[adigup]

Hey everyone,

My brother is in the need of a new car.

To give some background, the car will be used for 4 adults and my nephew who is 2 years old. (A second car is planned early next year).

He sold his loved Hyundai Verna SX 1.6 Petrol Manual 2011 in 2019 and then the pandemic struck. According to him, it was his best purchase. He got it for under 9/10 lakhs then.

He also has a Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 Manual Petrol 2013 J (Base spec) (He got it for 12.5 lakhs) which is completely raw and just has 66,000kms on the ODO. Even though he agrees that the Corolla is a gem to drive, but since it is the base spec, it doesn't even get a reverse parking camera and steering mounted controls (the basics), and so now he regrets the purchase. Also, the place where the car used to get parked until 2 years back, some goons/people (am I using the right word?) just used to randomly take/cut the side mirrors/grills and even the logos and wheel covers. He got it fixed like A LOT of times but after a point he gave up. and now he doesn't wanna spend a penny on his car. (but again, he loves the way it drives). Here's how it looks:





He thinks that getting it repaired and keeping it for another 2-3 years won't be feasible. And as everything has started opening up, he will be requiring two cars from early next year.
If I could get some suggestions:

• Sell the Corolla, and get both new cars. (One ~15 lakhs and other ~7-8 lakhs)
• Keep the corolla, get it fixed and get only one car(~15 lakhs - main topic of this thread) (and later plan for a good upgrade)

Any other suggestions will be appreciated.

His budget is 14 lakhs for now. The car won't be driven much. 70% city and will see 30% highway runs. The car should be safe and 'Value-for-Money'. It should have all the necessary features (eg. alloy wheels, steering mounted controls, decent stereo, automatic climate control). The service costs shouldn't be a pain. Plus, the car is to be used for <8,000 kms every year.

Options considered:

• Hyundai Creta 1.5 S Petrol (Steel wheels designed like alloys aren't bad)
• Honda City 1.5 4th Gen V MT Petrol
• Honda City 1.5 5th Gen V MT Petrol
• Kia Seltos 1.5 HTK Plus Petrol (He prefers Creta over this)

Any other options/suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Aditya

[Shreyans_Jain]

14L and urban driving screams Honda City. With the City, it has to be Gen5. Don’t even consider the Gen4, cost cutting is pathetic. Go for the base V model of the Gen5, it has all the essential equipment a car of today should have. I will strongly suggest that you ditch the manual and go for the CVT automatic.

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by adigup

His budget is 14 lakhs for now. The car won't be driven much. 70% city and will see 30% highway runs. The car should be safe and 'Value-for-Money'. It should have all the necessary features (eg. alloy wheels, steering mounted controls, decent stereo, automatic climate control). The service costs shouldn't be a pain. Plus, the car is to be used for <8,000 kms every year.

Options considered:

• Hyundai Creta 1.5 S Petrol (Steel wheels designed like alloys aren't bad)
• Honda City 1.5 4th Gen V MT Petrol
• Honda City 1.5 5th Gen V MT Petrol
• Kia Seltos 1.5 HTK Plus Petrol (He prefers Creta over this)

Any other options/suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Aditya

I would add the S-Cross to the list. IMO, there is no better sub 15 lakh car that fits his requirements. Even if it does not "look" good or does not have the wow factor, please request him to reject it only after a test drive. It is a car that can surprise you with its practicality.

[adigup]

Originally Posted by Eddy

I would add the S-Cross to the list. IMO, there is no better sub 15 lakh car that fits his requirements. Even if it does not "look" good or does not have the wow factor, please request him to reject it only after a test drive. It is a car that can surprise you with its practicality.

Me and my dad suggested the Scross and Ciaz to him. He had the following reasons:

• It's a Maruti
• S-cross is too basic on the inside

I'm myself weirded out by knowing that he's ready to spend that amount on a 4th gen City instead!

[hellmet]

If the second car is for the sole purpose of accomodating the (grown) kid in the future, I'd suggest selling the Corolla and buying just one car - the Ertiga or the XL6 when the new models arrive. The new models will come with a more efficient motor and a 6 speed TC automatic, if you prefer one. The Ertiga twins, from what I know and read so far, are quite easy to maneuver in the city, accomodate 6 adults, are easy to maintain and repair, and you could opt for the CNG Ertiga to reduce running costs.

Also, if I'm not mistaken it's shorter than the Honda City by quite a bit, so it may not be too hard to park and drive it in the city.

[joeva1706]

Honda City Vx MT seems an ideal choice considering safety, all necessary features and reliable 1.5 L naturally aspirated engine.
Kia and Hyundai will give features but they have a big question mark on safety and build quality. Not ruling out the fact that the cars under their brand have good market value and sell like hot cakes.
Do consider VW or Skoda mid variants Manual of Taigun, Kushaq, Salvia or upcoming Virtus. They have a strong build quality, improved service network and necessary features in the Highline/Ambition variants and should cut under 15 lakhs with some dealer offers.

