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BHPian Yash98 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Hello BHPians,
This thread is for my parents who live in Mumbai. They are both corporate employees who drive themselves to work, with my mother traveling 60 kms per day and father traveling about 12 kms per day to and from office.
We are currently in the process of buying a new car and are faced with a dilemma. My father was initially keen on buying a new CSUV for about 15 lakhs for my mom and continuing to use his 2013 Ertiga for his daily commute. However upon discussing further we also began considering buying two new hatchbacks for both mom and dad. So we are now in a dilemma and need your guidance to help us make the correct choice. I have outlined some key points below:
Hatchbacks:
Hyundai Grand I10 Nios, Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki Swift, Tata Tiago (though worried about niggles).
CSUV:
Kia Sonet, Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon (Possible niggles).
Looking forward to hearing from you guys!
Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:
Car prices today are insane. 15-lakhs isn't a lot of money to buy two good cars. A garage with an Ertiga + Compact SUV is superior to one with two 7.5-lakh rupee hatchbacks.
Retain the Ertiga, it's only 9 years old anyway, and spend the entire 15-lakhs on a great compact SUV. That way, you have two nice cars in the garage. My top choice would be the Kia Sonet. Avoid the AMTs.
Here's what BHPian lamborghini had to say on the matter:
If the Ertiga is in good condition, it makes sense to retain it and get a new auto CSUV, but at the same time it's 9 years old and maybe lacking some safety kit (depending on trim) and creature comforts : if not today, you may have to replace it in the near future.
Personally, I would look for 2 good pre-owned automatics: low run, within warranty, with clean service and accident / flood / damage history.
Main reason: better value, you get to avoid the bane of the AMTs.
My pick would be a low run 2020 Honda Amaze diesel CVT (the width will be easy for your mother to drive + diesel for her higher running) for around 9L, paired with a manual Brezza / Ertiga lower trim but newer model with safety kit for around 7L.
Here's what BHPian condor had to say on the matter:
My suggestion - one hatchback, one slightly bigger for when the need comes up. One of these can be a used one. You should be able to do it in the 15L range this way.
You have not mentioned if the re-sale value of the two cars is being included in the 15L. The Ertiga is a bit old now, apart from the ageing. Time to let it go.
Here's what BHPian sunilch had to say on the matter:
What niggles are you referring to from both Tata products? These both are selling since long and in good numbers. I don't expect niggles but ASS can be a gamble I guess.
I don't the see S-Cross there. It is a good car and AT available in petrol. It isn't an SUV but a good hatchback with good space and fit-finish as you desire.
Do consider a pre-owned one - S-Cross AT might be rare in the pre-owned market so MT can be considered. A new Tiago can be combined with it.
Sunil
Here's what BHPian mkumar79 had to say on the matter:
Ertiga, even if aged, is immensely practical and can surely hold up the overall fight against any of the new CSUV kids. Your Dad seems happy with it as well.
In my view, it would be better to be dealing with the one known good service center and even better if it's a Maruti Suzuki. So the new Brezza with the 6AT and subdued front stance fits best for your Mom.
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BHPian Snowflakes recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Hello BHPians,
I need your valuable inputs in buying our first car (automatic).
At the start of this year we had shortlisted the Ecosport & Polo as one of our next cars, but then the rumours of ford shutting shop started and we put our purchase on hold. Then we started looking at the Polo but could not get hold of one before it was discontinued.
I haven't considered Kia or Hyundai cars for there safety aspects. Decided not to go for the XUV300 & Nexon as they are AMTs and their ASS is a hit or a miss.
Now I have narrowed down the search to the S-Cross Zeta version. I know lot of people have mentioned it's a 4 speed AT but after reading multiple reviews here I felt it should suffice my needs. In a year I may travel around 10k kms. Now with this news coming out should I go ahead with this booking as nearby Nexa dealer has promised a delivery within next 6 weeks or should I drop this car as it's reaching it's end of life. As I don't like changing things, I would keep this car easily for 10 years atleast so I am confused if I should wait for the new Brezza. The reason for not pursuing the Brezza is the wait times would be atleast 4-6 months at the time of launch.
So, need your advice on whether I should go ahead with this purchase or look for which other cars.
