Re: The "USED" Car Price Check Thread A Bit long post Backstory: My trusted Mahindra Scorpio LX has left my garage. So, the next car hunt has begun. As it is customary for a petrol head, I am scanning the pre-owned space for value deals. So here goes what I am looking at: - Cars not older than 4 or 5 years. It should sustain minimum 7-8 years of hasslefree ownership
- Low run (Not more than 30k-40k on the ODO)
- Should be AT. I am ok with Petrol or Diesel. My average running would be around 10k a year
- Well maintained (goes without saying!) and preferably having an extended warranty in place
- A 7 seater preferred, but am ok with a spacious 5 seater with good enough boot space
- Budget of 15L-20L (am ok to stretch if I get hold of a good premium vehicle)
- I am considering cars in Bangalore. Based on the market, availability and offerings, I have made this analysis
Cars that I am not keen on - New Tata Safari – I love its design language, but the new Safari comes with its own build / software related issues. Haven’t found anything of value from pricing point in the facelifted version
- ScoripoN – Would have been a natural progression. But, 15 years of body on frame ownership, I am looking for something else. In addition, the ScorpioN hasn’t grown on me like the 2nd gen Scorpio
- Toyota Innova Crysta – Pre-owned premium is insanely high in Bangalore and for my price point, you get 7 or 8-year-old cars that doesn’t make sense from a financial perspective.
- MG Hector – Not keen about it
- Hyundai Alcazar – Comes with the erstwhile Tucson Petrol engine. Makes a good proposition, but the design and shape doesn’t inspire me much
So, with a big list ruled out what are the cars that I am exploring currently XUV 500 W11 AWD (2019 & above model). Pros- Technically the 2018 facelift that had most of the issues ironed out. Finding out a low run car is nearly difficult.
- Gives me the flexibility of the 7 seater and comfort of the 5 seater
- Comes with all bells and whistles. AWD, connectivity, TPMS, reverse camera, sensors, et. All
- Service network across India
Cons- Finding an AWD version is next to impossible in BLR. Also, there is significant premium of AWD. Price points touches almost 16L which I feel for an outgoing generation is high
- Many cars are 2nd owner cars and if I assume my ownership period, the value of the diminishes significantly.
- You get only white color (which I don’t prefer)
Honda CR-V 2.4 AWD
My initial intention of looking at this car was the value it would bring. Not everyone loves the design language, but I did check out a couple of cars Pros- Solid construction by Honda. Drives like a car I liked its dynamics
- Practical 5 seater with the flexibility of a 7 seater
- Premium interiors & feature loaded
Cons- Not much of 2018 & above model available in BLR
- Predominantly 2WD is what is available (I’m ok with 2WD)
- High mileage. Minimum one I saw as 65k on the ODO
- Still carries a premium. I saw a diesel one available in one of the portals quoted for 23L. Not worth at all
- Not sure about the spares availability and support. Spares are already high for this car
Jeep Compass Petrol
This came in my search. 2019 & above models were available in the 17L-23L bracket Pros- Jeep character. Love this design and the aggressive stance
- Competent Petrol engine.
Cons- Not a comfortable 5 seater. I found the middle occupant could struggle over a long drive
- No 4x4. Though not a showstopper, I thought it would have been good on Jeep to provide a 4WD on the petrol
- Diesel is priced above 25L for most cases where the car has low mileage
- Service support is question mark still
Hyundai Tucson GLS AT Petrol
This came late in my radar. The 2019 or 2020 facelift had some good featured added in. This goes over my current budget, but if I find a good car, I may be willing to go shade above 20L. Pros:- Solid construction. Drives like a car, but still has some SUV characteristics
- 2.0L Petrol engine mated with 6 speed AT that delivers 155BHP. Pretty sedate, but still good enough for city and highway
- Driving modes, ESP, Electronic parking brakes, apple car play, android auto, cruise control
- Good comfort for 5 people with a generous boot
Cons:- No AWD on petrol. Diesels have run more than 60k on the odo
- Outgoing model, though it shares some parts with the Alcazar, I presume spares wouldn’t be an issue. But should consider it
- Is it worth to plonk 20L plus on a car that is past its prime?
Apart from the above, I love the Kodiaq and Tiguan, but the used car price in BLR touches 30L. I can consider a new XUV700 or Innova Hycross at that cost.
Are there any other car suggestions you can think about. I know I can look for competent sedans too – Corolla Altis, Camry, Octavia or Superb? I am not sure how the transition could be for me as a driver as I have driven a SUV for the last 15 years. I continue to explore this space.
Do put in your suggestions and also let me know what would be the ideal pricing for the cars I have shortlisted
Thanks for taking time to read through my post |