[arun_nitc]

Dear Members,

This is my very first post here. I have been following Team BHP since 2015 and became a member in 2021. But being the chronic introvert that I am (both in real and virtual world), have always preferred to remain silent and just read. Before I move into the dilemma (trilemma, quadrilemma?? ) of my current situation, be brief background on the cars I currently own:

1. Maruti Ritz Vxi 2014: This was very first car I purchased at a time when I was not very well informed about cars. During that time, I was posted in Delhi and was using my trusted Thunderbird. Infact after getting my four-wheeler license at the age of 18, I never drove a car till I purchased the Ritz ten years later. I had gone to the Maruti dealer for purchasing a Swift and found the Ritz which was nearly a lakh cheaper the more practical option. A decision driven solely by the head than heart. Even after the purchase, for nearly one year, I hardly used the car till I got shifted to Bangalore in 2015. The Ritz started being used extensively not just for daily commute, but monthly highway runs on various trips. It was here that my love for the 4 Wheels started growing and with it the admiration for this community.

2. Tata Harrier Dark Edition XT 2020: A shift to my home state of Kerala in 2018 meant that the highway runs started increasing with frequent trips to my hometown (500km round trip) from the place of posting. Family members also used to frequently commute with us and the need for a bigger car arose. Had been following news about Tata Harrier for quite sometime and with the launch of the vehicle in 2019, it was decided that this would be our next car. However, waited for a year to ensure that the initial niggles of a new Tata vehicle get sorted out and finally booked the vehicle in January 2020. The vehicle has been the trusted steed (albeit with some niggles) since then with the Ritz becoming the beater car.

3. Hyundai Verna SX(O) 1.5 DCT 2024: In 2024, I got shifted to Mumbai and the need for another car arose as my family did not shift. I did not shift the harrier because in stop and go traffic, have faced the issue of the clutch pedal getting fully decompressed and the vehicle getting stuck in traffic (anyone has a solution to this?). Also needed an automatic. Finalized the Verna and has been driving it since Aug 2024.

Why the need for a new car?

Well, it is not much of a need but rather the want. The pre-owned market scene in Mumbai and the rates at which the vehicles are available (something un-imaginable in Kerala) has re-kindled an old flame for upgrading to a luxury brand. Will not be using it here in Mumbai but shift it to Kerala as the family is there. Will mostly be selling off the Harrier as well.
With this idea, in the last couple of months, have been scouring through the online portals (like carwale) and have possibly shortlisted the following vehicles (with a budget of around 30 lakhs). Have not test driven any, by the way, and this is just a “preliminary survey” to get feedback and opinions from the experts here:

1. A 2018 630i with 50K odd kms. Available with BMW infinity motors and has warranty and BSI package upto 2028. The vehicle is being “worked on” at their workshop and should be available to view in the first week of Feb. From the specs and the pics, very much attracted to this, but am really worried about the run flat tyres. I know, not the most important thing to worry about when buying pre-owned luxury brand, but somehow after seeing some experiences online about the tyres and the cost / headaches feeling worried about the same.

2. A 2022 Volvo XC40 B4 with just around 17K odd kms. Available with Navnit Motors, not clear about warranty and service package and need to discuss with the sales executive.

3. Some Random GLCs from the 2018 period with around 50K kms, haven’t shortlisted any single one.

4. A late entrant, 2022 Hyundai Tucson Diesel Signature with around 17K odd kms

I know, I am all over the place and these vehicles are from various segments and offer different value proposition.

My heart says 630i, but as I said, really worried about the upkeep and maintenance cost.
The Tucson seems like the most practical choice as I am hoping to keep the vehicle for atleast 8 years, but lacks the badge (we cant have everything ). Would really welcome the learned opinions of the members.

PS: would also like to put out a request and open invite to any members located in Mumbai who, if free would like to come for test drives (ofcourse the dates of which are not finalized).

[IshaanIan]

If the BMW looks good and is still under warranty till 2028, then it can be tempting for all the right reasons; you are getting the car at its peak depreciated value much bigger than anything else in consideration and arguably in its own league as far as what you’re comparing it to. That said run flat tyres are the least of your concern in terms of maintenance costs. New tyres should almost be a given with most cars anyway but the cost of other spares will also be super expensive.

