13-year old Toyota Innova - Keep or replace?

51morris · 17th February 2020, 02:36

Hello T-BHP'ians,

Hope you're doing well!

We have a 13 year old Toyota Innova (2.4L Diesel) that has done about 1,30,000 kms. The car is generally trouble free with a yearly service costing about INR 15,000. In terms of usage, it does around 8-10k kms a year with Mom being driven around in the comfort of the rear seat.

With the car hitting the 15 year mark and needing a new fitness certificate, I was wondering if its going to be a problem going forward. Will this be more of a liability in future with Diesels being frowned upon everywhere?

My brother has done some checks back in Bangalore and has found buyers offering 6L for the Innova. Do you think its a good idea to sell it off and pick up a petrol MPV (e.g. Ertiga) instead?

Do let me know your thoughts.

Cheers,
Praveen

revvharder · 17th February 2020, 05:21

I would say keep it because ban on diesel is still 7 - 10 years ahead, because the electric cars have the range problem and cannot be main streamed. In a country like ours if CNG which takes only a few extra minutes to fill and is a cleaner fuel, still has only few pumps and few takers, I don't think you have anything to worry about your car. Just renew the FC and enjoy the car another few lac Kms and it will also be a downgrade from Innova to Ertiga in terms of comfort.

drsingh · 17th February 2020, 07:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by 51morris

Hello T-BHP'ians,

Hope you're doing well!

We have a 13 year old Toyota Innova (2.4L Diesel) that has done about 1,30,000 kms. The car is generally trouble free with a yearly service costing about INR 15,000. In terms of usage, it does around 8-10k kms a year with Mom being driven around in the comfort of the rear seat.

With the car hitting the 15 year mark and needing a new fitness certificate, I was wondering if its going to be a problem going forward. Will this be more of a liability in future with Diesels being frowned upon everywhere?

My brother has done some checks back in Bangalore and has found buyers offering 6L for the Innova. Do you think its a good idea to sell it off and pick up a petrol MPV (e.g. Ertiga) instead?

Do let me know your thoughts.

Cheers,
Praveen

If you are willing to go for a diesel/petrol/CNG Ertiga, sell off the Innova for 6 lakhs.

6 lakh downpayment , 4 lakh loan over 7 years will have an EMI of 6400 Rs. approx.

In city conditions,Ertiga diesel/CNG will give approx double the fuel efficiency of Innova.

1k per month running, the gain in fuel efficiency alone will pay for 50% of EMI.The Maruti resale value will recoup the rest of the EMI over 7 years. If running is low, your car will maintain good resale value.

A new BS6 diesel Ertiga will put to rest all uncertainty for next 10 years. And will allow you to sell your Innova before 15 years are up and there is some policy change regarding fitness certificate of old diesel vehicles.

At Rs. 64-70/ltr diesel in Delhi, 8kmpl for Innova, 16 kmpl for Ertiga,Rs4000 out of Rs6400 EMI will be covered by fuel savings if you use the Ertiga for 1k kms per month.

P.S. : The numbers are from the top of my head, do your own precise CA level financial calculations.

Thermodynamics · 17th February 2020, 08:22

Getting a fitness certificate is not a big deal, there are even agents who would do that for a nominal charge.

If you think the car is in good condition and you are loving it, you may keep it, else sell. I’m curious to know the price you bought, 6 lacs resale, isn’t that a good deal

Ertiga is a good car but kind of a downgrade to Innova. Climb up a segment something like Hexa would bring things closer.

libranof1987 · 17th February 2020, 09:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by 51morris

We have a 13 year old Toyota Innova (2.4L Diesel) that has done about 1,30,000 kms. The car is generally trouble free with a yearly service costing about INR 15,000. In terms of usage, it does around 8-10k kms a year with Mom being driven around in the comfort of the rear seat.

Given that the car has been trouble-free, is fairly low run (for an Innova), the only reason why you could think of replacing it is how old it has become. So, you may want better safety features or comfort/convenience. 8-10k kms/year is a significant distance.

