Team-BHP - Used car for 3 - 5 lakhs? My 1st car as a new driver

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrMcqueen (Post 5821534)

I Have shortlisted these cars 1. TATA Tiago XZA 1.2 AMT and 2. Honda Jazz 1.2 i-Vtec V CVT.

I'd buy the Jazz if peace of mind is important over a 2nd owner Tata Tiago.
I wouldn't be worried about Honda leaving and spares - by and large they've been fairly decent with their discontinued models.

Make sure to get the car properly vetted and a transmission oil flush is recommended!

Lastly running is limited but the cvt isn't a fuel sipper so do keep that in mind as well - it'll be a small price to pay though for added convenience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrMcqueen (Post 5821534)

Background

my father bought Nissan maxima pre-owned and then moved to Nissan Altima brand new afterwards, both are CVTs.

As I have settled in Hyderabad, he usually comes to my place from our native which is nearly 650 Kms, on our Liva at least once in 2 months, which has clocked over 130K kms and counting.

As I do not want him to drive these long distances at this age of 64. I am planning to buy a car that is automatic.

The car will be used sparsely and will be 95% city ride.

Requirements

• Budget 5 lakhs, pre-worshipped car,Non-negotiable on price.
• With my very low running and weekly two days running, Petrol car will be sufficient.
• I need a reliable, fuss free ownership.
• Need a safe car. 4- or 5-star safety rating.
• Though 95% of the drive is in city, there will be occasional long drives of max 400 Kms
• Minimum 2 airbags, ABS. Additional airbags, ESC are good to have.

I humbly request the members to weigh in and give your thoughts.

I’ll suggest look at larger cars given you want safety, comfort and a long highway drive every two months. Cars like Jazz and Tiago are not only very underpowered but also don’t do well in cross winds on highways as they’re extremely light and built to cost with poor NVH levels. They also won’t get side and curtain airbags or even basic ESP (traction control).

Keep in mind NCAP stars don’t hold across different weight categories, that is, a small car rated 5 stars will still do much worse than a larger, heavier car also rated 5 stars in a real world crash against each other.

Instead of paying 5L for a 2015 Jazz, consider a 2012-13 Accord/Camry. The latter you’ll get around 3.5-4L and Camry you’ll get around 5-6L. Look for low mile, single owner cars and have them checked thoroughly by the dealer and your mechanic and you’ll be set.

Honda parts are not difficult to source, any competent mechanic should be able to source easily for you (speaking as a long time Honda owner since 2001).

I myself picked up a 2013 Camry at just 6.5L a few months ago, single owner - 67k kms. Couldn’t be happier.