Re: Which chauffeur-driven SUV / MPV for me? Hi Everyone,
While it’s been some time since my previous post, have continued to actively read various threads on Team BHP and learn from folks here.
We have spent an year with the X3 and apart from some minor niggles, have had a great time in both the driving seat and rear seat. In addition, the GT TSI continues to put a big smile on my face whenever I drive it.
Now, with the Covid waves hopefully receding and life getting back to normal, the cars are being used daily. During weekdays, the family usually travels in the X3 while I drive the GT TSI to work.
We have also shifted our residence and the commute time for me is 45 mins in the morning and an hour plus in the evening, subject to the whims of traffic and road diggers of Mumbai. The evening commute has been particularly energy sapping for the past 3 months, and after much deliberation, I experimented with keeping a chauffeur (have had one for the family but never one for myself) for the last couple of weeks. As I reflect this weekend, it’s been liberating to be driven around when one is pre-occupied with work. However, it’s also the first time in 9 years that I have spent time in the rear seat of GT TSI and that’s been a horrible experience – no leg room, no under thigh support, uncomfortable seats, poor visibility, cramped space and uncomfortable ride.
So, here’s my dilemma – either I go back to driving and live with energy draining weekdays, or keep the chauffeur and look for a new ride with much better rear seat comfort. I am marginally leaning towards the latter and so, have some queries:
1) I really don’t want to spend too much, given the steep EMIs of X3 and chauffeur salaries – am thinking ~10 lakh. So, what’s the best car for rear seat comfort in Mumbai city traffic and it must score high on safety.
2) Do I still hold on to the GT TSI or sell it ? Keeping it gives the optionality of driving pleasure whenever I do get the time, though I know its usage would be minimal. Selling it would increase my budget by ~5 lakh for the new car.
3) Would a new car be ideal or a good pre-owned car make more sense?
4) Body type: Have always used a hatchback or SUV – never a sedan. I don’t have a strong preference, though have been used to the high rear seats in SUVs in the past decade.
5) The frugal voice in my head says – get back to driving or at best, spend either on the chauffeur or a car EMI but not on both. May be, wait for a few months as the new normal evolves?
Well, these are just some initial thoughts- would love to hear your views please. |