At least as of now, there isn't anything to indicate issues for a 15-year old diesel vehicle in Bangalore. There is a scrappage policy bill awaited but that's for CVs so not immediate concern for you. But yes, you can't guarantee a good resale as the years roll by.

2000rpm · 17th February 2020, 09:20

Only reason why I will ask you to sell the car is, SAFETY!.

I think the Innova back then came with absolutely null safety features.

You can buy a smaller car with 6 Lakhs today with much more safety.

In fact even the Triber base model will be much safer than the older Innova.

Comrade · 17th February 2020, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by 51morris

In terms of usage, it does around 8-10k kms a year with Mom being driven around in the comfort of the rear seat.

I would keep the car as long as possible. Innova is a segment above, and has much better ride than Ertiga. My mom used to hate Ertiga (gen 1) back seat but love Innova (gen 1) back seat. I havent run any numbers, but for such a low running, you might not be able to recoup the additional investment (5-6L) made on new car.

padmrajravi · 17th February 2020, 09:36

I think you should sell it now. Simply because you will not get that kind of resale value two years down the line. And it may be trouble-free, but you never know what can happen in the next two years. Sell it now and it is almost like a profitable investment for you. 13 years back, you may have paid 10 lakhs for the Innova. 40 per cent of the value retained is amazing.

46TheDoctor · 17th February 2020, 10:27

My thought process will be as follows:
1. I am not sure how much difficult is it to continue private car ownership after 15 years as far as RTO procedures are concerned. So, firstly make sure about that.
2. If RTO process isnt a big thing then you should ask yourself the following:
A. Does your car come with ABS? If yes then its a good enough reason to retain your car. Airbags wont matter much as i guess your mother might be using second row of seats.
B. Can you afford to buy an equivalent car today? Crysta, Hexa, etc. or atleast something that is as safe, reliable and comfortable as your Innova. If yes, only then you should consider the change or else retaining Innova is better.
C. Swapping innova for ertiga or equivalent doesnt make sense as the Innova is a superior product even at this age and Toyota service is flawless.

blackwasp · 17th February 2020, 10:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by 51morris

With the car hitting the 15 year mark and needing a new fitness certificate, I was wondering if its going to be a problem going forward. Will this be more of a liability in future with Diesels being frowned upon everywhere?

An Innova is ageless! Jokes apart, as long as you are not in Delhi, do retain the car for long.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 46TheDoctor

My thought process will be as follows:
1. I am not sure how much difficult is it to continue private car ownership after 15 years as far as RTO procedures are concerned. So, firstly make sure about that.

I'm in the process of renewing my 15 year old wagonR. Since I don't have the time, I have engaged the services of a driving school. Paid them Rs. 3,500 green tax and some more for his fees. Green tax will be paid today and a week from now is the inspection date. I will drop the car to his place and he will take the car to the RTO for inspection.

self_driven · 17th February 2020, 11:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by 51morris

In terms of usage, it does around 8-10k kms a year with Mom being driven around in the comfort of the rear seat.

6 lakhs is a really good price for a 2007 Innova! I'd say go ahead with the sale and get a similar segment BS6 compliant MPV/MUV/SUV with curtain airbags and good rear seat comfort.

Diesel cars will see a country wide ban sooner than later. Any haphazard government policy will make your 13 year old Innova drop its value almost overnight. This is the right time to start looking for alternatives and replace the car by the end of this year.

Although Innova Crysta should be your default choice, I'd suggest you to look at MG Hector and updated Tata Harrier as well.

Contrary to popular belief, even the 2.7 petrol Innova is an amazing vehicle. Here's a BHPian's detailed review - https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...7l-petrol.html (Review: Toyota Innova Crysta 2.7L Petrol AT). For the 7 airbag variant, you'll have to stretch for the ZX AT though which will be around 4 lakhs more expensive than top-end Hector/Harrier. That's a different thing that you'll recover more than half of that 4 lakh premium at the time of sale.

