Hey All,
I am in middle of decision crisis (literally) as too many things happening and kind of forced to choose a car. Also both MG / Kia will be increasing prices soon along with other car manufacturers and hence preferable want to close things this month itself.
Requirements:
1. Need to be an SUV with loads of space (open for few models of sedan however see below requirements)
2. Rugged build and compliant ride quality. This is non negotiable as the car will be second car (replacement for Verna Fluidic) and will be used primarily for long road trips (example Mumbai - Alibag, Mumbai Ratnagiri / Ganpatipule, Mumbai Goa).
3. Some times car will be having 2 occupants and mostly 4 in some trips. However we have little one on the way and hence need to factor his / her future requirements. (Smaller the bundle larger the space required - car seat, luggage etc)
4. This will be replacement for Verna Fluidic and hence has to have same or more space. Also need to be reliable (I have had situations where Verna was forced to wade through 1,5 feet water multiple times in same trip. People in konkan area and travelling in monsoons will know what I am saying)
Verna could easily handle such situations and hence need that same reliability.
5. Budget is upto 20 lakhs plus or minus couple of lakhs. Car will be mostly financed and hence will be a long term investment. (My 2012 Verna is 8 years old now)
6. Need to have atleast 6 airbags and full array of safety features. I am quite safety conscious and hence this is again non negotiable.
Options considered:
1. MG Hector - Currently this is top contender and as it satisfies most above requirements (1, partially 2, partially 4, 5 and 6). However I am not sure about reliability. The last thing I want is stranded in middle of no where with an infant. Apart from reliability and long term service concerns, Hector completely fits the bill. This was the reason I have still not take delivery in spite of booking in July. Additionally if Hector is final decision I need to finish billing this month else I end up with 40k increased cost.
Also I found MG service experience quite better than KIA. All my queries have been replied by MG support almost within 1 hour. Also Thane MG service seems to be improving (please provided feedback on this if anyone has booked car from same dealer)
2. KIA Seltos - This actually satisfies all points EXCEPT 1 and 2 (which is quite a bummer). As Hyundai owner I know how pathetic their paint quality is and I dont expect anything better from KIA.
Also my experience with Shreenath KIA Thane has been really bad and have not even managed to get a TD in spite of visiting them thrice. Will be visiting them again this week and take a final call.
I have also booked Seltos, however I am interested in only diesel top model as all below models dont have 6 airbags. for 20 lakhs plus on road, this model is way over priced.
Note - If I decide with KIA then I will probably sell both Tiago & Verna. Hence my finance cost will be significantly reduced. 3. Not buy a new car now !! - I have 2 cars currently - Tata Tiago XZA 2017 model & Hyundai Verna Fluidic SX VTVT.
Verna has started to show its age (though its mechanically good and will be as good as new if I spend 1 lakh more on it).
Tiago will be retained as it was primarily intended for my wife who ended never using it
. However new car will be purchased on guarantee that she starts using it (especially after the little one arrives). Currently I use it for daily office drive from Mulund to Goregaon (a route which needs auto box) Also Tiago has spoiled us due to its complaint ride quality. In fact I have not taken Verna on a road trip since last 6 months as the bouncy boat makes her uncomfortable and causes pain.
Hence other option is maintain existing cars for 1 more year (however long trips will be an issue as Tiago is not really suited for highway use due to its anaemic engines and that crappy AMT screwes me in ghats)
Also any new car has to have ride quality similar or better than Tiago (small speed breakers and most potholes are cakewalk for tiago)
4. Hexa / XUV / Harrier - Out of these XUV was very expensive at 23 lakhs for 4WD automatic else would have considered this as option.
Hexa / Harrier have not yet been considered as a good Tata dealer / service near me (Fortune Motors) closed. Hence I currently dont even have decent servicing option for Tiago. So not sure if TATA cars should be considered especially for 20 lakh bracket and poor or lack of service.
5. Compass / Kodiaq / Tucson - Jeep is out of budget and no discounts. Not sure if any discounts are available for Kodiaq / Tucson.
Note - I am 37 yr old and this will be probably my only car purchase in next 8 years and hence need to be perfect AND need to satisfy my mid life crisis (if something like that exists)