment .

So u need not worry abt resale value.

dipen · 28th January 2005, 23:25

Baleno in Euro 3 complaint model has a discount of 45000 on full outright payment.
Grab it

chefsovan · 24th June 2007, 11:40

Dear Wolf,

i am 110% agree with you,as driver you should look 3 things comfort,safety,power,which Banilo have in cheap rate in its segment.
sovan

adityapd · 24th June 2007, 14:49

what should be the price for a 2005 Oct Baleno LXi run 18000 kms in Mumbai...the car is silver and in scratchless condition and also has nice looking alloys and proabably ( new tires) and art leather seats....

I came across this car at a automart India which is a reputed dealership in Mumbai....

Haven't driven the car yet ( will do that in a week or so)...but incase all's well what is the price I should settle for ? Also would like to know whether the extended warranty of 4 yrs was available way back in Oct 05 ?

~A

Buffetfan · 24th June 2007, 15:04

Extended warranty 4 years was available since My Baleno (June 2005) has this 4 years extended waranty. About the corect price..maybe someone can throw a bit of light on it...

nitrous · 24th June 2007, 15:13

Depriciating 35% from the 5.5Lakhs, im getting a value of 3.57.
In the Baleno's case, its the buyer's market since Its a "discontinued" model and "flop" model.
Use the words in quotes to haggle.

25th January 2005, 18:37	#1
sonic BHPian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 97 Thanked: Once	Does buying a used Baleno make sense? Hey Guys, I test drove a lot of cars while shopping for a mid-sized car- Accent, Ikon, Corsa and Baleno. The sheer performance and handling of the Baleno blew me away! However, the resale value of the Baleno is a concern for me - I don't keep cars for more than 3 yrs max and Baleno already looks dated. So it wouln't be a wise investment, considering I don't have a lot of cash to blow. :( So I was wondering if it made sense to go for a second-hand Baleno - I would get a good deal since resale is low and I think it would be better investment. My only concern is that you never know about used cars...... Could you please let me know if my idea of going in for a used Baleno makes sense or not? (or should I pitch in a lil more and go for a used City?). Also, please let me know what I should watch out for if I'm buying a used Baleno. And by the way, does the Baleno give any probelms with time....I plan on keeping the car for abt 3 yrs more. hoping to get lotsa replies since many members own Balenos! Last edited by sonic : 25th January 2005 at 18:46.
	() Thanks

25th January 2005, 18:54	#2
.anshuman Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Good-Gaon Posts: 7,763 Thanked: 11,064 Times View My Garage	depends on what you are looking for in a car i was in market some time ago (delhi)looking for some good second hand car possibly a honda1.5 or a safari4x4 but however i aborted my search i got a lot of information on second hand market,you can also include honda city and mitsubishi lancer in search as both of them are equally good cars with honda stressing on performance and handling and mitsubishi excels in ride comfort and looks,while baleno is also a very good car for you if you dont care about the looks and maruti image,then accent is good car for everyday use not recommended for enthusiasts but accent has good resale value,ikon again is a very hot car but doesnt rock the used car market as the cars fresher looking variant is launched in market every year then the older variant doesnt look as fresh and a word of caution before baying ford cars the spares are not available in market only in ford dealers so if approach with caution if you live in remote town or plan to travel there. [SIZE=2]Note From Moderator - Useless hyperlinks in your post WILL NOT BE TOLERATED in the future.[/SIZE] I believe i have PM'd you about this before, so this will be the last warning. Last edited by Rehaan : 26th January 2005 at 06:23.
	() Thanks

25th January 2005, 18:58	#3
Shan2nu Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hubli - Karnata Posts: 5,533 Thanked: 125 Times View My Garage	If you want a Baleno go in for a brand new one. If you want a City, you should get a 2003 Vtec Model for around 5.5-6 Lakhs. Do you plan to modify your car? In that case the City 1.5 would be better. The Baleno though has better drivability since it has low end torque. The Hondas need to be kept at a slightly higher rpm. Shan2nu
	() Thanks

25th January 2005, 20:00	#6
sonic BHPian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 97 Thanked: Once	going for a new Baleno would be a stretch goal for me!! I would have to blow all my savings and even take a loan..... So assuming that I can't afford a new Baleno (even at 6 Lakhs), is a used one a safe or good buy? Let us say my budget is around 4 Lakhs....... Or do you strictly recommend that I not go in for a used one? Is yes, could you please briefly explain why? PS: Sorry for the thrash on this topic, but I'm trying to make up my mind and I need all the data I can find!!
	() Thanks