AutoSphere · 17th February 2020, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by 51morris

Hello T-BHP'ians,

We have a 13 year old Toyota Innova (2.4L Diesel) that has done about 1,30,000 kms. The car is generally trouble free with a yearly service costing about INR 15,000...
.. Do you think its a good idea to sell it off and pick up a petrol MPV (e.g. Ertiga) instead?

Do let me know your thoughts.

Cheers,
Praveen

I would just keep the Innova, since you would get another two years of the most comfortable

ride possible. Let us assume that the car value crashes to 2 lakhs in the next two years, which means you are spending 2 lakhs/year to keep the car?

Which, in my opinion, is worth it.

vikramvicky1984 · 17th February 2020, 11:51

Don't sell the Innova. A like-to-like replacement would be addition 20 lakhs+ in Crysta (Which is better to drive, FE etc but not as comfortable).

If you are worried about the 15 year rule (which has been a rumour for long), why not buy a newer used petrol Innova for around 6 lakhs (with airbags), it'll be even more comfortable.

While there will be higher running costs (not much in your case), you'll able to run it for much longer- so total costs might actually be lower than investing in an Crysta

sridhu · 17th February 2020, 13:23

6 lakhs is a good price

If you have access to a good independent mechanic, then keep the car. Otherwise sell and buy one of the smaller SUVs.

The Innova will start draining your wallet with slightly big ticket preventive maintenance like replacing timing belt etc but the engine & gear box will be fine with regular maintenance

My innova ran 2.35 lakh km in 10 years and I got 5.5 lacs when i sold it (G4 version). My mechanic said " Why are you selling? Will run fine for 1.5 lakh km more!". I dont get the same feeling with the Crysta. So there's that too

Carpainter · 17th February 2020, 13:39

I think if you are okay with an old and barely equipped car then keep it as mechanically it will be fine for another few lakh kms. But if you want to experience a new car with new looks and more features then 6L is a good deal. But if you decide to sell, don't go for Ertiga. There are better cars around to replace the almighty Innova.

17th February 2020, 02:36	#1
51morris BHPian Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: London Posts: 118 Thanked: 930 Times	13-year old Toyota Innova - Keep or replace? Hello T-BHP'ians, Hope you're doing well! We have a 13 year old Toyota Innova (2.4L Diesel) that has done about 1,30,000 kms. The car is generally trouble free with a yearly service costing about INR 15,000. In terms of usage, it does around 8-10k kms a year with Mom being driven around in the comfort of the rear seat. With the car hitting the 15 year mark and needing a new fitness certificate, I was wondering if its going to be a problem going forward. Will this be more of a liability in future with Diesels being frowned upon everywhere? My brother has done some checks back in Bangalore and has found buyers offering 6L for the Innova. Do you think its a good idea to sell it off and pick up a petrol MPV (e.g. Ertiga) instead? Do let me know your thoughts. Cheers, Praveen Last edited by 51morris : 17th February 2020 at 02:39. Reason: Fixed a typo.
	(11) Thanks

17th February 2020, 05:21	#2
revvharder BHPian Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: DL Posts: 284 Thanked: 1,194 Times	Re: 13-year old Toyota Innova - Keep or replace? I would say keep it because ban on diesel is still 7 - 10 years ahead, because the electric cars have the range problem and cannot be main streamed. In a country like ours if CNG which takes only a few extra minutes to fill and is a cleaner fuel, still has only few pumps and few takers, I don't think you have anything to worry about your car. Just renew the FC and enjoy the car another few lac Kms and it will also be a downgrade from Innova to Ertiga in terms of comfort.
	(1) Thanks

17th February 2020, 08:22	#4
Thermodynamics BHPian Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 832 Thanked: 4,131 Times	Re: 13-year old Toyota Innova - Keep or replace? Getting a fitness certificate is not a big deal, there are even agents who would do that for a nominal charge. If you think the car is in good condition and you are loving it, you may keep it, else sell. I’m curious to know the price you bought, 6 lacs resale, isn’t that a good deal Ertiga is a good car but kind of a downgrade to Innova. Climb up a segment something like Hexa would bring things closer. Last edited by Thermodynamics : 17th February 2020 at 08:28.
	(7) Thanks

