[zenx]

A neighbour of ours needs to buy a car (sedan, hatch, whatever). They are no major enthusiasts - in fact neither knows how to drive yet and for some time to come the car may be chauffeured. They're 2 adults and 2 kids (growing tall, fast) - don't do too many highway trips, and even in the city, expect to stay around a 1000kms a month tops including the commute. Initial capital outlay is an issue - basically the 10L+ segment is a non-starter.

The safety equipment + weight requirements are those from their organization, through which the car will be bought - and which allows only cars meeting those specs (for safety, apparently) inside their campus.

Advice ? The Fabia is one option, but I thought it does not seem very VFM. The Vista would've been great if it came with ABS + airbags, but that seems distant.

[karanraheja]

They can wait for New City and Fiat Linea. Both the cars would be priced around that range. For their running petrol will do and New City should fit the bill or else the Linea.

P.S. : IMO Vista with ABS & Airbags aint far away as Tata is planning to export it.

[phamilyman]

SX4, Swift would be the obvious ones. Fabia/Fiesta is good too. Esp since car lease buggers include a full maintenance plan option as well.

[snaronikar]

Assuming that it will be driven only in city mroe often, and assuming that the choice is less than 10L, it would be great if they go in for SX4/Fiesta/verna/NHC (yet to be launched) in Sedans. For a 10L, it it better they stick to Sedans.

[v1p3r]

The i10 is a great car, and at a price which wouldn't seem too high compared to an SX4. Or there's always the Swift.

[zenx]

Yeah the i10 would be a good choice, but for the weight criteria. How much is the Fiesta Petrol with these options, and is ok on the FE/maintenance front ? The Swift with all the options seems a trifle expensive for a hatch - especially considering the rear space issue and some reported rattles early in its life.

[zenx]

Requirements changes a bit - 10L is ok (not much more tho) - and a 80-100km a day drive might be on the cards. ABS + Airbags are both critical requirements - else the Verna would've been a great choice.
How's the Cedia ? A.S.S. in Bangalore ok for Mitsubishi ?

[zenx]

TD'd the Fiesta 1.4TDCi today - the top end with ABS, Airbags, leather.Nice, compact car, decent space, interiors, great boot space, good acceleration tho one needs to stay involved with the gear-shift. Does bottom out on large speed breakers but very nice suspension otherwise. 9.7OTR.

Is this a good option ? How bad is Ford A.S.S.? How're these cars after 50k ? And most importantly, how much can one expect to bring down the price ?

[ravibhat]

I suggest all New Honda City or used Innova Diesel V spec. You can easily find it in with excellant condition, Popular AutoMatch is best place to buy Innova. One can get it around 9 to 10 lacs bracket with 20k ODO.

Regards,

Ravi.

[zenx]

Cool - thanks Ravi - will pass that info on. ANHC does look very promising - except that the FE is unknown right now.

[benkey2]

Is this a good option ? How bad is Ford A.S.S.? How're these cars after 50k ? And most importantly, how much can one expect to bring down the price ?

as far as TDCi, at present the resale value is good. A.S.S it depends on the dealer and above all your luck.many have mentioned here that december is dry month regarding car sales. IMO, u can wait till dece. 2nd week, negotiate and book whatever vehicle u have selected and get it registered in jan. next year.