[The Rationalist]

Any reason why Honda City 5th generation is not in your consideration? It has got decent steering feedback, not like the hydraulic ones of Zen though (I owned a Zen for 14 years!). It is as reliable as it gets, the base variant itself is well kitted in regards of safety features.The automtic is not exciting due to the CVT effect, but the manual would be fine. I haven’t driven the manual as I don’t intend to go for a Left knee replacement. I think you should test drive it, unless you have some personal issues with Honda!!!

[fawad0222]

Thanks Prashant for your inputs.

Originally Posted by Prashant1286

Since you are likely to keep the car for a longer duration, I suggest you to buy either of these through the CSD route.

Two issues with buying them, first being much beyond my budget, secondly apprehensive about their safety performance as both of them have Fiat 2 litre diesel engine and none of the Indian cars which sport them have come out with safety ratings.

It might be a bit of stretch right now, but you will enjoy them in longer run and will not have the longing to upgrade to something more aspirational.

Agree there

As for the Vento, its a good car but is a little too long in the tooth. I also suggest you to look for a Nexon Diesel. It will be in the same ballpark, the size

I don't wish to drive CSUVs as I find their size a tid smaller for my liking.

Originally Posted by The Rationalist

Any reason why Honda City 5th generation is not in your consideration? It has got decent steering feedback, not like the hydraulic ones of Zen though (I owned a Zen for 14 years!). It is as reliable as it gets, the base variant itself is well kitted in regards of safety features.The automtic is not exciting due to the CVT effect, but the manual would be fine. I haven’t driven the manual as I don’t intend to go for a Left knee replacement. I think you should test drive it, unless you have some personal issues with Honda!!!

Hi Rationalist. No I don't have any personal issues with Hondas but somehow the city just doesn't click with me the same way as do the Rapids or Ventos. Perhaps it's the build or the look., though It am not sure. Left knee replacement was a nice one

Mod Note: Avoid Back-to-back posts in the same thread (within 30 mins of each other)
Please use the EDIT button to add content to your earlier post, within 30 mins of posting it, instead of making another consecutive post in that thread. For quoting multiple posts please follow these instructions to learn about using the "MULTIQUOTE" button.

[OpenRoads]

Hi, This is my first post and I am pretty much a novice here. So let me try.

1. Reliable car which won't leave you stranded on highways along with low maintenance cost - Avoid pre-worshipped car to meet this goal.
2. Safe and solidly built, good handler, refinement, Manual gears, Ground clearance, race and beauty
A) Compact SUV - Tata Harrier (first choice) or Hyundai Creta (second choice however there is long waiting period)
As an alternate can consider VW Taigun or Skoda Kushaq (1.5L TSI MT) however maintenance would be costlier than Tata or Hyundai.

B) Sedan - Honda City [only GC is a problem with 170mm]

Not considered the rest due to reasons which will not satisfy all of your requirement as given below.
Compass - High Budget and maintenance cost + lesser service stations
Seltos - Alternate to Creta however lesser service stations
Safari, Innova, XUV 700 - High budget and pretty big cars

[Time_Machine]

Doc, your list of pre-worshipped cars is tempting. But preworshipped is a risky route. Even reliable cars can suffer a breakdown after years of wear and tear. So unless you are getting something which is 3-5 years old, my recommendation would be to buy a new car since you have a generous enough budget. And my pick for you would be the new Slavia 1.5 TSI. Going by reviews, its a hoot to drive. Has generous ground clearance for a sedan. You can purchase extended warranty for peace of mind and not be worried about availability of any spares. And it starts at about 16L on road. So you won't have to stretch too much.

[Shanky_1002]

Originally Posted by fawad0222

Honda Accord or Skoda Yeti, If I could lay my hands on a pre-worshipped one within a budget of 2-4 lacs as it would enable me to keep them in good shape later years.

