Quote:
Originally Posted by Soumye Hello team,
I am in a similar dilemma. I am being offered a 2022 Audi Q3 40TFSI Premium plus variant demo car with 2800 km on the odo by Audi verified plus South Mumbai. It also consists of 3+2 years comprehensive warranty till 2028.
A) The above said Q3 which I may be able to negotiate in mid 30 lacs. I like the car and had a TD, but I’m disappointed with lack of basic features which are provided by cars costing much lesser too.
B) Book and wait for a Toyota Hyryder hybrid in similar cost bracket but offer host of new age features.
C) My initial budget was around 20L and would be shed mostly out of my savings, I can book a new gen Seltos and risk a 3* NCAP rating car or go for Grand Vitara or the likes offering all the latest features.
Background
I own a 10 year old Honda City IVTC which I love. The car has no problems per se but I would like to upgrade my drive as it has already completed a decade. Mostly it’s city driving with 300-400 km per month in bumper to bumper traffic in south Mumbai. |
Personally, this is a fair deal if the car checks out clean. Being a demo, there is a chance of it being abused - cold starts, heavy acceleration, braking, checking handling and ride, etc. and picking up a few scratches here and there.
Check the service records for the vehicle - make sure nothing is amiss. Follow the TBHP Checklist to the T.
There are 3 big concerns about the Q3 for me, and 4 in your case:
1. It isn't E20 fuel compatible, which could mean issues with fuel pump / lines in long term
2. DSG would require a little care - routine oil changes, engaging handbrake before putting car into Park, keeping in neutral for longer signals, etc.; but is fairly reliable with no known breakdowns in India
3. Parts availabilty & service quality isn't great - at the end of the warranty period (should end 2027, not 2028 since it's a 2022 car with 5 year warranty) you would want to find an independent mechanic. Also being a German - it isn't going to be as reliable or low maintenance as the Honda City / Hyryder / Seltos etc. If this is the CBU - some parts will have a higher chance of giving niggles earlier on such as the A.C., ABS sensors, etc.
4. I'm generally not comfortable extending budget by dipping into savings to buy a German which will also have higher maintenance costs (insurance + service till 2027 years will be around 80k - 1L more than the City/annually for example on average).
Alternatives to consider:
1. Hyundai Tucson Petrol Signature : comfortable, fully loaded, well built, safe option at a budget. Won't be as solidly built, as fun to drive as the Q3 however.
2. VW/Skoda Kushaq/Taigun 1.0TSi AT : 5 star rated safety with the German dynamics & decent kit on offer.
3. Pre-owned previous gen Tucson - A 2020/21 model, within warranty and low running for around 18-20L could hit the sweet spot of budget, safety, features. It would feel dated quicker than the newer generation of cars - but with the 2020 refresh bringing in the newer features and newer interiors, it should still keep you happy for a fairly reasonable time. Parts would take some time to organize - but it's not like the Q3 / new Tucson would have them readily available either.
I wouldn't recommend other cars such as:
1. Creta/Seltos - Plan B if you're ok with the 3 star safety. If you're only driving in city traffic it shouldn't be a big issue - more important to wear a seatbelt in the city
2. Hyryder - Plan B - safety I wouldn't comment on but aside from the hybrid tech and perceived safety (since it's not been tested) I think the Creta is a better car
3. Preowned Tiguan / Kodiaq / X1 / GLA - these are going to feel dated with the influx of new generation launched / to be launched. For someone who will keep the car for 10 years, rather buy something fresher so you don't get bored as quickly. The GLA also has higher maintenance costs.