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Rs 10 lakh budget: Need an automatic city car for my family

I've done some research online and shortlisted multiple cars like the Maruti Baleno, Hyundai i20, and Volkswagen Polo.

BHPian VK Dhanuka recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi everyone,

I am in the market for my first family car and need community help in making the right decision.

Background

I am nearly thirty-five years old and do not have any driving experience. I do have a license issued three years back after taking one of those 10 days 30 mins lesson plan, and then paying additional "fees" after the driving test. So taking Test Drive is not an option for me.

Budget

I am flexible on the budget but don't want to exceed 10L OTR unless a good deal.

Driving Usage

It would be for ninety-five per cent city driving - office commute (~10 KM return) after WFH ends, weekend runs and long drives only if I fall in love with driving in Mumbai. I don't have the confidence to drive on highways now but that will hopefully change and will like to drive to the nearby outskirts.

Wants/Needs

  • I want a pure automatic (CVT/DCT/TC) - I plan to keep the car for a long time and thus do not want to be stuck with AMT which I might not enjoy in city stop and go traffic unless driven manually. [Made up my mind after reading the Mahindra XUV300 thread on the forum]
  • I want features that make a driver's job easier - Rear camera with guidelines, auto headlamps, DRL, auto wiper (might not be possible in my budget), etc. so I can focus on the road.
  • Best if it can seat five comfortably.
  • Don't want to go outside of the big five OEMs - Toyota, Honda, Maruti, Hyundai, and Tata for my first car.
  • Not sure if ground clearance equates to higher seating as I have heard that aids new drivers and is also easier on senior citizens so would like to have that for my parents and myself.
  • Who does not want safety? But based on my budget and pure automatic requirement I don't think I have much of a choice.
  • Fuel type - petrol

New Cars Shortlist

Based on the above, I went to a car portal (Carwale) and sorted by price on pure automatics and my new car shortlist is:

  • Maruti Suzuki Baleno - Safety and dimples are the only cons I have come across.
  • Honda Amaze - I do not have use of boot so why pay extra for it with cramped rear seating for three people and if Diesel customers are poorly treated what makes us Petrol variant buyers any special to Honda?
  • Hyundai i20 - Premium Baleno, lesser features for better interiors. I think not.
  • Volkswagen Polo - Have heard it has higher maintenance costs so skeptical and likely lesser features than I can afford in Baleno.
  • Honda Jazz - I have not come across any complaints and based on this forum this is my style of car - boring, sedate and reliable.

In new cars, I can only buy the Baleno top variant without any compromises at 11L OTR but the warranty, insurance and basic aftermarket accessories will further stretch it which I don't really want.

In used cars, I am only looking at Spinny based on some comments on this forum. Somehow Ola Cars and Cars24 are not inspiring much confidence combined with my zero car knowledge.

  • Could have gone for Yaris/Corolla used listings but don't want to go for discontinued BS4 models.
  • Also want to avoid full-sized sedans like Honda City as I fear I will have more trouble learning to drive on them.
  • Used Hyundai Creta automatic needs special mention as the all used car resellers have significant disproportionate such listings which have made me believe that there is something wrong with this car.

Used Cars Shortlist

I have gone through all recent similar threads and been a silent active new member of the community and have learned a lot in a short time. This is a big financial decision for me and I am looking for advice to make an informed choice.

Here's what BHPian neeraj0272 had to say about the matter:

As it seems that you need to learn to drive a car, I would recommend first buying a rather old & inexpensive car and driving it for at least a year. Then buy a new car.

This way you won't suffer much of a depreciation hit and you won't damage your new car as well.

One needs at least one year of experience to be 100% sure-footed as a driver for all conditions.

Here's what BHPian lamborghini had to say about the matter:

If you could stretch your budget, the S-Cross would be a good option.

IMO you can skip the auto headlights: it's a simple task - switch it on during evening hours and switch it off when you reach your destination. Don't need to keep fiddling with it.

Auto Wipers are a boon definitely if they are well-calibrated, but again one can live without them: you will end up using the stalks to control the indicators, etc. more often so by the time Mumbai monsoons come - you should be comfortable enough switching the wiper modes on/off accordingly.

Instead, pay attention to critical aspects: visibility, ease of manoeuvring in traffic (CVTs are a little slow for quick overtakes, and IMO TC gearbox which the S-Cross has would be easier to drive in traffic as you can use the creep function by modulating the brake pedal only), the composure of the vehicle on bad roads, etc.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say about the matter:

So, for a new and inexperienced driver, I’d rather you buy something relatively inexpensive and sorted, rather than going overboard behind features and fads. Buying pre-loved usually makes a lot of sense in such cases, but automatic small cars have been a rare commodity. Do look for pre-owned automatic Figo or Ecosport. You’ll get a very competent, compact and well-sorted car at a very decent price, perfect for your needs. This should be your first choice. Ford was the only one to offer 6-speed TCs under 10L back then, and the owners tend to hold on to them. So if you find one, just go for it if the car is clean.

If you want to buy something new, go for Tata Punch. Your lack of experience and low running means you won’t really be bothered by the AMT, and the car is just about perfect otherwise. It’s within your budget as well. It is well built and will not get dinged all over as easily as other similarly priced cars. Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite are two very competent automatics, though slightly more expensive.

I will not suggest Jazz or Amaze. Jazz is too old and Amaze is flimsy. The 1.2 iVTEC is a very weak engine anyway. Polo, as good as it is, the car is generally unavailable now. If you are lucky enough to find one, there are hardly any discounts. Why pay full price for a car that will be discontinued in a few months, and whose USP is driving pleasure? (you don’t drive much anyway)

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 
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