[CarNerd]

I suggest you wait for MG to reveal the prices of Astor which I think is a good package especially the ADA systems.

[shancz]

Originally Posted by dr_TJ

But if an MT car that offers Hill launch Assist, It would make life a bit more easier with a MT out here.
Shifting to Manual Transmission might take a bit of practice (again) but it will be doable right?

Don't think the hill hold with manual is an option. If there is I am not aware of it.

I don't think manual comes naturally to you since you have already moved over to the automatics.
I suggest skip the manual then. Will create confusions when you're driving a manual and an auto regularly.
And what's the point of spending that much money and live with any compromise.

Let's see how your option stack up after TDs.

[ScorpioYadav]

I would suggest that you hold your horses right now & continue with the 2 cars presently with you for a couple of more years & then you should do away with the ageing Celerio.

Don’t know what the situation will be then but maybe EcoSport can take over the Celerio’s duties or if the bank a/c is in a healthier state, you can overhaul your entire garage !!

[RijuC]

I would suggest to continue with the Ecosport Petrol AT. It's a good car, mechanically, if you have no problem with the cramped rear passenger area. No point in selling it off.

You can replace the Celerio AGS with an IGNIS AMT. It has a better engine 1.2 liter petrol, bigger wheels, and same footprint. Hence advantageous for daily commutes through narrow roads, congested streets. You have already mentioned the existing Celerio already has lots of scares.

Or, altogether, wait for few more years for any new car. I once drove a 95000 km Celerio AMT in kolkata (Revv car rental), and it was a wonderful experience Criss-crossing Kolkata. And it was my first experience with AMT. Even if the exteriors are little damaged, you should continue with the Celerio.

If someone plan to change the cars within 5 years or 1.5 years, he should not worry about damage to wallet. If budget is a constraint, keep the cars for longer or have economical car buying combination.

[swiftvxi06]

I would suggest that as an option, you can also look at Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT XV or Turbo CVT XV Premium models.
Magnite 1.0 turbo petrol engine is very peppy and refined. I have been using a Nissan Magnite Turbo XL (manual) for 5 months and I am very happy with my purchase. Being a turbo petrol engine car, it gives good mileage as well.

[shancz]

Originally Posted by shancz

Let's see how your option stack up after TDs.

If you haven't already, apart from our reviews also check out the video reviews on Autocar India's YouTube channel for the reviews on the ATs for the cars you're looking at.
Would be helpful to check them before the TDs at least you'll have some heads up before you get on the TDs or to specifically look for anything you might be concerned/interested in.

[supremeBaleno]

If you are out to sell a car within a mere 1.5yrs of ownership, there seems to be something wrong in the evaluation process.

As if that weren't bad enough, you are out to take a big depreciation hit & then put good money into what is basically another car like the one being sold (crossover).

Not sure if I missed anything in your post indicating so, but I don't see any issue with the ESport needing it to be chucked other than your "want"ing a Thar.

To me, you need to follow Plan SQ (Status Quo). Use the Celerio for city runs & errands & the ESport for long runs.

PS : Long ago (35yrs ago) I spent 7 years in your state & still cherish the memories. Have been to your place Dibrugarh too.

[dr_TJ]

Originally Posted by supremeBaleno

If you are out to sell a car within a mere 1.5yrs of ownership, there seems to be something wrong in the evaluation process.

As if that weren't bad enough, you are out to take a big depreciation hit & then put good money into what is basically another car like the one being sold (crossover).

Not sure if I missed anything in your post indicating so, but I don't see any issue with the ESport needing it to be chucked other than your "want"ing a Thar.

To me, you need to follow Plan SQ (Status Quo). Use the Celerio for city runs & errands & the ESport for long runs.

PS : Long ago (35yrs ago) I spent 7 years in your state & still cherish the memories. Have been to your place Dibrugarh too.

Great to know, you have been in Dibrugarh

Yes, selling the Ecosport within 1.5 years is a bad decision financially. But, the resale value will only get worse with time. And my car loan facility is just making things a lot harder, so I don't find any other option. It was a mistake.

If I do manage to sell my Ecosport this year, I will not buy a new Compact SUV anytime soon. Celerio will be the main stay for a while then.
Thar might not be joining my garage as things look, even if I get good value on the Ecosport.

[Phantom 510]

Originally Posted by dr_TJ

Hello BHPians,
I am starting this thread regarding my confusion of which Compact SUV/Crossover to buy.

Introduction
Initially, I planned to get myself the new Mahindra Thar Diesel AT. Not just because I like the Thar for its looks but also because it will be capable of handling the rough stuff much more easily than my Ecosport can. And so, I ended up booking the Thar, 2 months ago.
In the meantime, I listed my current car, Ford Ecosport Titanium Plus AT for sale.
Little did I know, Ecosport AT is a tough car to sell, Low resale value of Petrol "Big Car", Automatic etc. Few enquires, lots of spam callers and low ballers. Some buyers genuinely interested in getting the Ecosport but don't have any clue about Automatic Transmission.
And then, The mic drop moment by Ford India about its manufacturing shut down/restructuring announcement.