Tata Punch could be your choice for the second car for 8 lakhs with a range of variants to chose.
Honda Amaze is also another excellent value for money vehicle which is currently the most selling Honda car following the City

[GTO]

Originally Posted by adigup

He also has a Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 Manual Petrol 2013 J (Base spec) (He got it for 12.5 lakhs) which is completely raw and just has 66,000kms on the ODO. Even though he agrees that the Corolla is a gem to drive, but since it is the base spec, it doesn't even get a reverse parking camera and steering mounted controls (the basics), and so now he regrets the purchase.

Definitely keep the Corolla and load it up with some accessories to make up for all the missing features. Have your brother read this article of mine (Want to sell your car because of repairs? Think again!).

For the 15-lakh car, you really cannot go wrong with the 5th-gen City, Creta or Seltos (updated version coming soon with a softened suspension, apparently). Also check out the new Skoda Slavia which is a fun-to-drive car, Kushaq and the very urban-friendly MG Astor. Take all for the longest possible test-drives & go with whichever he loves the most.

[adigup]

Originally Posted by GTO

Definitely keep the Corolla and load it up with some accessories to make up for all the missing features. Have your brother read this article of mine (Want to sell your car because of repairs? Think again!).

For the 15-lakh car, you really cannot go wrong with the 5th-gen City, Creta or Seltos (updated version coming soon with a softened suspension, apparently). Also check out the new Skoda Slavia which is a fun-to-drive car, Kushaq and the very urban-friendly MG Astor. Take all for the longest possible test-drives & go with whichever he loves the most.

Thank you for your reply!

After some discussion, he’s keeping the Corolla and will spend some money to make it better. (or maybe ‘invest’ as it’s a Toyota and they never go wrong)

Yes, suggested all the cars to him. We got a Taigun two weeks back and he just knows that ‘Germans are expensive to maintain’ as he is not too much into the automotive world. (inspite of me and my dad telling him that maintenance packages are being sold)

He realised that he doesn’t wanna spend a lot of money; so is now inclined towards the City. He’s getting the V variants of 4th gen for 11.13 lakhs and 5th gen for 12.70 lakhs. Both prices on-road Delhi. As the 4th gen offers everything, he’s more inclined towards it. and not being a ‘car’ guy - the difference in engine (yes, that 1cc and the new figures), the 2-3 features and the new design doesn’t really matter to him. It came as a shock to me when he told me that Honda’s sales guy told him that both cars are made on the same structure and have the same engines.

Any suggestions - why he should consider the 5th gen over the 4th gen? and if the deal he is getting on the 4th gen should be skipped/strongly considered?

[Bhupesh_2628]

Originally Posted by adigup

Any suggestions - why he should consider the 5th gen over the 4th gen? and if the deal he is getting on the 4th gen should be skipped/strongly considered?

IMO, 5th gen City is quite an improved car w.r.t 4th gen City.

Following are the reasons (personal views):

1) Its interiors are more pleasing to look.
2) Not much cost cutting.
3) Improved Multimedia Touchscreen display. 4th gen model's was one of the worst in its segment.

Also, refer below threads I found after searching - applicable if you want comparison between both the generations. Beneficial for your decision making process:

1) https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/sedan...onda-city.html (4th-gen vs 5th-gen Honda City)

2) https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.tea...en-model%3famp

There might be more. You can simply search on Google by typing below:

"4th gen City vs 5th gen City Team-BHP"

Also, refer to ownership reviews of 4th gen & 5th gen Citys.

[PaddleShifter]

I have a different query.

If his Corolla is subjected to valdalism/theft, is there an alternate space for a shining new car?

Among the list of cars mentioned, go for the 5th Gen Honda City. Its a good package at this price range.

[adigup]

Not being a petrolhead, he is 99% inclined towards the City 4th gen (V); as he is getting it for 11.1 lakhs. (vs 12.8 for City 5th gen V MT)

(He barely notices the small differences in cars - just essential features matter. Mentioning again, Honda Sales guy told him the 4th and 5th gen are built on the same platform and share their engines, there are only cosmetic differences, to which he agreed. When he told that to me, my brain started hurting)

Primarily, City will be used by his wife and parents to go from place A to B and to pick/drop my nephew from school.

He is keeping the Corolla for another year, and will buy a 'proper' replacement for it, later this year/early next year.
To be clear, the City will be used as a loner car once the Corolla gets replaced.

Any comments on why spending ~1.8 lakhs more and getting 5th gen will be a good idea in the longer run? or should he just go with the 4th gen.

[oh_maan]

From the thread, it not quite clear to me what usecases your brother want to meet with 2 cars. Who are the drivers for the 2 cars? How will the 2 cars be used?

If it is a city commuter vs highway cruiser like usecase, wouldn't a hatchback + sedan combination be better ? A Corolla and a City are similar in my opinion on the types of usecases it can meet. So I am not clear on why he needs 2 sedans.

Also, from the thread, it sounds like he has one secure parking which was used by the Verna and one open parking which was used by Corolla and was getting vandalised. How has the parking situation changed that he can now keep both of them safe ?