Here's what BHPian amol4184 had to say on the matter:
- IMO, we are at a pivotal point in the life of S-Cross and waiting out all upcoming launches by Maruti would be wiser because:
- MS will probably launch the next gen S-Cross which looks like an entirely new (and better looking) car compared to current one.
You are going to hang on to the car for 10 years which is a long time. I personally would not want to get stuck with last of the generation old product that does not have anything exceptional going on for it. I mean its not a bad car but its not iconic in the way the VW Polo is/was.
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BHPian ABH_1512 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Baahon recently completed the 1,30,000 kms mark and the service was done accordingly at the FASS (Ganges Ford) here in Calcutta. Some of the parts needed replacement after this long period of ownership and hence the service bill was on the higher side due to the parts change and the corresponding labour charges.
Parts changed:
The normal service included the following routine items and were duly changed as per schedule:
So, apart from the regular service and all the work involving the change of parts, the total cost came to around ₹ 33,000. In the case of the steering rack, the good folks at Ford and the dealer offered me a 30% discount as goodwill warranty and hence saving me some bucks in the process. The service experience has been fantastic so far over the years, and I will hope that it stays that way.
Now, the steering rack was changed since I was getting a constant sound while moving on uneven roads and it got amplified due to the recent North Sikkim sojourn.
Turned out, after the trip, the right side shock absorber also went kaput since coming out of the factory and had to be changed and so was the engine mount. Now, after the change of parts, the car just feels like new again and I am now very inclined to give it an inside makeover as I might have mentioned earlier as well. No fixed timeline though, since the interiors doesn’t need much fixing. May be, changing the seat covers will give the car a fresh look.
Some pictures of recent times, just to get some attention:
The present odometer reading stands at 1,30,530 kms and Baahon is chugging along nicely.
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BHPian TheWall recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Hello,
Need some advice on buying a new car. My driving is 98% in the city and I hardly go on highway trips. We are a family of 4(2adults+2kids). So we need a spacious comfortable car.
Since most of our drives would be in the city, the ride comfort or ride quality on broken city roads is my no.1 priority. I can compromise on performance.
Within a budget of 15 lakhs, which car in the current market offers the best ride comfort while going through roughest of the roughest patches.
Thanks,
TheWall.
Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:
- Kia Carens: Awesome ride quality, lots of space, great spread of engines. This should be your no.1 choice.
- MG Hector, as Shreyans said. Comfortable low speed ride quality. Wafts over bad roads.
- 5th-gen City: Can't go wrong with this all-rounder. But the Carens & Hector are above it for your purpose.
Don't go for the Nexon. It rides firm and can get bumpy on bad roads.
Here's what BHPian SmartCat had to say on the matter:
Most Hyundai cars have excellent low speed ride quality. As an added bonus, Hyundai steering feedback is poor (which is a good thing for your requirement). Meaning, when you go over a bad patch of road, the steering will not vibrate/shake/move around much.
Whatever car you buy:
- Reduce tyre pressure to 30 PSI (ignore what the manufacturer says).
- Make sure wheel alignment is perfect. Ride quality will be poor if wheel alignment is badly done..
- Change tyres every 4 years (ignore the kms done).
Here's an older thread on the same topic.
Here's what BHPian cool_dube had to say on the matter:
Look no further than the Renault Duster. I know it is almost at the end of its lifecycle but there is no other car in this budget/segment which comes even close to the Duster when it comes to ride quality - period! Moreover, you can get some good discounts as well, if you negotiate hard. The only other option I can think of, within your budget, is the Tata Nexon.
Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:
The car with the beat low speed ride quality the the MG Hector. It’s soft and pillowy, nicely complimented by large and comfortable seats. It is the ideal car for the requirements you describe.
Here's what BHPian SideView had to say on the matter:
I would say other than suspension one thing I personally would consider if vehicle is used is 98% city drive is a proper automatic. (No AMT, iVT BS).
Since you mention broken city roads I would recommend a cSUV.
I would suggest wait for 6 speed automatic Brezza.(If you would be able to stretch the budget maybe a bit, you might be lucky if MS price it aggressively).
Two reasons why i wont recommend the Duster:
- I am a Terrano 110 ps diesel owner, but wont recommend the turbo petrol for city drive constant gear shifing is a hassle. Low end is not good, but highway it is a beauty.
