[MotoDrive]

Originally Posted by antz.bin

Please walk. Or ride a bicycle. That's the best way to get to the metro station that's just 1 km away. I read that Bengaluru metro has allowed folding bikes on board the metro, check with Kochi metro if they will allow the same so you will have transportation on the other side as well.

Buy a Brompton Folding bicycle, available in India with Procycle in Indiranagar, Bangalore. Costs around INR 1.5 Lakhs. You will still save a lakh or so over your budget for used car. And you can carry it in Metro trains.

[kika]

Why not try services like rapido? They have a monthly subscription option that you can try.

[ruhtam]

I wanted to try out skateboards since childhood, but I stuck with my bicycle then. Now that the tech has evolved and I'm a little old for a skateboard, these amazing hoverboards and segways has woke up that child in me. Perfect for a travel within 5kms. I agree our roads and pavements are not that great to support these, but if your path is mostly clear you can try a funky little personal vehicle

Segway has partnered with an Indian company it seems and have some minimal but decent collection here: https://huse.co.in/segway/

There's another company that's operational in India: https://uboardindia.com/

Try these out, maybe you can give it to your kids if your situation becomes better and you can walk everyday.

On a side note: Maybe you've heard this several times but here goes again. Walking is the best cure for lower back pains in the long term, but take care of your health with some hamstring exercises and stretches to begin your recovery. I've had good relief doing some stretches every morning and evening, mine's less severe than yours though.

[pannags]

Originally Posted by petrol_power

I don't want ANY driving thrills/ excitement/ cornering/ steering feedback/ power / safety airbags / mileage, etc. All I need is that old world looks I can't take my eyes of, something which I saw growing up in my school days.

Just get hold of a well maintained Maruti 800. Spinny has one in a shade of cool blue featured in their television advert.

Originally Posted by petrol_power

Cars I can think about - Tata Sierra, Tata Estata, SRV. Others - Old Pajero, Outlander, GrandVitara, Kizashi

For a less than 1 KM drive!?

[T-Bone]

Based on your requirements, especially the price range, all I can think of is just one car "Tata Nano", last gen. You should definitely look at it.

[Herschey]

Rather than investing in a car that you don't really require, invest in improving your health and endurance. Invest in a great pair of walking/ running sneakers and backpack. Change your sneakers with a formal pair once you reach office and put them back on before leaving for home. Park your formal pair in a locker/ drawer at work itself.

[AGupta]

SX4 petrol fits the bill perfectly.
It looks decent, not so common appearance on streets like alto/wagon r, reliable, good ground clearance etc.

[silverado]

If you have decathlon, buy yourself a OXELO TOWN 7XL Scooter. Check it out. Its 3X faster than walking and perfect for 2kms commute.
I have one and we use it for recreational rides.

[Pennant1970]

As a fellow Keralite with back issues and a desk-induced belly, I get your pain. I generally use my CBZ Xtreme where I can't justify using my car. Walking is something that I will do tomorrow or the next week.

Kidding aside, I believe you are looking for unique looks and ease of use. Knowing Kochi somewhat (lived and worked there in the mid-90s - bad roads even then), I would suggest a well maintained petrol Premier Padmini, which is still in abundance here. Parts are not much of an issue and every wayside mechanic and his grandpa can work on it. Of course, an Ambassador is not bad either - but I see very few petrol ones now. Exotics will let you down in the long run.

And walk tomorrow.

[astrodex]

I don't agree with many of the responses about taking alternate transport or walking. Considering it rains like 9 months in Kochi and the roads to the main metro station, I get it that you don't want to walk. A two wheeler is also a pain during the rains. Moreover the OP is already taking a step towards green by taking the metro!

My recommendation is to go for a smaller car. Cars like Pajero and Sierra would be a pain to find parking for and even driving in city. Would look for some of these smaller cars.

I would look for a first gen i10, Brio, Liva - parts are not an issue
Next would be Esteem or Zen - both have classy feels and parts still available
Next would be Nano AT, Ford Fiesta

Brio and Liva were not big hits so you should be able to find them for cheap. Also, they have very good reliability and are not that 'common'

[WorkingGuru]

Hire a rick. Schedule the ride on Uber/Ola, or just hail them on the road.

Instead of a car rotting in your driveway, this will help out some poor guy earning his bread and would likely be better for your peace of mind from maintaining a cheap rattling used car.

[shrinz.vivek]

I would suggest an old santro for you. You will get well maintained ones for less than 1.5 lacs. Its looks better than WagonR or M800. Can be modified for bling or elegance.
The next option would be a an Omni.

[DudeWithaFiat]

Originally Posted by petrol_power

Dear all,

My requirements:
1. It has to be dirt cheap
2. Manual is fine.
3. I don't want the main stream cars like Alto/Santro etc.
5. .......The car just need to have some character and decent brakes not to hit others.
4. ..... Tata Sierra, Tata Estata, SRV.... Old Pajero, Outlander, GrandVitara, Kizashi, if they are available for less than some 4 lacs.
5. One issue is that I don't want to spend much time searching for spare parts and all.
6. Cheap maintenance and parts, so I do not want the Old W124 benz and similar vehicles.
7. No old THAR, old jeeps/ Mahindra classics, Gypsy

Since you have made up your mind not to walk and forego the enormous health benefits that will bless you when you become older, let me add my 2 cents here.

That is an almost impossible combination of requirements that you are looking for. Any other cars outside the mainstream Alto/Santro, you will have to spend a considerable amount of time with the mechanics. No matter how reliable the seller says the car is.

If the below 3 are the main requirements:

1) Cheap,
2) Availability of spares,
3) Cheap/easy maintenance and reliable,

Then the only options are:

1) Alto
2) Santro
3) Wagon-R
4) i10.

If you want character, but no brakes:

then:

Maruti 800 5-speed - you may have to pimp it up by adding some nice tyres, good seats and lights. And ready to spend some time initially looking for one.

[Scarlet_Rider]

If walking and 2 wheeler options are ruled out, then go for the 4 speed MPFI Maruti 800. Spares are easily available compared to the 5 speed version. Plus the maintenance is far less compared to the carburettor version.

[VinsWagen]

Buy an Auto Rickshaw. Private one. It's actually one of the most fun-to-drive vehicles to own, esp for such short runs. One with a rich legacy in India as old as a Contessa, or an Ambassador. Fun, Easy on the pocket, Easy on maintenance, and enough protection from the weather. Unique, and very much customizable. Yeh, it does not come with Airbags but that is ok. So are the two-wheelers and you are traveling for a short distance.