[Tronix]

Originally Posted by adigup

His budget is 14 lakhs for now. The car won't be driven much. 70% city and will see 30% highway runs. The car should be safe and 'Value-for-Money'. It should have all the necessary features (eg. alloy wheels, steering mounted controls, decent stereo, automatic climate control). The service costs shouldn't be a pain. Plus, the car is to be used for <8,000 kms every year.

Has he explored the used/ pre-worshipped market? I'm sure he could find great deals there. He could very well find cars 1 or even 2 segments above your shortlist. Case in point would be a Jeep Compass or maybe even a '17 Crysta P.

Yes I do understand the sentiments we Indians have with a new car but from what you've stated any car with basic features should satisfy your brother(No offence just my 2 cents). Also it's more likely he'll find a true VFM car used rather than buying new.

Originally Posted by oh_maan

Also, from the thread, it sounds like he has one secure parking which was used by the Verna and one open parking which was used by Corolla and was getting vandalised. How has the parking situation changed that he can now keep both of them safe ?

I very well agree with oh_maan. Already having a very reliable sedan which is a target of local goons and no further interest to spend on its upkeep, I would suggest him to look into either compact or mid-size SUV's as they are the Jack of All Trades in these unforgiving Indian roads.

People will have opinions about their 'SUV' tag but that's not something a non-petrolhead will pay attention to. As long as its comfortable, can tackle bad roads, hauls luggage and people without any fuss, gives decent FE and has better than average performance, I'm sure no one will bother, even including a petrolhead.

Good luck in your search and wishing your brother Happy Motoring(in advance ).

(Also I was scratching my head hard when I read about the salesman saying that City 4th and 5th Gen are on same structure )

[adigup]

Originally Posted by oh_maan

From the thread, it not quite clear to me what usecases your brother want to meet with 2 cars. Who are the drivers for the 2 cars? How will the 2 cars be used?

If it is a city commuter vs highway cruiser like usecase, wouldn't a hatchback + sedan combination be better ? A Corolla and a City are similar in my opinion on the types of usecases it can meet. So I am not clear on why he needs 2 sedans.

Also, from the thread, it sounds like he has one secure parking which was used by the Verna and one open parking which was used by Corolla and was getting vandalised. How has the parking situation changed that he can now keep both of them safe ?

The driver of the cars will be my brother's parents, and his wife, who as of now will drive the City in the city. This car will be for daily work, like dropping/picking my nephew from school and other places; and also for going from point A to B.

The other car which in their garage will be placed 'above' the City, will be a ~15-20 lakh compact SUV, which will be a replacement of the Corolla and will see highways more frequently than the City. It will be driven by everyone in the house.

I totally agree, but since, they have always owned sedans, after a lot of research and discussion, they decided that hatchbacks and compact sedans are something they won't be considering.

Parking place is the same and it had been same for both the cars, Corolla was somehow the easy target always for the goons. Now, as the security has improved, there is not much worry about it. They are parked outside the house.

Originally Posted by Tronix

I very well agree with oh_maan. Already having a very reliable sedan which is a target of local goons and no further interest to spend on its upkeep, I would suggest him to look into either compact or mid-size SUV's as they are the Jack of All Trades in these unforgiving Indian roads.

People will have opinions about their 'SUV' tag but that's not something a non-petrolhead will pay attention to. As long as its comfortable, can tackle bad roads, hauls luggage and people without any fuss, gives decent FE and has better than average performance, I'm sure no one will bother, even including a petrolhead.

Good luck in your search and wishing your brother Happy Motoring(in advance ).

(Also I was scratching my head hard when I read about the salesman saying that City 4th and 5th Gen are on same structure )

Yes, we did consider all the options - getting a smaller car for city and even checking out a less-used car in the used car market. Even saw some good examples of Seltos HTX Anniversary edition, but, the used car market has the prices quite high comparatively (these days); so a new car with good benefits, should be a decent buy. Also, I know you can never go wrong w an Innova! Have owned two in the past, but it's not something he would pick.
(Above, I've also mentioned that in future, Corolla will be replaced, and at that time we will think again, for a Brand new/less-used compact SUV)

[Shreyans_Jain]

Originally Posted by adigup

Not being a petrolhead, he is 99% inclined towards the City 4th gen (V); as he is getting it for 11.1 lakhs. (vs 12.8 for City 5th gen V MT)


Any comments on why spending ~1.8 lakhs more and getting 5th gen will be a good idea in the longer run? or should he just go with the 4th gen.

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT go for the Gen4 City. There are so many unhappy owners here, yours truly included. There is a good reason why the City’s popularity plummeted for a while, and it has all to do with how poorly that car was made. Honda took a beating and realised they can’t take the customer for a ride based on past reputations. They have fixed a lot of the blunders they made with that car, and are now selling it as the Gen 5.

If you want to go for the City, it has to be the latest model. Otherwise, I will strongly suggest you ditch the City altogether and consider other options. Creta and Astor are competent cars for urban driving.