Unusual choice: CR-V, Jazz or Cedia Sports!

Car Fan · 21st September 2009, 10:10

So I am trying to decide among three choices after an exhaustive search for the right car. I can spend any amount I wish but I live in Delhi and have a specific (and perhaps unique!) sense of value.

Important criteria for me are: refinement and a feel-good experience, safety (have seen some nasty crashes on Delhi roads), rear seat space (since I am chauffeured in the daytime). I like the Japanese manufacturers because of the hassle-free ownership experience and better value. Also I want a car that will take some amount of wear and tear from regular contact with insane Delhi drivers and motorcyclists (hence no to the BMW 325i for instance!).

Here are my choices:
(1) The new Cedia Sports: A fantastic driver's car with class-leading handling; good ride on Delhi roads (if harsher than Civic/Corolla on normal tarmac - much better over potholes however), good value at Rs10.6L with various bells and whistles; comfortable rear seat; Japanese quality; a decent three-year warranty. Most importantly, it really grows on you despite being a generation behind its main Japanese competitors and mixed quality interiors (cool sporty features offset by boring gauges and a climate control panel looks like it was made in a gram panchayat!).

I took my uncle's Civic AT for a spin after the Cedia test drive: it has that wow factor but you get much more body roll and inability to deal with poor roads for a price that is Rs 2-3L more. But what a driver's cockpit!

I think of the Cedia Sports as the poor man's BMW 3 series.

(2) Honda Jazz: many people understandably find it overpriced but I was blown away by the refinement, interiors and sense of space. Great manouvrability in the city. The ideal city car really, best in class safety features (apart from the boring Hyundai i20). Four year warranty. Would get Jazz Mode in all likelihood for Rs 7.7L or thereabouts.

(3) Used Honda CR-V: a friend has a 2004 CR-V AT with only 9,000 km done (and it's not a fraud!). It's in good shape, excellent for Delhi roads, lots of storage space. I am thinking of offering Rs7.0-7.5L. The question mark is: are there any risks to a low mileage car that is five years old even if it is a Honda? Seems to be in good condition when I drive it although of course I will do a full check before I buy it.

I might seem schizophrenic but I see value in all of these in different ways. Reactions?

aseem · 21st September 2009, 10:27

Honda CRV it is with eyes closed!

bharti22shresth · 21st September 2009, 10:47

The HONDA CRV in this case. Plus, you save a lot on depreciation front. Car won't loose as much as a new car if you plan to sell it 5 years down the line.
Provided the car is in as good a shape and you are telling.

wanderlustindia · 21st September 2009, 17:45

Quite a tricky set of wheels to choose from

.
If I was you, I'd go for the CR-V and keep it for atleast 3-4 years. It won't lose much value by then because it would not have run a lot by then (assuming you'd drive 10k kms/year, which means after 3-4 years, your total running would be approx. 40-50k kms.)
Only downside is the poor FE (I learn its 6-7 kpl in the city).

sushrutha · 22nd September 2009, 10:55

Honda CR-V it is, no second thought. 9k kms is almost virgin for Honda car. Even the deal is too good to resist.
Just get a good service done & if possible a tyre change(5 year old tyres).
But be ready for the low mileage approx 6-7kmpl

RajaTaurus · 22nd September 2009, 18:33

QUOTE: "(since I am chauffeured in the daytime)."
Question:And you drive only in the evenings and nights?

- Cedia Sports is a driver's car and no fun in sitting at the back. This is an eye-turner True Sports Car.
- CR-V is IMO not fit for any kind of Chauffeuring whatsoever. Its an SUV! You must drive it - day or night.
- That leaves Jazz which fits both Chaeuffeuring and driving options make sense.

My Two Paise.

McLaren Rulez · 22nd September 2009, 18:45

Easy. The CR-V. It can be used a chauffer driven car, nothing wrong there. It fits your requirements fine and most importantly, its the best deal of the lot. 9k is a Honda that's had its running in done for you. Take it with your eyes shut.

Sss · 22nd September 2009, 20:35

well all three are excellent choices and do meet the criteria of excellent refinement and hassle free maintenance.
However my vote would go to CRV, but offer him between 6-6.5L if its a 2l AT and 50 grand more if its a 2.4l AT

psp62in · 23rd September 2009, 10:46

CR-V should be the choice.

Jazz is out of question because the rear seats are bech like (compared to the other two options) and not comfortable at all. Does not meet your requirement on that front.

Car Fan · 23rd September 2009, 12:05

A clear consensus in favour of the CR-V! Now I just have to pry it from my friend's hands...

Even though I am chauffeured around in the daytime, I do enjoy driving myself in the evenings and nights - the later the better, given Delhi traffic! The Cedia is certainly more fun to drive than the CR-V - to the point that I would consider transferring my driver to my sister who might need him. No kidding.