25th January 2005, 20:12	#7
Dippy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 7,561 Thanked: 2,469 Times	Hey sonic theres no harm in buying a used Baleno . You certainly might get some decently used pieces around. One idea is to check out the True Value Maruti used cars. These Marutis have a certain no. of point checks done, the car is refurbished and then put for sale. They even give you a warranty on the used car. And generally they dont accept accident cars . Try that option. You could fine a good baleno of less vintage for a good price Dippy
	() Thanks

25th January 2005, 21:07	#8
The Wolf Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,118 Thanked: 71 Times	Wakeup!!! Yes Sonic,,as rightfully mentioned by Dippy, True Value Maruti used cars is one sure to get a good pre owned car. Maruti warranty is highly valued coz the quality standards with these huys has never dipped. Well, talking about resale value...today the market value of pre owned Baleno is not very impressive but trust me this resale will surely plateau(stay the same or close) as people start buying more Baleno's. Baleno started off really bad!!! but its the most upcoming model due to a price slash. The car except for rear looks is just awesome!!! Its the most/one of the most powerful car in its segment and the fuel efficiency is extremely impressive at an average of 13 for a city drive(without aircon) and 94 horses ready to gallop with a mere fly landing on your foot...Well can U match those figures with any other car in this segment???cannot really. Now, if one rejects the car inspite of all these merrits just coz its not as good looking as a Lancer or City...well there is surely something to ponder about!!! The looks of the car is merely a superficial issue in a longer run when it boils down to driving pleasure and reliability....unless your account is in Swiss bank . Everything is nothing and nothing is everything. -Chuck Shuldiner.
	() Thanks

25th January 2005, 21:26	#9
Shan2nu Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hubli - Karnata Posts: 5,533 Thanked: 125 Times View My Garage	Well there's nothing wrong in buying a 2nd hand Baleno. I was under the impression that you didn't have a prob with it's price tag of 6. But if you have to go in for a 2nd hand car, you might want to give a few Hondas a look. Shan2nu
	() Thanks

28th January 2005, 00:05	#10
dipen Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: mumbai Posts: 2,236 Thanked: 726 Times	Considering todays market , the resale of the BAleno is not bad . Even today the Baleno fetches more than the Ikon 1.6( Despite the Baleno LXI being cheaper than the IKON 1.6 NXt which has alloys and fogs as extra over the BAleno ) and the corsa 1.6 Its resale is almost on par with the best resale value car Accent in its segment . So u need not worry abt resale value.
	() Thanks

28th January 2005, 23:25	#11
dipen Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: mumbai Posts: 2,236 Thanked: 726 Times	Baleno in Euro 3 complaint model has a discount of 45000 on full outright payment. Grab it
	() Thanks

24th June 2007, 11:40	#12
chefsovan Newbie Join Date: May 2007 Location: hyd Posts: 1 Thanked: 0 Times	Dear Wolf, i am 110% agree with you,as driver you should look 3 things comfort,safety,power,which Banilo have in cheap rate in its segment. sovan
	() Thanks

24th June 2007, 14:49	#13
adityapd BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai, Philadelphia Posts: 288 Thanked: 7 Times View My Garage	what should be the price for a 2005 Oct Baleno LXi run 18000 kms in Mumbai...the car is silver and in scratchless condition and also has nice looking alloys and proabably ( new tires) and art leather seats.... I came across this car at a automart India which is a reputed dealership in Mumbai.... Haven't driven the car yet ( will do that in a week or so)...but incase all's well what is the price I should settle for ? Also would like to know whether the extended warranty of 4 yrs was available way back in Oct 05 ? ~A
	() Thanks

24th June 2007, 15:04	#14
Buffetfan Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1,128 Thanked: 195 Times	Extended warranty 4 years was available since My Baleno (June 2005) has this 4 years extended waranty. About the corect price..maybe someone can throw a bit of light on it...
	() Thanks

24th June 2007, 15:13	#15
nitrous Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: UAE/Lon/Madras Posts: 6,965 Thanked: 325 Times View My Garage	Depriciating 35% from the 5.5Lakhs, im getting a value of 3.57. In the Baleno's case, its the buyer's market since Its a "discontinued" model and "flop" model. Use the words in quotes to haggle.
	() Thanks