I sold my 2001 Lancer SLXi yesterday.
Here are the requirements for my next car. I am also prepared to wait for a few months (my motorcyle will ferry me around until such time), if there are fresh products coming to our shores in the near future.
1.
Budget = Wide range, anywhere between 5 to 8 lacs (OTR)
2. Current and estimated future
running = Anywhere between 800 to 1200 kms per month (city + highway included). There is atleast one super long trip every year, to the tune of 1000+ kms.
3.
Fuel type = Preferably petrol, but I am game for a diesel too (provided my running justifies the initial price premium).
4.
Transmission = Preferably Manual, but auto-boxes will not be ruled out if they are competent and do not bring down FE considerably.
5.
Type = Hatchback or saloon, open to both options
6.
Condition = Preferably New, but I am not averse to a good condition Used one
Other key parameters like
Safety,
Performance,
FE are also top of the lists. Would not want to compromise on any of the said parameters. I trust, modern-day automobiles can offer a right mix of Performance and FE at the same time, hence both clauses are in the same breath! Another thing is that if I get a new car, I'll keep it for atleast 4-5 years. A used car will go in less than 3, for sure :-).
Following are the options that come to me mind upfront (in no particular order of importance):
1.
Fiat Palio Stile 1.6 Sport:
The original hot-hatch of India is still available, but I suspect it might go out soon. I visited B U Bhandari yesterday. Twice I asked about the longevity of the production of this model and the sales guy kept dilly-dallying. He also said, only Formula Red color is available, that too with a wait period of 3-5 weeks. The Ranjangaon plant is packed with the Linea and the Punto production. Looks like this is going the Ford Fusion way! But he said I could get one, if interested.
2.
Fiat Punto 1.3 MJD Emotion PK:
There are rumours of a 1.3 VGT making its way in the Punto soon, remains to be seen when. Should I wait?
3.
Fiat Punto 1.4 FIRE Emotion PK:
The 1.4 T-Jet is also rumoured to be on its way! More dilemma!
4.
Ford Fiesta 1.6 S:
T-BHPians love this car, isn't it! I like the Aquaris Blue so much so that I feel like walking into the Ford showroom and booking it straightaway, but impulse is not good with a new car purchase, I suppose. Another thing, will this come under 8 L OTR? Any discounts on offer in the festive period?
5.
Maruti Suzuki Swift DDis vDi ABS:
I've read about this pocket rocket a lot. Is it a guaranteed long-termer? Maybe, owners may give some idea. I don't mind being just another face in the crowd (with so many Swifts around!) as long as I get what I want from my car.
6.
Mitsubishi Cedia Sports (Used):
This would be a logical upgrade from the Lancer, me thinks. But its tough to find a used Cedia in Pune, there are a few in Mumbai but I prefer to go for a used Pune vehicle only. It won't fetch much resale too, after 2-3 years of usage!
7.
Toyota Corolla H2 (
Used 2004-2006 make):
Reliable, decent performance in its class, long-termer, fuel efficient. Only that it looks a tad boring to me! If I can live with the looks, this would be a good car to drive for 2-3 years and fetch a decent resale. I also learn (from a used-car dealer) that the spares are not overtly expensive.
Am I on the right track guys? Are there other options that are worth considering? Need your opinions,