(turbo petrols also it is the same, highlighted in the review). Automatic might be an option though.- Duster is done, no more new launches. So risky buying a phased out model ( if one plans on keeping it for long).
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The first image of what is believed to be the upcoming Jeep compact SUV has surfaced online. It is expected to be unveiled by the end of this year.
The spy image showcases a heavily camouflaged test mule of the new model. The car appears to have a rectangular radiator grille and a split headlamp set up.
Reports suggest that the new SUV will use Stellantis' STLA Small platform, which also underpins the Citroen C3. It is expected to measure around 4 meters in length and could be offered with multiple powertrain options, including a fully-electric version. All-wheel drive will also be part of the package.
It has also been reported that the SUV is being jointly developed by engineers in Italy and India, which suggests that the product will be targeted at Indian and European markets.
Source: Cochespias
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BHPian thehelmetguy recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Last year, my family bought a Tata Nexon. It was our first car and I had childlike excitement, I literally left no stone unturned while researching about the car and made sure it meets our requirements before finalizing it. Back then I didn't even know how to drive, but I was thrilled by the idea of having a new car and was truly happy when it finally arrived. I felt grateful to have such a beautiful piece of machinery in my garage and whenever I passed by my car, I used to admire it. Little did I know it was the beginning of a new journey.
I wanted to become a good driver, because I knew very well that "Driving is a responsibility and not a right". I enrolled myself at a driving school but I couldn't learn anything other than the location of ABC pedals and gears and a bit of steering control, but I still got my driver's license. I was in no way ready for the Indian roads and the idea of driving a brand new car was still very intimidating. I wanted to drive but I didn't know what to do.
I told my girlfriend about the same, she is my partner in every crime and she didn't know anything about driving either. But I am very relaxed when I am with her, I am less worried and far more confident. So slowly we started practicing a lot, we used to drive early mornings and in the underground parking lot. Finally I got a hang of my car and I felt confident enough to start hitting the roads in peak traffic hours. Now I could sense the control I had on my car and I could really appreciate its driving dynamics. In the coming few days, we explored the entire city, I was truly happy and used to grin like a child whenever I used to drive. All these beautiful experiences were created by my Nexon so I wanted to treat my car well. I made it a point to follow every driving rule and remember every route that I drive on, as I said earlier I wanted to become a "Good Driver".
A month back on April 25,2022. Something happened that literally shook me. It was a Sunday evening, and I was driving with my girlfriend on one of the beautiful roads of my city averaging at a speed of 60km/hr. All of a sudden a biker with a female pillion decided to go across the road so as to take a cut without even seeing the rear view mirror. The biker was a young lad and I don't know why he decided to take such a risk when the speed of traffic was very high. It was an extremely insensible move and I knew it could result in something bad. The biker was going across from left to right and I was in the rightmost lane. Whenever something like this happens with me, I give the other person a chance to correct their mistake. I believe that there will be people on the road who will make mistakes, not everybody knows how to operate their vehicle properly. Everybody will learn someday. Also, I was very well aware about what would happen if he gets hit by a car at such a speed.
So it was a similar situation that day. I slowed down my vehicle and honked allowing him to pass. And then the worst possible thing that could have happened that day happened with me. The biker could have easily made the cut but I don't know again what got into his head that he stopped his bike in front of my car. And now I had to come to a complete stop on a high speed road. Seconds later, a truck came and hit the backside of my car. We were not hurt as both of us were wearing seat belts and thanks to the build quality of the car, we felt nothing more than a bump but the backside of the car was damaged. Both the truck driver and the biker ran away from the spot.
Everything happened so quick that I didn't even have the chance to process it. A traffic cop was standing near us, he saw everything but did nothing. All he said was go to the nearest police station and report it. When asked if he could call someone there and explain to them the incident or give us his contact number because he was an eye witness of the accident, he simply refused. We went to the station mentioned by him and they send us to another station saying the area where the accident happened doesn't come under their jurisdiction. I was in no position to drive, tears were rolling down my eyes, but still we went to the other station and there to my surprise they said the original station only had the jurisdiction (clearly lack of empathy on the part of the officers, I was with a female and just had an accident but they were least concerned). Now again I went to the police station where I had gone initially, finally I met a nice traffic cop. He listened to our story, and asked me what I wanted to do. I did not file a case because I couldn't see the value in it. He gave us a "Panchnama", MCR-Motor vehicle Collision Report and then we left the station.
