Rs 7-8L petrol automatic car options for my friend who's a new driver

She is still taking her driving lessons & this will be her first car. So, we are looking for options that have a low maintenance cost.

BHPian kushagra452 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello everyone,My friend has made up her mind to purchase her first car. She is a new driver and presently taking driving lessons. Her budget is a strict 7L - 8L (OTR Delhi). She would prefer a petrol automatic which has a low maintenance cost and is "hassle-free". The car will only be used within the city limits. Monthly running will not be more than 1000-1200 km.

Thanks!

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

Low maintenance and hassle-free in a budget of 7-8L means that it's got to be a Maruti. Within Maruti, these are the automatic options-

WagonR, Celerio, Ignis, Swift, Dzire and Baleno.

Within these, I think that the Ignis Zeta AMT offers the most for its price. You get almost all the required features for this budget, and then some more. The Ignis also offers a 180mm ground clearance which is a boon. The Delta variant can be considered as well but the Zeta offers a lot more features for a small premium. You also have the Swift AMT VXI but it will go slightly over the budget while offering lesser features than the Ignis.

The Dzire and the Baleno are expensive. The Celerio and the WagonR are worth checking out but when the Ignis Zeta is available for the same cost as their top variants, IMO, I don't see a case for these cars. The Hyundai i10 Nios Magna AMT is one non-Maruti option which should be considered though the maintenance and spares cost would be higher than an equivalent Maruti.

Here's what BHPian yedukrishnan199 had to say about the matter:

Considering your budget and preferences, the best options are listed below:

Maruti Suzuki Ignis Zeta 1.2 AMT

The Ignis is a practical little hatch from Maruti which feels much more premium than the other options in this segment, is a light car with refined motors offering peppy performance. The car is a practical city runabout with a compact footprint, comfortable seats, and decent interior and bot space. The service network of Maruti, availability of spares, and service are the best you can get among all the manufacturers in India.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R ZXI Plus 1.2 AGS

Easily manoeuvrable car with a sorted ride, spacious, practical interior, and large boot. The car is adequately feature-loaded and frugal too.

You could also consider the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Magna AMT and the Tata Tiago XTA but neither of these is as feature loaded or offer a wholesome package in the way Maruti does.

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

I think you should ask her to get a less used Maruti from True Value, "haat saaf" and then buy a new one as confidence increases. You might as well accompany her to True Value!

A new car minor shunt has dented the confidence of many newbies. Especially in an unforgiving zone like NCR, better to start with a beater.

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