Considering you are tempted by such a wide range of cars, why not look out for an Audi Q2 or a GLA? They would probably be more sensible “luxury” buys.

[lamborghini]

Originally Posted by arun_nitc

My heart says 630i, but as I said, really worried about the upkeep and maintenance cost.
The Tucson seems like the most practical choice as I am hoping to keep the vehicle for atleast 8 years, but lacks the badge (we cant have everything ). Would really welcome the learned opinions of the members.

Honestly, the Tucson is meh, and the price though good - you can buy a petrol one new for a similar asking. Given your budget, I would also consider the Kodiaq TSi, Audi Q5, and X3.30i. These could be a great option for the city as well should you decide to use it every day in Mumbai and send the Verna to home - built for our roads, and with many specialized workshops it would be easy to maintain too.
There is a 2023 Q5 and a 2019 X3.30i in the market space - maybe on carwale.

Coming to the sedans - honestly, the sedans feel much nicer than their SUV counterparts when it comes to driving them, admiring them, or even the ambience inside. Here I would recommend checking out a G20 530D (one done some 20K and well specced), the A6 (a 5K driven example is available again).
The 630i too is a brilliant option, but 50K is a lot so I'd also check out the condition of the suspension, etc. RFT can be replaced so that's not a worry but do keep some savings aside for air suspension work.
Also most Germans do give AC issues as they become older, and rubber components too start deteriorating so keep these factors in mind. Otherwise they typically age extremely well and if maintained right - feel tight till the time you sell it.

[bijims]

Because you are purchasing the car for use in Kerala, a used car worth around 30 lakhs should be a Mercedes or a BMW (for the snob value, obviously) and considering the options listed the 630i is the best bet, go for it, your heart wants it. The last time you went with a head-over-heart decision, this time don't make the same mistake again!

Yes, upkeep and maintenance costs will be high, but when you are buying something worth 30-odd lakhs in the used car market, it is expected. The Tucson with the Hyundai badge hardly has any snob value and would feel like any other car, It is too similar to your Verna with the same touchscreen, same instrument cluster as in new Hyundai-Kia cars and even the same ADAS suite.

So go for the BMW!

[sunikkat]

You mentioned the reason for this purchase is a luxury brand and Tucson should not even come in contention here.

To give a perspective, in Bangalore a 2020 320Ld with 61k kms was quoted 37 lakhs, which is more or less the case with Kerala too. Considering this you are getting a 630i for lesser price. If I had access to Mumbai used market would have bought a used luxury over a new one. I would say check that 630i thoroughly and if all fine, go ahead with it. Or look out for a 530d/630d/340i/330i etc. Dont settle for a Hyundai, that you can buy from Kerala too as the price difference wouldn’t be much.

[arun_nitc]

Originally Posted by IshaanIan

Considering you are tempted by such a wide range of cars, why not look out for an Audi Q2 or a GLA? They would probably be more sensible “luxury” buys.

That's very true. GLA and Q2 would be the most sensible choices, but somehow, at the beginning of this search, I filtered out GLA/X1/Q3/Q2 category entry cars. The XC40 somehow loved it (possibly because of the stance and design) and hence was considered for this class.

Originally Posted by lamborghini

Honestly, the Tucson is meh, and the price though good - you can buy a petrol one new for a similar asking.

There is a 2023 Q5 and a 2019 X3.30i in the market space - maybe on Carwale.

RFT can be replaced, so that's not a worry, but do keep some savings aside for air suspension work.
Also, most Germans give AC issues as they age, and rubber components start deteriorating, so keep these factors in mind. Otherwise, they typically age extremely well and, if maintained right - feel tight till the time you sell it.

True, Tucson was never considered, and it doesn't have the badge either. But somehow, it popped up in the recommendations in Carwale and, as I already mentioned, seemed a VFM. Also, I have come to admire the Hyundai service. It is a notch higher than Maruti and, of course, much better than Tata.