On the journey back, I could not understand what had just happened. The simple question that came to my mind was "Why me?" I was at a controlled speed, in my lane, not doing anything stupid. Why it had to happen, my heart sank a little. There was no way I could avoid it. There was a probability that I could have saved my car if I had not slowed down but things could have taken a bad shape, I might have hit the biker because if somebody is coming across the road, there is simply no way to judge their speed and decide whether you will be able to pass the vehicle or not. If one is lucky, one might do it but if the luck runs out, a deadly accident is waiting.
I dropped my girlfriend, came home parked my vehicle and informed my parents. The next morning I took the car to authorized service center since it was a new car. It had zero dep insurance cover from HDFC ERGO so I only had to pay for the file charges and some consumables. My experience with Tata ASS was nice and the claim process was very smooth. The car was back in a few days and hardly any sign of damage was noticeable. Still whenever I think of that evening, it makes me sad.
Since this is my first post, kindly correct me if I make any mistake unknowingly. Looking forward for future interactions. Till then drive safe, wear a seat belt and as "TheHelmetGuy" says wear a helmet when you are on a two wheeler.
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In early January, we had reported about Honda's plans to launch a compact SUV in the Indian market. Now, a new media report sheds some light on the brand's upcoming SUVs.
Honda has not one, but two SUVs lined up for India. The first model is a compact SUV that is expected to debut in 2023. The Japanese brand also has a mid-size SUV in the pipeline. It is likely to be launched by 2024.
Reports suggest that the new compact SUV will be based on an updated version of the Amaze platform (PF2). Codenamed: 3US, the design of the new model is almost ready and the engineering work is also ongoing.
It is said that the new model could be offered with the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines from the Amaze. The former is even said to get some form of hybridization.
The new compact SUV will replace the WR-V in Honda's lineup and will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon and the Maruti Brezza.
The second offering will be a mid-size SUV (codenamed: 3RA). It is said to be based on the PF2S platform. The Hyundai Creta-rivalling model is expected to share its electronics and powertrains with the City.
Source: Autocar India
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BHPian Shanksta recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
It has been a little over a year since I bought Skylar home. By far this has been the most enjoyable year for me as far as driving and cars come into the picture.
Skylar achieved the 20,000 kms milestone in 354 days & 22 hours. This translates to an average of 56.5 kms a day, which is while I am still working from home. I am definitely adept at sneaking in those kilometres.
Got the 3rd/20k kms service done from Dhruvan Ford on 12-Mar-2022. The engine oil, air filter, oil filter and AC filter was replaced, I had opted for the express service and got the car back within the promised time of 2 hours. The total bill was ₹5650 which is very reasonable IMHO. The service experience as well was extremely good.
Attention to detail: Little markers added on the driver side seat ensure correct position while returning the car:
I am still pending to have the catalytic converter replaced under recall by Ford. The service center did not have the parts in stock and I was not willing to leave my car with them for a few days. Will update once I get this done.
Apart from this, Skylar has been a fill it, shut it & forget it experience till now. *Touchwood*
Did a quick trip to Pondy in February and none in March. These have been pretty lean months running wise and will be corrected April:
The more the I drive Skylar, the more I begin to appreciate the NVH and comfort offered by the EcoSport. It is truly a wonderful travel companion. Currently the odometer reads 21036 kms:
I consistently get about 800 kms between each tankful. Attaching below statistics for fuel consumption and cost of running:
On one of my random early morning drives to Mahabalipuram on ECR:
Cheers.
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BHPian dsuman recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
The above pictures and my posts here and here shall give you a fair idea. The car is in a Vijayawada Police Station and the Police have cleared the vehicle to be taken away if required since there was no 3rd party involved.
Background: This is a Mahindra Quanto bought in May 2013. I used it for 8 years, 1,30,000 kms and sold it off to my cousin in September 2021. The car met with an accident on 31 March. My cousin and family are ok now. My cousin was lazy enough to neglect taking insurance. Now he wants to salvage the car, repair it and use it.
