[Sunil@786]

Originally Posted by Garth

Used Germans, specially the luxury trio are definitely more expensive to maintain. Even routine service is more expensive than a Jap/Korean/Indian car. For older cars the part might need to be imported even in the rare circumstances. If you have a trusted FNG, the maintenance costs will be significantly lower for the Europeans. Japanese cars will be more reliable. But the European cars are definitely more fun to drive, luxurious and safer than the Japanese. Both have their pros and cons.

You need to decide your requirements, the compromises that you are willing to make. Lot of it will depend on what purpose the car will serve, who will drive, maintain etc.

Basically, the car will be primarily driven by myself.
I have an aged mother so climbing into an SUV like Pajero will be problematic.
I have also seen used Chevrolet Cruze's, couple of Skoda's, German trios (3 series, C class & A4) & off course Pajero's in the same price bracket.
My goal is to have a smooth ride over bumpy roads.

[Garth]

As you are considering the used Germans as well, I assume that you have a 25-30 lakh budget.

It could be more of a problem getting into and out of a sedan as it gets a bit more difficult with age. In my opinion you could be looking at crossovers like the Creta or Seltos. Or smaller in form SUVs like the Harrier, Karoq or Compass. You could get these for almost the same budget. If you want from the luxury segment look at an used BMW X1.

Audi should be launching their Q2 SUV soon, that might interest you as well.

[hserus]

Elderly person, easy car to get into, smooth ride over bad roads - get an Innova without a thought. No fun to drive but amazing amounts of back seat comfort.

Originally Posted by Garth

As you are considering the used Germans as well, I assume that you have a 25-30 lakh budget.

[KPR]

Originally Posted by Sunil@786

Basically, the car will be primarily driven by myself.
I have an aged mother so climbing into an SUV like Pajero will be problematic.
I have also seen used Chevrolet Cruze's, couple of Skoda's, German trios (3 series, C class & A4) & off course Pajero's in the same price bracket.
My goal is to have a smooth ride over bumpy roads.

A new duster is a good choice for the fantastic ride it offers in bumpy roads plus the benefit of 1.3 turbo petrol engine. Else if budget permits a brand new Innova Crysta. There is no substitute for that.

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by hserus

Elderly person, easy car to get into, smooth ride over bad roads - get an Innova without a thought. No fun to drive but amazing amounts of back seat comfort.

Even I vote for that.

You have to set your priorities
1. Fun to drive, expensive to maintain.
2. Boring to drive, but rock solid build and inexpensive to maintain.

As reported Innova taxis are every where, easily maintained and pretty tough. European cars may be more fun, but their maintenance is expensive and repair facilities practically non existent in the remote regions. The only car this side of 20L that has a fantastic ride is the Duster.

[1985Darkkid85]

With Duster Awd decommissioned, what's the best ride for bad/rubbish/non-existent roads in 2021?

I frequently drive on bad roads which have absolutely no tar at all!

Is it still Nissan Kicks 2020 XV?

Fiat Linea is ruled out I guess as it's discontinued too.
Fortuner ruled due to cost and I don't like Thar or Mahindra cars in general.

[Kosfactor]

^ Its a balance between ride quality and vehicle durability , depends on which side you are leaning into. Duster's ride is unmatched but its suspension wears out quickly on such roads. Try Innova , it's comfortable on such roads and as long as you are careful won't break anything.

The standard issue in poor and inexistent roads is a Mahindra UV of some sort, it's part of the landscape for good reason.