[aargee]

Like others I too cast my vote for 1996 M800 DX or 1995 Esteem 85000 Kms 60000Rs. I would consider M800 for its low mileage & parking constraints.

Turning to Esteem, I get a bigger car for the same money at the cost of little less mileage than M800, need for lot of parking space & little more mileage.

Hope you'll be taking a nth opinion from a M.A.S.S before settling in for any of the above models. Good Luck with your choice.

[sureshkishore]

Dear All,

Coudnt finalise the deal. Hope to do it today.

Also need to inspect the under-body for rust.

@aargee. I have taken all possible help from the Dealer Service Centre. These guys helped get the service history on each car I checked.

[prince_pervez]

My friend sold his 97 esteem for 60 K. Everything was good and he would have continued but his family pressured him for a new car. So these things can last. Hope you chalk the best deal. All the best. Any reason for failure in your dealing ?

[aargee]

Originally Posted by sureshkishore

@aargee. I have taken all possible help from the Dealer Service Centre. These guys helped get the service history on each car I checked.

Well, no; I was not talking about the service history.

Originally Posted by sureshkishore

Also need to inspect the under-body for rust.

This is one of them; next on tires including the spare; alignments; clutch wear; brake shoe wear & tear; wiper blades. What I mean here is, after buying the car, how much you should be spending to fix the nitty gritty things OR does the car itself have some other major expense that is hidden. That's the reason I was asking to check with M.A.S.S.

[coloneljasi]

Originally Posted by sureshkishore

5) 2001 Palio 1.2EL 90000Kms 70,000 Rs (A/C not working)

Why did you drop the Palio? Was it as EL PS? If it wasn't, then I guess I already know the answer.

I'm on the lookout for a cheap hatch for my wife & sis to get re-acquainted with driving. Since they need PS and aircon, I'm looking for a Palio 1.2 EL PS/ELX, well under 1 lakh. Didn't mean to hijack your thread, sorry!

[princemanatt]

My vote goes to the esteem. When going for second hand, I prefer japaneese. They are supposed to be reliable to the core and relatively easier on the pocket. And with esteem, you get a pocket rocket!

[Delta Wing]

Hi Suresh,
From the photos you posted, the Esteem is the pre equipped up version of 1995, the one without power window controls on driver's side. In the same year, the Esteem VX came out with these controls (I know 'cos I have one). 60K is ok if the condition is good.
Check if the suspension may last for 15-20K km (that may be first big expense to come up for you), unlikely to last considering the car's done around 95K km. How to check? Car feels smooth on smooth roads and rattles bad on gravel with every pothole giving a nice solid thud. Also, on gravel, vibrations travel up the steering column very perceptibly. Old suspension will result in tires wearing more on the inside.
Check if engine is in good condition.
Check if the car has the Maruti original mechanical fuel pump (goes in the fuel tank, cost ~9-9.5K) or the local 500 odd bucks electronic fuel pumps (these are prone to conk off without warning without any assurance).
Check for accident damage (various threads on the forum) which might cost you dear.
Check if the registration is renewed (car near 15 years old). If not, that's another cost to reckon.
The headlights look fogged in the photos. Check them in the dark.
You'll definitely change the seat covers after buying.
At this age of the car, electric wiring is critical. If worn, may set you back a little. Check thoroughly.
Check the AC cooling. Gas drained is another expense.
The belts will need a change.
Check the window action. The frames may have rusted inside, if worn out, the windows will creak and roll up-down will feel uneven.
Check all small things like windshield wipers.
Apart from this, denting/painting is cosmetic and optional.

[GTO]

You want to buy another car, when you already have two, only because your office parking is on the street? I'm sorry but I just cannot agree to that logic:

1. The purchase price is a small component of the total cost, when buying a 15 year old car. It will require work from time to time. That's why its cheap in the first place. Do you have the time & the money?

2. Use that SX4 to commute to work! I can understand the SS80 is a classic, but the SX4 is a regular C segment sedan that you have bought (presumably) to use on a daily basis. Its 3 years old too. C'mon, it ain't no Rolls Royce Ghost. So what if she will get some dings & scratches?! You should see what Mumbai, Bangalore & Delhi BHPians go through. If we started worrying about scratches, we'd never take our cars out on the road. Anywhere.

3. Other options : Find a nice parking spot close to your office (even if requires a monthly payment). Or take the bus / train to work.

Just being honest here : Don't worry so much about parking on the street. Cars are bought to be used & driven, not merely pose as garage queens.

[A350XWB]

+1 to what GTO said. Come to Bangalore and scratches and dents are a daily affair. And, many of the cars in BLR spent most of their lifetime on the streets. If you worry about scratches, then you have to leave your car in the parking lot itself. For me, if I don't use a car, the whole purpose of owning it is lost, until it is a classic which could be kept in a glasshouse.

[Delta Wing]

Very valid points in above posts. Few more cons for you to reconsider the decision:
Esteem would also get dents and scratches.
The car WILL cost you approx at least 15 K per year in maintenance (mine takes ~18-20 K) if you want everything ship-shape.
The FE will not be more than 12-13.
Compare these with your SX-4's FE, lower maintenance costs and the niggle-free ownership.
Considering these things, in this money, you can have your SX-4 repainted completely if scratches look ungainly and still have booty left for upgrades.
With a back problem, you'll hate getting in and out of the low slung Esteem compared to the high seating of the SX-4.

[sureshkishore]

Originally Posted by Delta Wing

With a back problem, you'll hate getting in and out of the low slung Esteem compared to the high seating of the SX-4.

Very Strong Point there Delta Wing

Originally Posted by GTO

You want to buy another car, when you already have two, only because your office parking is on the street? I'm sorry but I just cannot agree to that logic:

Just being honest here : Don't worry so much about parking on the street. Cars are bought to be used & driven, not merely pose as garage queens.

Thanks for those Blunt Words. (Though the SS80 would Certainly Be My Garage Queen.it was never intended to be)

But Seriously, GTO, your post has left me really thinking.

[sureshkishore]

Thanks for all your help guys! Atlast I took the plunge and decided to Buy the Esteem.

[musicmanaman]

Originally Posted by sureshkishore

Thanks for all your help guys! Atlast I took the plunge and decided to Buy the Esteem.

Good stuff, glad you are buying the Esteem, I'm myself playing to buy a M800 EX 5 Speed, 2k model, and the Tax is paid till 2015, let me know what you think the price should be, the car has done 38k on the odo, and the best part is it's the same colour as my Amby, it'll look as though it's a baby my Amby produced.

[sureshkishore]

In Trivandrum the car should sell for abt 80-85K. But in Kolkota the price should be much cheaper.
38k on the odo is quite low. Ensure Service history backs up the odo reading.

[prince_pervez]

Good man! Congrats. Post some photos of the interiors and exteriors as well when everything is done.