Parameters of decision: - 5 years - 1L kms hassle free ownership
- Acceptable fuel efficiency figure.
- Comfort, spacious interiors.
- Roomy boot space.
I will enlighten you guys a little about the background.
The current parking space is taken up by the Innova (2008), Ikon (2005) and the Scorpio (2004).
The Scorpio is my daily drive and has done a little over 1,00,000 kms, and is probably good for some more action before anything major comes up, but my father insists that we replace it soon enoough.
The budget is about 10 - 12L, that is what I would be really comfortable paying for a brand new car.
Following were the options I had in mind till a few days back.
1. Tata Safari Dicor EX - off the list now reading TSK's Safari thread & other stories mentioned on the forum
2. The upgraded Mahindra Scorpio (now with the Mhawk engine)
Superb Mahindra reliability, decent build quality, low running costs, and now the new MHawk engine with the cosmetic touches have had me and my older brother seriously consider swapping the old Scorpio for the current spec one. The only downside is that I have lived with one for 5 years and over a 1,00,000 kms and a couple of years down the line I may just have been bored of the surroundings inside the cabin.
One very strong point going for the Scorpio is that it suits my daily routine really well, lugging around heavy engineering spares is simply a breeze, the Scorpio takes all that abude with absolutely zilch niggle.
I yet have to TD the new Scorpio, lets see what gives.
3. Hyundai Verna CRDI SX - off the list as well after the TD a couple of days ago, you can read more on the following link:
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/sedans...na-crdi-4.html 4. Skoda Laura (entered the list very recently - good discount on 08 vehicles)
Quite frankly, it is all about the presence and the recent discounts that have had me considering the Laura. My father likes the way it looks, and the engine is supposed to be pretty much up there too. The rock solid ride and handling are something everyone on the forum is aware of, so I will pass the harping.
Also, the Laura would make up for an upmarket sedan for those formal occasions for my folks to ferry about.
The Scare & my main reason for starting this thread:
Is the Laura Ambiente plagued with as many issues as the Octavia VRS? I am aware that parts are very expensive, but if I do take good care (not saying Ajmat & NC don't), and considering the Ambient trim is loaded with hardly any gadgets, is there a chance I could manage a five year no serious nonsense ownership?
Is the Laura due for a new look anytime soon, someone had mentioned this on of the threads I came across last night.
I tried searching the forum, but have not found any threads realating to part failures on the Laura.
5. Optra Magnum LS
What a package! Upon GTO's suggestion and NC's insistence I finally visited the next door GM showroom.
Almost everything about the vehicle is just spot on. Gotta love the detailing on the inside, for a 10L odd sedan the Magnum makes most sense to the head if GM lasts and the resale does not reduce to a very tiny fraction within 5 years.
The back seat probably gives the 20L sedans a run for their money, and the boot is nice and roomy too, this is a huge positive.
The engine is awesome, this is one absolute, you can feel the rush, being pushed back into the seat et all that.
The steering felt a little twitchy at speeds over 140 kmph, but that is something I can live with. The brakes weren't impressive either, the sales executive mentioned that this being a test drive vehicle has taken some serious thrashing and the brakes on a new vehicle would be better, atleast I hope so!
The sales guy though quite young, was one of the better ones I have come across, was quite well versed with the vehicle, technical terms. GM are atleast doing something right.
The negatives for the Magnum: Some I have mentioned above, the other major ones being brand image, anticipated poor resale valu and lack of road presence.
6. Toyota Corolla Altis (not quite in the running but yet there)
Toyota reliabiltiy, great A.S.S., build quality, revised looks and all this within my budget. Also, the fuel consumption difference (between the Laura & the Altis) would be madeup in the price difference and cheaper ownership costs.
The Altis is not tailor made to my requirement, and I would buy one probably because it is a good all round vehicle.
Eagerly await your thoughts, point of view, suggestions, criticism if any, especially on the Laura A.S.S & Magnum resale & A.S.S.
manson.