Hi Fawad, in case you're keen towards an Accord, a friend is parting with his Accord within your budget, he is an enthusiast and has kept it very well, recently invested in new rubber and momo revenge alloys. If you're interested, please PM me I'll share his contact you both can connect and see if it works for you.

Cheers! Happy hunting!

[fawad0222]

Thanks Open roads fir your valuable inputs. Wish you many more such posts on the forum.

Originally Posted by OpenRoads

Hi, This is my first post and I am pretty much a novice here. So let me try.

1. Reliable car which won't leave you stranded on highways along with low maintenance cost - Avoid pre-worshipped car to meet this goal.

Agreed though the lure of high end otherwise unaffordable, pretty reliable otherwise Japanese cars remains high

2. Safe and solidly built, good handler, refinement, Manual gears, Ground clearance, race and beauty
A) Compact SUV - Tata Harrier (first choice) or Hyundai Creta (second choice however there is long waiting period)

Tata Harrier agreed with doubts about its safety as no safety ratings are available), pricey but manageable, Creta, Unsafe without any doubts besides the issue of its looks

As an alternate can consider VW Taigun or Skoda Kushaq (1.5L TSI MT) however maintenance would be costlier than Tata or Hyundai.

Taigun and Kushaq both though are longer than 4m, look underwhelming AFA size is concerned besides are no more typical Skoda/ VW concerning quality or feel

B) Sedan - Honda City [only GC is a problem with 170mm]

Present Honda City just doesn't inspire me, don't know why. It a sensible option in sedans with a good engine. Perhaps I am not that sensible

Originally Posted by Time_Machine

Doc, your list of pre-worshipped cars is tempting. But preworshipped is a risky route. Even reliable cars can suffer a breakdown after years of wear and tear. So unless you are getting something which is 3-5 years old, my recommendation would be to buy a new car since you have a generous enough budget. And my pick for you would be the new Slavia 1.5 TSI.

Thanks Time Machine for you kind inputs. I agree with your thinking on pre-owned cars. After taking a test ride of Slavia 1.0 litre MT, I found the engine good enough for me, within the city and even on highways it is not found wanting. But the interiors and the quality in general were unnspiriing, which will be true even for 1.5.

Therefore I have zeroed on Vento1.0 litre TSI highline MT or Highline plus AT as it is definitely a VW car with the DNA VW is known for. Surely it has lesser features and may look somewhat dated but I am comfortable with that. I am forced to incline towards highline AT plus as it carries 4 airbags, ESC and hill assist,not available on highline MT. I believe this version through army canteen and the current discount being offered by the company would cost me around 3lacs less than the regular price otherwise.

Mod Note: Fixed broken quote tags. Please consider going through the following page to understand the functionality better. Thanks!
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/annou...ml#post2765631 (How to MULTI-QUOTE (when replying to a thread) on Team-BHP)

[Prashant1286]

Originally Posted by fawad0222

Thanks Prashant for your inputs.

apprehensive about their safety performance as both of them have Fiat 2 litre diesel engine and none of the Indian cars which sport them have come out with safety ratings.

I don't wish to drive CSUVs as I find their size a tid smaller for my liking

Hi Doc!

The first point is a valid concern. The limited information that I have is that the Harrier twins are likely to be tested soon and TATA is aiming for a four star rating despite the filter protrusion issue. Notwithstanding, the harrier would be safer than many pre-owned cars in your list.

The term CSUV is a marketing gimmick. I consider them bigger hatchbacks on stilts But they're practical and hence, sell well. If your preference is sedans, then buy one. Just that the Slavia or maybe the new Honda City are better options IMHO.

Happy car shopping!

[AJ56]

To some posts above saying all used cars are unreliable, I’ll have to say it is completely false. Technically each and every car you see on the road is a used car, doesn’t make them all bad. Always do your due diligence and check thoroughly and buy. In most cases you’ll be happy for many years to come. Also check the specific model for its known issues and avoid dog brands known to be unreliable internationally like FCA (now Stellantis), certain GM makes, etc. among others.