I couldn't find any X3/Q5 in this budget and mileage. If you have a link to the lead, I would appreciate it if you shared it.

Thank you for the input on the suspension and the AC. I will certainly look into it and get it checked.

Originally Posted by bijims

Because you are purchasing the car for use in Kerala, a used car worth around 30 lakhs should be a Mercedes or a BMW (for the snob value, obviously)

Yes, so true

With the inputs here, I called up the Infiniti BMW guy today regarding the 630i. The last time I spoke, he said the car should be available in one month, and today, he informed me that it should be ready by 4/5th Feb. I'm Looking forward to that. I'll post an update on the same.

In the meantime, I'm thinking about checking out the XC40 B4 and a 320 GT this weekend. I'll update you on that as well.

Thanks

[Mukunthan91]

Hi, why not get the Innova Hycross petrol GX variant or the new XUV700 petrol. Both these 2 cars fit your budget, and your running cost should also be reasonable. Getting a new car from Toyota is better option than a used European luxury car.

[shashi792]

When it's a heart vs. head decision where heart wins, don't go with Hyundai or Q2 or even Toyota. I will pick a BMW or similar ones. I will in my mind keep aside a said cash of 2-3 L to up keep the car (would negotiate the final cost to accomodate for the upkeep also).

[TURb]

Originally Posted by arun_nitc

Dear Members,

This is my very first post here. Would really welcome the learned opinions of the members.
.

I suggest you go ahead with 630i for the following reasons.

• 2018 Make 630i with 50K km running is quite new
• BSI package and warranty extending up to 2028
• it’s being sold by BMW Infinity Motors
• From your post it feels like you are more tilted toward it
• Its BMW

If flat-run tires are the concern you can change them later on.

Let us know your final decision.

All the best...

[Precision]

If your plan is to purchase a car from Mumbai and transferring it to Kerala, Please have a look at the Delhi NCR market too.
Simillar brand/model you will be able to find later models for the same price.
Sorry in advance to add to your confusion.

[one-77]

Originally Posted by arun_nitc

Well, it is not much of a need but rather the want . The pre-owned market scene in Mumbai and the rates at which the vehicles are available (something un-imaginable in Kerala) has re-kindled an old flame for upgrading to a luxury brand. Will not be using it here in Mumbai but shift it to Kerala as the family is there.

Nice conundrum to be in. Kerala used luxury car prices are crazy, being controlled by organised players lake Royal Drive and the like. While in Mumbai, you should also look at the GJ options. Tax is lower and prices may be better, just have a look at the BMW pre owned what.

I hope you have factored in the costs for re-registering the car in Kerala too. I’ve driven a KL car for close to 5 years in Mumbai, but I don’t think the reverse may be possible back home.

[wheelspinner]

Originally Posted by arun_nitc

My heart says 630i, but as I said, really worried about the upkeep and maintenance cost.
The Tucson seems like the most practical choice as I am hoping to keep the vehicle for atleast 8 years, but lacks the badge (we cant have everything ). Would really welcome the learned opinions of the members.

Skip the Tucson. It is also high on maintenance and parts are hard to find.

If you want reliability, then buy a newer less used Fortuner?

Or, if you want fun, then find a less used and newer 3 series? 50k clicks are a lot, and usually it is better to pick <5 year old luxury cars with <20k Kms on odo.

[arun_nitc]

Originally Posted by Mukunthan91

Hi, why not get the Innova Hycross petrol GX variant or the new XUV700 petrol.

I test drove the XUV petrol when it was launched and the XUV diesel recently before finalizing the Verna. With a Tata already in the garage, really did not want to go for a Mahindra as well. Just to put things in perspective, the sales guy from Mahindra hardly followed up after the XUV Diesel test drive. Mahindra was running the 2L discount campaign that time, and I guess they must have had a lot of enquiries. But if this was the response / follow up during sales, it only made me dread what the service experience would be.

Also, neither the Innova or the XUV fits into the conundrum that i am in (read as badge value ). This is more of a heart over head call. And happily, it is only in this forum (as expected) that support has been pouring in, everyone else to whom I pitch this idea seems to think I am crazy

Originally Posted by TURb

I suggest you go ahead with 630i for the following reasons.