17th February 2020, 09:20	#6
2000rpm Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2013 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,517 Thanked: 6,049 Times	Re: 13-year old Toyota Innova - Keep or replace? Only reason why I will ask you to sell the car is, SAFETY!. I think the Innova back then came with absolutely null safety features. You can buy a smaller car with 6 Lakhs today with much more safety. In fact even the Triber base model will be much safer than the older Innova.
	(1) Thanks

17th February 2020, 09:36	#8
padmrajravi Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2019 Location: Kozhikode Posts: 1,228 Thanked: 5,513 Times	Re: 13-year old Toyota Innova - Keep or replace? I think you should sell it now. Simply because you will not get that kind of resale value two years down the line. And it may be trouble-free, but you never know what can happen in the next two years. Sell it now and it is almost like a profitable investment for you. 13 years back, you may have paid 10 lakhs for the Innova. 40 per cent of the value retained is amazing.
	(1) Thanks

17th February 2020, 10:27	#9
46TheDoctor BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pune Posts: 346 Thanked: 735 Times View My Garage	Re: 13-year old Toyota Innova - Keep or replace? My thought process will be as follows: 1. I am not sure how much difficult is it to continue private car ownership after 15 years as far as RTO procedures are concerned. So, firstly make sure about that. 2. If RTO process isnt a big thing then you should ask yourself the following: A. Does your car come with ABS? If yes then its a good enough reason to retain your car. Airbags wont matter much as i guess your mother might be using second row of seats. B. Can you afford to buy an equivalent car today? Crysta, Hexa, etc. or atleast something that is as safe, reliable and comfortable as your Innova. If yes, only then you should consider the change or else retaining Innova is better. C. Swapping innova for ertiga or equivalent doesnt make sense as the Innova is a superior product even at this age and Toyota service is flawless.
	() Thanks

17th February 2020, 11:51	#13
vikramvicky1984 BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: jamshedpur Posts: 497 Thanked: 634 Times View My Garage	Re: 13-year old Toyota Innova - Keep or replace? Don't sell the Innova. A like-to-like replacement would be addition 20 lakhs+ in Crysta (Which is better to drive, FE etc but not as comfortable). If you are worried about the 15 year rule (which has been a rumour for long), why not buy a newer used petrol Innova for around 6 lakhs (with airbags), it'll be even more comfortable. While there will be higher running costs (not much in your case), you'll able to run it for much longer- so total costs might actually be lower than investing in an Crysta Last edited by vikramvicky1984 : 17th February 2020 at 12:19.
	(2) Thanks

17th February 2020, 13:23	#14
sridhu Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,246 Thanked: 2,733 Times	Re: 13-year old Toyota Innova - Keep or replace? 6 lakhs is a good price If you have access to a good independent mechanic, then keep the car. Otherwise sell and buy one of the smaller SUVs. The Innova will start draining your wallet with slightly big ticket preventive maintenance like replacing timing belt etc but the engine & gear box will be fine with regular maintenance My innova ran 2.35 lakh km in 10 years and I got 5.5 lacs when i sold it (G4 version). My mechanic said " Why are you selling? Will run fine for 1.5 lakh km more!". I dont get the same feeling with the Crysta. So there's that too
	() Thanks

17th February 2020, 13:39	#15
Carpainter BHPian Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Kolkata Posts: 688 Thanked: 1,152 Times	Re: 13-year old Toyota Innova - Keep or replace? I think if you are okay with an old and barely equipped car then keep it as mechanically it will be fine for another few lakh kms. But if you want to experience a new car with new looks and more features then 6L is a good deal. But if you decide to sell, don't go for Ertiga. There are better cars around to replace the almighty Innova.
	() Thanks