Coming to the Accord specifically, it’s one of the most reliable and easy to maintain cars one can look at in the non luxury midsize segment. Offering vastly superior power and build quality (and space) compared to any new subcompact you can buy at 15-20L like City/Creta/Seltos.
If you still have doubts, test drive and floor the 280HP 3.5L V6 and you’ll forget about the other options.

[Shreyfiesta]

Originally Posted by AJ56

To some posts above saying all used cars are unreliable, I’ll have to say it is completely false. Technically each and every car you see on the road is a used car, doesn’t make them all bad. Always do your due diligence and check thoroughly and buy. In most cases you’ll be happy for many years to come. Also check the specific model for its known issues and avoid dog brands known to be unreliable internationally like FCA (now Stellantis), certain GM makes, etc. among others.

You said it right AJ56! Not all used cars are unreliable.

Originally Posted by AJ56

Coming to the Accord specifically, it’s one of the most reliable and easy to maintain cars one can look at in the non luxury midsize segment. Offering vastly superior power and build quality (and space) compared to any new subcompact you can buy at 15-20L like City/Creta/Seltos. If you still have doubts, test drive and floor the 280HP 3.5L V6 and you’ll forget about the other options.

Hondas are known for reliability and the Accord is no different. Just get the service done correctly and it will never let you down. Dimensionally, the Accord is bigger than a BMW 5 Series G30, so it won't fit in everyone's garage. The silky smooth 2.4-litre i-VTEC is best suited for normal highway cruising as a comfortable commuter, it misses on the fun element actually. If you are concerned about fuel efficiency, buy this variant instead of the V6. Handling isn't great and ground clearance is too low. When parts fail, they are expensive as compared to those of other Hondas.

3.5-litre V6 variant has cylinder shut-off mechanism which shuts down selected cylinders, resulting in better fuel economy. The actual advantage of the cylinder deactivation is on the expressway when you're cruising. It is immensely powerful but lacks the quick throttle responses of the seventh-gen Accord V6. Even though Accord is a reliable model, it has known issues including windshield cracking, transmission slipping, wheel arch rusting and poor leather quality. If you have low running, get the 3.5 V6 variant itself, otherwise go for a regular 2.4 one for better fuel efficiency.

[fawad0222]

Hello everyone,

After much deliberations, I have decided to go for Vento Highline Plus AT through CSD and its Ex show room price after CSD and company discount is coming to be 1140000.
Now I need to decide on some add ons when I get the delivery of the car. What is your advice. What all accessories shall I go for. Should I opt for Ceramic/PPF coating or bigger tyres.
sincere regards

[SSD2122]

Dear fellow bhpians,

Pardon me for a long post.

It's been quite sometime that I have been thinking of buying a new car. While I do all the analysis and stuff, at the end I listen to my heart and it has always been so with the cars I land up with. Now the issue is that our forum has such lovely official as well as ownership reviews that after every review I start liking that car! And that starts more confusion.

So now I am putting down all details that I have in my mind and would like recommendations from fellow bhpians to help me start my search with some good choices.

Why a new car?
I have 2 cars in my garage. New Fiat linea Tjet (top variant) and Nano twist. Both from 2014 and very well maintained with no major issues till date. Both have clocked around 24K kms each. However since both are out of production, I find it difficult to maintain the Tjet and going ahead it would bother more. Not even speaking of resale. Thats a heartburn. Every SA I have met says "Sir you have maintained it so well." But I know nobody will pay big bucks for it.

Also due to my shoulder and knee surgery I am now finding it a bit difficult to drive Tjet with its long dimensions and clutch which has long travel and it's not light.

Regarding Nano, I am thinking of keeping it but may sell it off in next 2 to 3 years. It would make space for a 2 wheeler for my son. If selling both Tjet & Nano can help in lowering the price of the new one, am all for it.

