A potent car to end monotony for a 37-year male

I wish to keep this query of mine as straight forward as it can be. But in order to get valuable inputs from the Team-BHP family, I would like to give you an idea of the scenario in which I am, my requirements and related fears.

Here's what BHPian NST440 had to say on the matter

There are multiple thoughts and related emotions which have been coming to my mind with respect to going for a new car and to be honest, it has been a considerable time since these thoughts have been keeping me busy. Being a male who would be touching his 40 in a couple of years, there have been a lot of changes in my thought processes all through these years and all these thoughts have been clashing one way or the other whenever I have tried to fixate a potential vehicle.

I wish to keep this query of mine as straight forward as it can be. But in order to get valuable inputs from the Team-BHP family, I would like to give you an idea of the scenario in which I am, my requirements and related fears.

About Me

I am a 5’11 inch, stout male, white beard, having a rather non-exciting job, currently combating in my mind as to whether I am amidst a mid-life crisis or is it just a phase that we all go through in this age. Grateful for having a loving family with the better half and two kids both below 4 years of age. My daily running is around 30-40 kilometers with around 30 being on the highway itself for my commute to work.

My Love towards cars

• I love cars, whichever shape and size they come in and I feel, each vehicle has its unique properties. Learnt driving during my early childhood on my father’s Gypsy which he absolutely loved.

• I have usually kept cars for small periods only and I know that it is absolutely wrong from a financial view point. The maximum no. of years that I have kept a car for is 4 years I believe. I am ready to change this attitude and keep a good car for a longer duration.

• I have owned some good handling vehicles which I still remember like the Opel Astra 1.6, Fiat Punto 1.3, Honda Type II-1.5 Exi , Ford Fiesta 1.6 Tdci, Skoda Octavia 1.9 (2008) to name a few.

• Absolutely love to have a powerful vehicle. Although I may use that power on rare occasions, it is always good to know that power is available on tap and be at peace.

• I pamper my vehicles like a baby, timely servicing, regular detailing and I am the only one who drives my cars, neither the driver nor my missus uses them since they have different vehicles available for the same.

• Fond of retro designs and more inclined towards the mechanicals of a car than the electricals barring the audio system.

Current vehicles exclusively driven by me in the family

Tata Safari Dicor (2016) which I use for those weekend drives only. It is immaculately maintained and has done 10,000 kilometers only (yes, you read it right). No plans to sell.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz 1.5 Petrol SHVS (2019) - Delta (M) which I bought after selling my Elite i20 (1.4L diesel) since I loved the space and value for money proposition the car offered. Again, well maintained and has run 13,000 kilometers only. This is the car which I usually drive in the city and on weekdays owing to the ease of driving and parking as compared to the Safari.

The issue / dilemma

Although, the Ciaz is a good vehicle and it ticks all the boxes, be it comfort, economy, utility, space, maintenance or resale value, there is one thing which it lacks and it is the zing which I used to derive from driving my earlier vehicles. Being a NA engine, it is high on reliability and good for city usage. However, at times when I feel like flooring the pedal, there is a disappointment and lack of power which dismays my driving excitement. Before purchasing the vehicle, I used to feel that this lack of power is just a temporary feeling since I have been driving Turbo engines and it shall eventually fade away but I believe this thing is here to stay. One of my colleagues is interested in my vehicle if I wish to sell and I am getting a very good price for the same so the financial loss would be very little in this case.

Requirements from a new vehicle

• Maximum budget is 10.5 Lacs maximum (OTR).
• Should be fundamentally sorted and preferably be a turbo engine, having the power to bring smile on the face.
• Should be a good handler, making me eager to drive her rather than avoiding driving.
• Should be sorted in ergonomics and have good space, especially the leg room and boot size.
• Should be a safe car, having good dynamics, inspiring confidence.
• Easy availability of spares and decent resale value since resale would heavily assist my next car’s purchase.
• A dependable AT is preferable since I never owned one and would love to have the convenience of such technology. (However, I think I may not be able to get one given my budget).
• Not a big fan of gimmicks like sunroof, air purifier etc. however projectors, camera, parking sensors, fog lamps, steering mounted controls and apple car play are welcome.
• I am open to both diesel and petrol motors, would prefer the one which is more powerful though.
• The manufacturer should have plans to stay in the game and continue production of the vehicle for a considerable period of time.
• Would not like to go the pre-owned way.

I would not like to go for a Maruti, Nissan, Renault, since I believe their driving dynamics are sub-par for the products on offer currently. TATA is a big NO, being a current TATA owner, I would like to avoid the pain of experiencing its after sales service.

It has been long since I have been contemplating this purchase decision and it is going to be a major one for me. I wish to get maximum smile for each buck spent and need able guidance from the Team-BHP family to help me decide.

Here's what BHPian sreerknair had to say on the issue:

I think you wrote your requirements with a VW Polo AT booking confirmation in hand and want us to just convince you that the back seat leg space is not much of an issue.

Here's what BHPian androdev had to say on the issue:

The best part of your post is the budget of 10L. Only two cars offer the zing: Polo/Rapid/Vento and Ecosport. Unless you have the good fortune of not being able to tell the difference.

I have crossed over to the other side of the 40. Trust your instincts and don't postpone things for later. Within reason, of course.

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

As someone who is 5'10", recently turned 38, and bought a Polo 1.2 GT TSI last Jan, I think I am the most suitable person for answering this question. And my vote is not to go for the Polo. Either increase the budget or buy something used. Read on to know why.

I am 5'10" and suffer from long legs syndrome. Even with the seat pushed all the way back (I feel the seat travel in entry-level VAG cars is less), I just about manage a comfortable driving position, that too because it is automatic. And, with the way I sit, it is impossible for anyone to sit behind the driver. I am never comfortable driving the manual polos owing to the long clutch travel as I have to literally lift the legs to release the clutch properly.

The seats are not very comfortable either. My mom and aunt prefer my Verna over the Polo, even for shorter drives. The seat padding feels thin and the lumbar support is also not adequate. For anything over 500 km a day, I wouldn't pick the Polo. I and another older friend who used to drive a Polo were discussing how we needed more breaks in the Polo to avoid getting back pain. We both are reasonably fit and don't face similar back issues in our other cars.

I feel the Polo is more suited for a 30-year-old than someone closer to 40 with a family. I am single and bought it mainly for the DSG box and I also wanted an automatic for the Bangalore traffic that could be a fun weekend car as well. Even though I am thoroughly enjoying the car, I have a feeling that I will upgrade sooner than later and can already picture myself getting something like the new Thar or a powerful sedan before I turn 40.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.