You have actually promptly summed up why the 630i is on top of the list.

Originally Posted by Precision

Please have a look at the Delhi NCR market too.

If i was in Delhi yes, but being here in Mumbai, the follow-ups would be difficult I guess. Also, to be very frank, do not see that much of a difference.

Originally Posted by one-77

Nice conundrum to be in. Kerala used luxury car prices are crazy, being controlled by organised players lake Royal Drive and the like.
I hope you have factored in the costs for re-registering the car in Kerala too. I’ve driven a KL car for close to 5 years in Mumbai, but I don’t think the reverse may be possible back home.

Yes correct.

-------------------------

Weekend Update:

So the XC40 B4 from Navnit Motors which was the second preference in my list has been sold. So lined up a test drive for a 2019 XC60 Inscription with 50k odd kms. Overall felt good but the gear lever was really hard. Is it normal for Volvo? Checked with an S90 was well and it also had the same feel.

[Cresterk]

The 630i is definitely the most luxurious and VFM option but it’s also complicated and maintenance costs might stack up. The runflat tyres can easily be swapped out to normal tyres.

The Volvo is a safe bet.

That year GLC is meh. Neither luxurious nor feature rich nor maintenance friendly.

Would also recommend keeping an eye out for the XC60 or BMW 3 series. Both are luxurious but comparatively easy to maintain. They would be my first pick as a used luxury car.

[arun_nitc]

Update #2: More confusion!!!
So, I was out of town for the last couple of weeks and received call from the Infiniti sales rep that the 630i is ready. Lined up for a test drive yesterday together with a test drive of a 2021 XC40 T4 which was available with Navnit motors.
Just to refresh memory from my first post (of the peers who are still reading this from beginning), Navnit had a 22 XC40 B4, which was second on my list, but the same was sold by the time I contacted them. Learned about a 2021 T4 and so decided to line it up together with the 6.
Started with the test drive of the T4 but will first summarize the feedback from the TD of the 6series. The exterior of the car looks exquisite, royal even. The drive and the performance, again brilliant, the car kept gaining speed and this being the first ever BMW I have driven, certainly did put a grin on my face.

Now coming to the bad parts:

1. The white interiors certainly show the age. Having been used for 42K kms, the leather does show the wrinkles and the discoloration. Certainly, puts a dent on the snob factor
2. The rear spoiler failed to deploy from the inside and a warning came that unable to deploy at the moment.
3. The suspension did not raise when the same was attempted by the executive.
4. I have taken the service history, and in July 2024 there is replacement of air spring done. Does this mean the air suspension had issue and replaced?
5. In 2022, there has been a replacement of the front bumper and panel as well.

Seems to throw up too many red flags, particularly with the failures of spoiler. They had to replace the driver side switches due to malfunction and I wonder whether there is any other serious electrical systems issues. The car is under BSI till 2028, but not clear what all are covered under the same. Have asked for the same. But overall, has come away a little bit disappointed and apprehensive of burning my fingers.
Now coming to the test drive of the T4, felt overall satisfied with the drive. The performance, as read from the other reviews in TeamBHP is certainly not exhilarating, but as @gismosin has stated in his ownership review, is more than adequate. The exterior and interior looked good, nay excellent, being a car less than 4 years old. The rear seat is not the most comfortable place to be and is useful for two adults.
Got the service records and some red flags are listed below:

1. Found SRS Airbag (Supplemental Restraint System) faulty and need to be replace the SRS airbag.
2. Noise comes from both tailgate drive units while operating the tailgate.
3. Found subwoofer faulty
4. Main battery weak needs to be replaced at around 15K

The car is being quoted 30 Lakhs, with around 28K on the odo (is this OK?? Should I bargain more??). Inclined towards this, as the size seems more practical and realistic for daily use as well as long drives. Of course need to get it checked from the Volvo service center. Would like feedback on the above red flags and whether there are any other specific concerns with the XC40 which should be checked out.
PS: Also lining up some other test drives and shall update details as well. Quite frankly, I am also enjoying driving these machines as well