[vredesbyrd]

As a matter of fact, How about a 2.4L AT Grand Vitara? Brilliant car. But till how much longer will spare parts be available? If someone can assure me that another 5 years, then I'll take the plunge.

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by vredesbyrd

As a matter of fact, How about a 2.4L AT Grand Vitara? Brilliant car. But till how much longer will spare parts be available? If someone can assure me that another 5 years, then I'll take the plunge.

GV is a wonderful car. Parts can be sourced if required from Thailand and Dubai and similar places. But you’ll need a good independent garage to help fix it when needed. Maruti Service hasnt a clue about these niche vehicles.
But the GV is getting long in the tooth. At best you ll probably get a 12-15 year old car. So it will have to be your second or third car. It just cannot be your ONLY car.

[vredesbyrd]

Okay, fellow members. An update.

After a lot of research and deliberation, it is down to three contenders and all of them are RWD ATs:

1) Hexa XTA (2017~): The South-India sales director of our tech vendor owns an XTA. We casually went on an 80km drive as we are both Army brats and that works.
Pros:
-ICE sound quality punches above it's class. Takes metal and classical alike and with ease. Found it slightly better than W204 C220's Logic 7
-Service cost and parts availability
-Well-sorted suspension and road manners
-Best looking interiors and tech amongst the three contenders (plus ambient lighting)
-Most efficient and most gears
Cons:
-Vehicle seems reliable but Tata service
-External design looks great but still van-like
-Installation of aftermarket things (Ironman stuff, aux lights and 360 camera) seems harder than other two
-Potato headlights (will pop LEDs)
-Lowest GC among the lot (200mm)
-Vehicles don't treat you the same as the other two

2) Fortuner 4x2 AT (2012-14): Cousin lent it to me for a day.
Pros:
-The looks! THE LOOKS!
-Built for abuse and takes it well
-Reliability (due to less electronic intervention) and Service center spread
-Self Levelling HIDs (will pop LEDs anyway. Bi-LED projector fitment for high beam)
-Modding capability. It's like the Freelancer/Skyrim/Half-Life of cars. Anything and everything fits and works
-Nice seats
Cons:
-Bone-rattling suspension and unsettled ride. Reminds me of the E90 3 series
-Interior way too basic and looks like the 90's
-Lowest mileage in the lot
-4 speed autobox. Had no issues while driving but 4?
-Way too pricey for a 6-8 year old vehicle
-Too common/bad guy image
-Brakes. Acceptable considering my driving manners but doesn't hurt to have extra stopping power
-ICE not bad but doesn't quite cut the cake either
-Mom hates it for some reason

3) Pajero Sport 4x2 AT (2012-14)
Pros: Borrowed for a day from someone who's like a sort of an elder sister.
-The appearance of this particular vehicle. To quote Mr. Clarkson, "I can't even look at one of these because I get sexually excited."
-Interiors are way better than T-Fort but a bit lower than Hexa
-Massive paddle shifters (reminds me of the outlander)
-Great 2.5L with an incredible balance between power and FE
-Modding. Another open sandbox
-Decent gearbox
-Felt more comfortable than Hexa
-Smallest in size. Nightmare cities like Bangalore would still be an issue, though
-Would be my final choice but the cons are serious and not related to the vehicle's abilities itself
Cons:
-Mitsubishi's wonky service network and parts availability. Possibly the only thing keeping me from discarding the other two options. Are they in? Are they out? Can't get a clear answer from anyone
-Great AT but still 5 speed
-ICE better than T-Fort but inferior to Hexa
-Potato headlights (have LED plans anyway, Bi-LED for high beam slot anyway)

:=> Minor and moderate offroading will be taken care of using traction planks, snow chains and winch . Kindly provide input

Thanks

[padmrajravi]

Fortuner is the safe bet if you can afford it. Nothing beats the reliability of a fortuner. And it commands more road respect compared to the other two. Hexa will visit the service center more often than a Fortuner. What you are paying extra for fortuner is the cost of those unwanted service centre visit for niggles. Hexa has more airbags and I felt the sheet metal is tougher than the Toyota body. So it may be slightly more safe.

I would strongly suggest against Pajero sport. It may be more reliable than Hexa, but something without ASS support is a big risk.

[vredesbyrd]

Originally Posted by padmrajravi

Fortuner is the safe bet if you can afford it. Nothing beats the reliability of a fortuner. And it commands more road respect compared to the other two. Hexa will visit the service center more often than a Fortuner. What you are paying extra for fortuner is the cost of those unwanted service centre visit for niggles. Hexa has more airbags and I felt the sheet metal is tougher than the Toyota body. So it may be slightly more safe.

I would strongly suggest against Pajero sport. It may be more reliable than Hexa, but something without ASS support is a big risk.

Thank you. Actually, by the years I have marked, all three fall in the 10-14L bracket. To be honest, I've like the Fortuner from the start. However, Pajero looks better and has paddle shifters. Beyond that, I don't see any ups. Might stick with Fortuner. Are they any brake mods the for Fortuner? Besides, Mitsubishi is planning a comeback. How true is that?

[vredesbyrd]

Quick update. I've decided on a premium update, but in Segmentum III. Superb was a part of Segmentum I. I am approaching II, hence decided to cut budget by a significant margin. Now eyes are on some interesting vehicles:-

1) 2013-2016 Ecosport 1.5 Petrol DCT
2) Duster Easy-R AMT 110PS
3) 2010-12 Endeavour AT - Are parts readily available if I drive into a dealership (small lead time of 3-4 days is acceptable as well)?
4) 3rd Gen CR-V (CVT AWD) - Parts and mileage??

I request some kind suggestions. No matter what it is, it will get a remap and few upgrades. Car would be used for city commuting as well as highways and hills (basically would go everywhere). A bit pricey service and parts are fine (anything cheaper than the Superb) provided that the parts are easily available. Was considering these as well:

1) Facelifted Outlander (Parts/Service is a big question)
2) Captiva (same issue as the above)
3) 2012 Fortuner 4x2 (still way too pricey)
4) 2013 CR-V 4WD (same as above and really bad AWD)

*sigh* I wish I was a more affluent man and Tata had a 6-speed Torque Converter Safari.

[ChargedGarage]

Originally Posted by vredesbyrd

3) 2010-12 Endeavour AT - Are parts readily available if I drive into a dealership (small lead time of 3-4 days is acceptable as well)?

I've experienced really good service from Ford in a newer Endeavour but do spot the occasional older gen when I visit the Service Center. Met an owner of the 2011 Endeavour last time and he was quite happy with the car and the service provided.

[vredesbyrd]

Originally Posted by ChargedGarage

Met an owner of the 2011 Endeavour last time and he was quite happy with the car and the service provided.

Thank you. I shall attempt to test the waters with a 2013-14 3.0 4x4 AT soon enough. Probably will buy it from NCR and get it re-register here in Lucknow.