I am a sole driver in my family. My usage pattern is daily 30 to 50 kms. 3 to 4 trips of 100 to 200kms in the year. 75% city driving and 25% highways. I am a disciplined driver (I do use indicators! ). I hate slowpokes and can say that I munch miles a bit faster than the average joe. (Having a Tjet says all).

What I desire

1. Engine
Free revving engine. Good bottom end torque. In other words no lag in lower rpms. Decent pull in mid and top range.

2. Diesel or Petrol
Either diesel / petrol is fine.
Should be economical hence I would prefer diesel. (Rising fuel costs). Also never owned one so want to try.

3. Good chiller AC.

4. Egress and ingress should be easy. (Am a sedan guy but open to try Compact SUV or an SUV).

5. Manual or Automatic
Automatic preferred. (no AMTs or DSGs which I see are prone to failures). Never been an automatic guy but that is the need of the hour. If manual then clutch should be very light with less travel.

6. Safety
Has to be 4 or 5 star. If 3 star then prefer front and side airbags. (I guess this will kill many available options).

7. Strong build quality. I never had any rattles in either linea Tjet or even Nano.

Family needs

We are a family of 5. 2 senior 70+ parents and a tall teenager. Usually we 3 travel most of the time and on some highway trips all 5 of us travel. So need decent boot space.

Budget range
Max upto 15 L on road.

So guys pls help. While I am in no hurry but want to start now as prices have been increasing every year.

[VWAllstar]

Originally Posted by SSD2122

We are a family of 5. 2 senior 70+ parents and a tall teenager. Usually we 3 travel most of the time and on some highway trips all 5 of us travel. So need decent boot space.

Budget range
Max upto 15 L on road.

If you dont mind pre owned then go for a well maintained Innova from 2016-2018. Since you have time, you can research and look for a good Innova. If luck permits, you may get the 2.8L AT. Innova will be a great car especially for your parents. Since you mentioned a tall teenager, assuming most of you to be tall as well. Compact SUVs wont be really comfortable and for new cars you can get hold of only those around 15 Lakhs.

[SSD2122]

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

If you dont mind pre owned then go for a well maintained Innova from 2016-2018. Since you have time, you can research and look for a good Innova. If luck permits, you may get the 2.8L AT. Innova..

Thanks VWAllstar, that's a good suggestion and I had it in my mind to go for a pre-owned innova. Having said that an AT would not be economical. I guess it would be a petrol one and am a bit wary of a used AT. Also 5 of us rarely travel. But yes will check this out.

[Swaminathan]

Originally Posted by SSD2122

So now I am putting down all details that I have in my mind and would like recommendations from fellow bhpians to help me start my search with some good choices.

I have a similar family (me, wife, 2 elders and a tall teenager )

3 years back, I had a Terrano and wanted to get a 7 seater but had budget constraints. Now, I have an XUV500 W3 variant, no regrets. In fact, my kid don't even get to the 3rd row. Elders and kid are comfortable in the second row and we have done long drives (600+ kms one stretch). Just wanted to share my experience.

Since, you mentioned you all don't travel together frequently and liked Sedans, you can check the Verna and the City. both these cars have become better over the years and also offer petrol AT. Having said that, SUVs are getting popular and if SUVs then you can check the Tata Nexon or the Creta.

[SSD2122]

Originally Posted by Swaminathan

I have a similar family (me, wife, 2 elders and a tall teenager )

Good to know that and thanks for the suggestion. Enjoy your ownership. I had checked out the Honda city ZX CVT 2 years back and had almost made up my mind. Then Covid struck and I cancelled my plan and made some investments.

Given my requirements I know it's difficult to get everything. I am inclined to take the SUV route for ease of everyone finding it easy to slide in esp. parents.

Brezza, XUV 300, WR-V etc is what comes to my mind. I desire a strong and fuss free engine. Do not want anything with longer dimensions.