Something about that car really appeals to me even though I know I will feel like a fool a year from now if say they introduced a new Lancer Ralliart! But I need to get a car now; no point waiting around.

Aditya · 23rd September 2009, 12:47

The CR-V 2.4 Automatic is the most relaxing car to drive or be driven in under 30 lakhs. Period.
The fairly high yet car like driving position, the smooth autobox, the power, handling and decent ride, the space - hard to think of any vehicle that can match the CR-V. It's looks are not to my liking and it's rubbish off-road, but, I can let that slide.
It is my favourite Honda.

jkdas · 23rd September 2009, 12:58

CRV it should be !

And plus one to raj's post.

Would also suggest the Outlander.

Parm · 23rd September 2009, 13:06

you just cant compare a mitsubishi to a Honda in terms of engine refinement and other aspects of the manufacturing a vehicle!

anyway coming back to the topic, like everyone else said and agreed on one thing:

Honda CR-V it is for you.

i just cant believe its drive only 9000kms in 5 years!

drive safe and happy driving

Chat · 29th September 2009, 22:20

It should be Cedia sports for you. Why would you buy a 5 year old vehicle regardless it is CRV or Porsche or whatever? Even if it is driven only 9000 km and looks nice from the outside, it is an old model. You would shell out lot more over a period of time in the upkeep and maintenance of the car and the daily niggles.

Buy a new car and if it is Cedia Sports it would grow on you. Drive it hassle free for next 5 years.

Car Fan · 6th October 2009, 14:34

Sadly, my friend decided to keep the CR-V, calculating that it was worth more hanging on to it given the low mileage than to sell it.

So that leaves me with the Cedia Sports and Honda alternatives (Jazz and City). I have been offered the Cedia at Rs9.7L ex showroom, which is a Rs20,000 discount. Apparently there is one ready for delivery in the colour that I want. Is that a decent discount or have others received better ones?

Any advice is welcome!

21st September 2009, 10:10	#1
Car Fan BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Delhi Posts: 97 Thanked: 60 Times	Unusual choice: CR-V, Jazz or Cedia Sports! So I am trying to decide among three choices after an exhaustive search for the right car. I can spend any amount I wish but I live in Delhi and have a specific (and perhaps unique!) sense of value. Important criteria for me are: refinement and a feel-good experience, safety (have seen some nasty crashes on Delhi roads), rear seat space (since I am chauffeured in the daytime). I like the Japanese manufacturers because of the hassle-free ownership experience and better value. Also I want a car that will take some amount of wear and tear from regular contact with insane Delhi drivers and motorcyclists (hence no to the BMW 325i for instance!). Here are my choices: (1) The new Cedia Sports: A fantastic driver's car with class-leading handling; good ride on Delhi roads (if harsher than Civic/Corolla on normal tarmac - much better over potholes however), good value at Rs10.6L with various bells and whistles; comfortable rear seat; Japanese quality; a decent three-year warranty. Most importantly, it really grows on you despite being a generation behind its main Japanese competitors and mixed quality interiors (cool sporty features offset by boring gauges and a climate control panel looks like it was made in a gram panchayat!). I took my uncle's Civic AT for a spin after the Cedia test drive: it has that wow factor but you get much more body roll and inability to deal with poor roads for a price that is Rs 2-3L more. But what a driver's cockpit! I think of the Cedia Sports as the poor man's BMW 3 series. (2) Honda Jazz: many people understandably find it overpriced but I was blown away by the refinement, interiors and sense of space. Great manouvrability in the city. The ideal city car really, best in class safety features (apart from the boring Hyundai i20). Four year warranty. Would get Jazz Mode in all likelihood for Rs 7.7L or thereabouts. (3) Used Honda CR-V: a friend has a 2004 CR-V AT with only 9,000 km done (and it's not a fraud!). It's in good shape, excellent for Delhi roads, lots of storage space. I am thinking of offering Rs7.0-7.5L. The question mark is: are there any risks to a low mileage car that is five years old even if it is a Honda? Seems to be in good condition when I drive it although of course I will do a full check before I buy it. I might seem schizophrenic but I see value in all of these in different ways. Reactions?
	() Thanks

21st September 2009, 10:27	#2
aseem Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Delhi Posts: 1,730 Thanked: 441 Times	Honda CRV it is with eyes closed!
	() Thanks

21st September 2009, 10:47	#3
bharti22shresth BANNED Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: panchkula Posts: 362 Thanked: Once Infractions: 0/1 (10)	The HONDA CRV in this case. Plus, you save a lot on depreciation front. Car won't loose as much as a new car if you plan to sell it 5 years down the line. Provided the car is in as good a shape and you are telling.
	() Thanks

21st September 2009, 17:45	#4
wanderlustindia BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 608 Thanked: 63 Times View My Garage	Quite a tricky set of wheels to choose from . If I was you, I'd go for the CR-V and keep it for atleast 3-4 years. It won't lose much value by then because it would not have run a lot by then (assuming you'd drive 10k kms/year, which means after 3-4 years, your total running would be approx. 40-50k kms.) Only downside is the poor FE (I learn its 6-7 kpl in the city).
	() Thanks

