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Looking for a used mid-size sedan for under Rs 4 lakh

Let's forget the Civic and Jetta, since finding them in good nick at Rs 3 - 4 lakh, while not impossible, is not a small or quick task.

BHPian rajushank84 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I'm looking at midsize sedans in the Rs 3 - 4 lakh range. Personally don't like CVTs and filtering out AMTs too. Going for either a torque-converter or dual-clutch. Just in terms of driving feel.

Also from personal bias, narrowing down to three brands:

  • Honda
  • Ford
  • Volkswagen

So this means my shortlist is between:

  1. Honda Amaze
  2. Honda City
  3. Honda Civic
  4. VW Vento
  5. VW Jetta
  6. Ford Fiesta
  7. Ford Aspire

Let's forget the Civic and Jetta for now, since finding them in good nick at Rs 3 - 4 lakh while not impossible, is not a small or quick task. Takes patience. So setting them aside for now.

Also setting aside the Amaze, as it is a size down from the others. (I should set the Aspire aside too, but have questions about it).

So between 1st-gen Fiesta, 1st-gen Vento, 1st-gen Aspire and 3rd-gen City ("ANHC" as we remember it). Automatic cars.

My questions are:

  • Which of these has proven most reliable?
  • Is the Vento's AT a torque-converter or DSG? If I'm not mistaken, the "GT TSI" and "GT TDI" versions get the DSG but the regular Vento gets a 6-speed torque converter.
  • Follow-up to the previous question, which is better reliability wise VW's TC or VW's DSG?
  • How is the automatic on 2011+ Fiesta DCTs?
  • How is the automatic on Figos and Aspires? Are they reliable relative to Honda/VW, also are they any more reliable than the AT used on Fiestas and Ecosports?
  • Any other thoughts/suggestions around this?

Here's what BHPian AnandB had to say on the matter:

A year or two back Vento had DSG, while Rapid didn't. Not sure about older models.

I suggest also have a look at SX4 automatic (TC). It's nothing great but you can get it cheaper and maintaining it will also be cheaper. Even though it flopped it has a good stance and practical for our roads and build quality is solid compared to current Marutis.

Here's what BHPian Kosfactor had to say on the matter:

After 10 years of use, you are more likely to find a Honda City in good nick than the rest of them, good luck.

In my opinion, that is not a budget you should be thinking of while buying a vehicle of this size, it is too less. The likelihood of ending up with an absolute basket case is very real.

Here's what BHPian Researcher had to say on the matter:

If I were to choose in that price bracket, I will try getting the following in decreasing order of priority:

  • SX4
  • Corolla / Altis
  • Honda City
  • Honda Civic

For old cars on a tight budget, I will prefer a Maruti, then Toyota and Honda. I will stay away from DSG Germans as an old 3-4 lac German can quickly become a 5-6 lac German if part replacement is needed. Same is the case with automatic Fords with the DCT.

I will actually rate the SX4 higher than the rest due to its ground clearance, affordable upkeep and a fairly reliable TC (again an Aisin unit) which is probably still in use in the Ertiga / XL6 / Ciaz / Brezza / S-Cross petrols. I drove a cousin's SX4 AT a few months back and it can be termed as adequate both in the city as well as highway. I myself own a manual ZXi, so can say that the visibility from inside, handling and ground clearance are slightly better than my friend's 4th Gen City and cousin's Ciaz, probably due to the SX4's European roots. With Maruti's backing, you can have peace of mind for years to come.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 
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