Instantly, The Ecosport sale turned out to be Mission Impossible.
Meanwhile, Mahindra Dealership has offered me, my choice of color and variant of the Thar twice (Don't know how they did so). But I am not able to buy it now. Such a bummer

Now let's get real

Going by the resale value of the Ecosport AT in my place and the lack of Buyers, I now have doubts about its probabilities of sale at a sane price and consequently my financial ability to own the Thar, so I have to make a Plan B.

Plan B is to get myself a Compact SUV (Basically all are crossovers).
Budget: Max of 14.5 lakhs for On-Road Price

Cars in my garage now
1. Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXI AMT - used for my daily commute
2. Ford Ecosport Titanium Plus AT - Weekend rides and intercity rides.

The new car was to be the Thar as mentioned above and it would have replaced the Ecosport. But now, Plan B is to replace the Celerio AMT with a compact Automatic SUV, meanwhile I keep trying to sell off the Ecosport at a good enough price to shut its hypothecation.

Must-Have Features(As per priority) :

1. Reliable Engine and Transmission
2. Good Ground Clearance - 180mm or higher
3. Safety Features like ESP, Hill Hold Assist, Rear defogger etc
4. Automatic Transmission - any form of Automatic transmission is ok for me but has to be reliable so I am staying clear of DCT.
5. Must be good in both City as well as on the Highway

Nice to have Features:

1. Passive Keyless Entry
2. Push Button Start
3. Connected Car app
4. Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

Type of fuel is not a concern to me.

Now, my buying criteria as mentioned above is pretty simple, in short, I want a reliable, automatic SUV.

I have made a shortlist based on the prices:
1. Mahindra XUV300 W8(0) AMT, Petrol and Diesel
2. Maruti Suzuki S-Cross Alpha AT, Petrol
3. Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha AT, Petrol(Yes, its a people carrier but will be good for my parents to be driven in)
4. Kia Seltos HTK Plus iMT Petrol
5. Kia Sonet GTX Plus iMT Petrol
6. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza ZXI+ AT Petrol
7. Toyota Urban Cruiser Premium Grade AT Petrol (Yes, same as Vitara Brezza but Toyota service center will be less crowded)


I also have a wild thought, If I like the clutch action and gearshifts of a certain car, I might get myself a Manual Transmission car, although its very unlikely to happen.

Another important point to consider is the Manufacturer, I don't want to end up with a brand which will turn its back on India in the near future.

Plan A is still to get the Thar AT as a replacement of the Ecosport AT. Keep the Celerio AMT for daily commute and replace it after 2-3 years (if possible with an EV).
Should I wait and try to fulfill Plan A or initiate Plan B

What would be your suggestions?

Toyota Urban cruiser automatic.
1. Torquey 1.5L petrol engine.
2. Good space for five people.
3. Smooth and reliable transmission.
4. Good suspension set up delivers good ride and handling balance.
5. Toyota's strong after sales service support will further elevate the ownership experience.

[dr_TJ]

Update

I sold my Maruti Suzuki Celerio AMT yesterday. Was surprised to get so much query for the Celerio after I posted an Ad on Olx and Facebook. It took just 3 days from the ad posted to the car being sold.
My Ecosport AT ad was posted like 2.5 months ago, well before Ford made any announcement but still no luck.
Maruti Suzuki just proved its resale power.

Now, Ecosport AT is my daily driver. Lets see how things pan out. Cause even if I happen to finalize another car, a CSUV or a Hatchback, it will be hard to get one in stock to be delivered readily.

Although I am still ambitious of selling the Ecosport and getting the Thar (Which I got an offer from Mahindra Dealership after someone's booking cancellation)

Will keep all posted here

[dr_TJ]

Update

Finally took delivery of my Galaxy Grey Mahindra Thar Diesel HT AT on 11-10-2021.
I informed the dealership about my interest regarding the available Thar Diesel AT. Meanwhile, I was able to almost finalize a deal for the Ecosport AT, but the buyer had some financial issues and informed me about his inability to buy the Ecosport at the 11th hour.
But I went forward with my decision of getting the Thar.

Yes, my Ecosport AT is still on sale. Although no takers

[shancz]

Originally Posted by dr_TJ

Finally took delivery of my Galaxy Grey Mahindra Thar Diesel HT AT on 11-10-2021.

Finally you have persisted and the dream comes home
Looks smashing IMO, can imagine the excitement.
Now you have both ATs and good ones at that.

If you were able to find one buyer then you will be able to get more.

Enjoy the drives

[dr_TJ]

Originally Posted by shancz

Finally you have persisted and the dream comes home
Looks smashing IMO, can imagine the excitement.
Now you have both ATs and good ones at that.

If you were able to find one buyer then you will be able to get more.

Enjoy the drives

Thanks a lot. As of now, I will use the Ecosport as the daily commuter in town cause my daily commute is rather short in duration but made multiple times to and from.

Thar needs a long drive very soon though