22nd September 2009, 10:55	#5
sushrutha Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chikmagalur/Ban Posts: 1,703 Thanked: 333 Times View My Garage	Honda CR-V it is, no second thought. 9k kms is almost virgin for Honda car. Even the deal is too good to resist. Just get a good service done & if possible a tyre change(5 year old tyres). But be ready for the low mileage approx 6-7kmpl
	() Thanks

22nd September 2009, 18:33	#6
RajaTaurus Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Tenkasi, TN Posts: 1,119 Thanked: 473 Times View My Garage	QUOTE: "(since I am chauffeured in the daytime)." Question:And you drive only in the evenings and nights? - Cedia Sports is a driver's car and no fun in sitting at the back. This is an eye-turner True Sports Car. - CR-V is IMO not fit for any kind of Chauffeuring whatsoever. Its an SUV! You must drive it - day or night. - That leaves Jazz which fits both Chaeuffeuring and driving options make sense. My Two Paise.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2009, 18:45	#7
McLaren Rulez Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mysore Posts: 3,390 Thanked: 5,107 Times	Easy. The CR-V. It can be used a chauffer driven car, nothing wrong there. It fits your requirements fine and most importantly, its the best deal of the lot. 9k is a Honda that's had its running in done for you. Take it with your eyes shut.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2009, 20:35	#8
Sss Newbie Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 16 Thanked: 8 Times	CRV it is well all three are excellent choices and do meet the criteria of excellent refinement and hassle free maintenance. However my vote would go to CRV, but offer him between 6-6.5L if its a 2l AT and 50 grand more if its a 2.4l AT
	() Thanks

23rd September 2009, 10:46	#9
psp62in BHPian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 185 Thanked: 23 Times	CR-V should be the choice. Jazz is out of question because the rear seats are bech like (compared to the other two options) and not comfortable at all. Does not meet your requirement on that front.
	() Thanks

23rd September 2009, 12:05	#10
Car Fan BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Delhi Posts: 97 Thanked: 60 Times	A clear consensus in favour of the CR-V! Now I just have to pry it from my friend's hands... Even though I am chauffeured around in the daytime, I do enjoy driving myself in the evenings and nights - the later the better, given Delhi traffic! The Cedia is certainly more fun to drive than the CR-V - to the point that I would consider transferring my driver to my sister who might need him. No kidding. Something about that car really appeals to me even though I know I will feel like a fool a year from now if say they introduced a new Lancer Ralliart! But I need to get a car now; no point waiting around.
	() Thanks

23rd September 2009, 12:47	#11
Aditya Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 17,835 Thanked: 77,063 Times View My Garage	The CR-V 2.4 Automatic is the most relaxing car to drive or be driven in under 30 lakhs. Period. The fairly high yet car like driving position, the smooth autobox, the power, handling and decent ride, the space - hard to think of any vehicle that can match the CR-V. It's looks are not to my liking and it's rubbish off-road, but, I can let that slide. It is my favourite Honda.
	() Thanks

23rd September 2009, 12:58	#12
jkdas Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Thiruvananthapu Posts: 9,687 Thanked: 1,492 Times View My Garage	CRV it should be ! And plus one to raj's post. Would also suggest the Outlander.
	() Thanks

23rd September 2009, 13:06	#13
Parm Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: in a Toyota! Posts: 2,753 Thanked: 890 Times	you just cant compare a mitsubishi to a Honda in terms of engine refinement and other aspects of the manufacturing a vehicle! anyway coming back to the topic, like everyone else said and agreed on one thing: Honda CR-V it is for you. i just cant believe its drive only 9000kms in 5 years! drive safe and happy driving
	() Thanks

29th September 2009, 22:20	#14
Chat BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bangalore / Manila Posts: 121 Thanked: 2 Times	It should be Cedia sports for you. Why would you buy a 5 year old vehicle regardless it is CRV or Porsche or whatever? Even if it is driven only 9000 km and looks nice from the outside, it is an old model. You would shell out lot more over a period of time in the upkeep and maintenance of the car and the daily niggles. Buy a new car and if it is Cedia Sports it would grow on you. Drive it hassle free for next 5 years.
	() Thanks

6th October 2009, 14:34	#15
Car Fan BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Delhi Posts: 97 Thanked: 60 Times	Sadly, my friend decided to keep the CR-V, calculating that it was worth more hanging on to it given the low mileage than to sell it. So that leaves me with the Cedia Sports and Honda alternatives (Jazz and City). I have been offered the Cedia at Rs9.7L ex showroom, which is a Rs20,000 discount. Apparently there is one ready for delivery in the colour that I want. Is that a decent discount or have others received better ones? Any advice is welcome!
	() Thanks