Since I am the go to person for automobiles in my family, my cousin reached out to me.
My suggestions and warnings:
His rational is:
I have told him it will be best we leave the car to rest In peace but he wants to bring it back to life.
So guys what are the possibilities assuming he will use it on rural roads and in his farmlands/Tent House Supplies.
Also the car is still on my name so once the car is restored can it be registered on my cousin's name albeit with modifications. I was contemplating canceling registration but now its a new dilemma for me.
Here's what BHPian Maverick5490 had to say on the matter:
Rather than a memory, it will be a grim reminder of what happened. The damage is way too much and not worth bringing the vehicle back to life.
Here's what BHPian IshaanIan had to say on the matter:
I am sorry but having read about the accident from all your posts and your statement about him not even taking insurance, I feel that your cousin should ideally be banned from driving itself. Sounds like an extremely careless and negligent person from whatever I have read. Or atleast someone who does not fully appreciate what it means to drive a vehicle, share the road appropriately with other users and transport people responsibly. I mean is it not criminal to be roaming around without insurance?
As for restoring the Quanto, it looks to be impossible from the photos but you will be surprised what a good independent garage can do so perhaps if one is hell-bent on using it, take it to the most reputed independent garage in your part of the country and have them sort it out.
Here's what BHPian anjan_c2007 had to say on the matter:
Since you are based in Vijaywada there should be a Mahindra dealer there. Dealers have a good networking with other dealers for the same company especially in the vicinity. You can show photographs of the Quanto to the dealer and talk to him about resurrecting the machine. If he says it will be OK and if the budget suits your cousin the Quanto can be shifted to the Mahindra dealer's premises. He can be requested to source spares either from his dealership or from neighbouring dealers possibly including Chennai (where there are better chances to procure body panels and other spares). There could be a chance that a full spare body is also available though in some repairable condition. The Quanto can be surely brought back to life and since your cousin is too attached to it, let him explore all options.
Here's what BHPian ajmat had to say on the matter:
Don't even go there! Whatever emerges will be unsafe and cost far more money.
Whatever you spend as a memory would be better spent in a charitable gesture in the name of your cousins mother - sponsoring a child or renovating a school. Those have perpetuity, the rebuilt Quanto might be dead on arrival.
Here's what BHPian ninjatalli had to say on the matter:
9 year old vehicle with nearly 150,000 kms on the odometer. In a huge accident that was heavily and structurally damaged. With family member(s) brutally hit & lost in that accident. With a driver who oversped, didn't renew his insurance, didn't get his passengers to follow rules and wear seat belts.
That is a recipe for disaster. I have no idea on the financial hit your cousin is going to take to get this car back to a running state but he would probably get a used Quanto with an additional lakh thrown in over the repair cost (or a decent similar sized used car/van). Given his requirements are basic (/Farm work related), several other vehicles will suit his requirements. Please give him the right advice and do not let him put his and his family members again in trouble. As far as I can see, you rightfully can lead him on making safer decisions than just answering his immediate automobile queries.
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BHPian dieselburner recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Finally I let go my black TUV300 T8 Jan 2016 model last week. The ODO at time of selling stood proudly at 108000 kms.
The TUV300 gave me an almost trouble free ownership experience in the last 6 years apart from initial niggles. Its a definitely go anywhere vehicle with rear wheel drive & with MLD installed it gives extra assurance. With the TUV, I was able to complete my dream drive to Ladakh without a single problem.
Got it back from workshop on that day after getting the quote. SA advised not to drive at higher RPM & no long trips. It can be used for city driving only.
It doesn't make any sense for me to spend such hefty amount on repair as I was already planning to get a new ride, and with these problems, the itch to sell the TUV increased.
I researched about turbocharger repairing as well but from multiple discussions, it was concluded that getting it repaired is not advisable & it has to be replaced only. AC was however repaired from outside & it costed 1500 bucks only, it was necessary as whoever comes to buy will surely check the AC.
Was able to get 60% of the bill value through OLX, which I was quite happy with.
If the turbocharger problem has not popped up it would still be my ride for sometime.
Now I am looking for a diesel automatic SUV & can't decide one.
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