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BHPian jomson13 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Hello folks,
I'm looking for a car for my sister who recently got married. She's been driving for quite a while. We've had an Alto and currently have a Celerio at home. Brother in law is learning to drive.
I quite liked the Brio and I feel it fits the bill nicely for my sister. It also falls within their budget.
They are more attracted to the Corolla due to its safety features. I know it has airbags, I'm guessing the G variant has ABS too.
While the Corolla is in top nick and is quite a deal at 5L, I feel it is a bit too much of a car to be their first car. It's designed and manufactured to transport 5 people, comfortably over really long distances; not to go grocery shopping or for the occasional weekend getaway. Moreover, it's too powerful for a new driver.
The argument in favor of the Corolla is about its safety quotient to which I countered by asking them to consider a Polo which would cost them pretty much the same and would have pretty similar safety features.
What would you guys advise? Does it make sense to get the Corolla or should they go for a small hatch?
Here's what BHPian lamborghini had to say about the matter:
I'd suggest looking at the Etios (preferably) or the Liva to be honest.
The Brio is a touch too small and if they are planning a family : the Brio could fall short on space a lot quicker than the others.
The Santro is just too old! Any old car will require maintenance : even if well maintained, there will be wear and tear. It may not burn a hole in the pocket but it is an inconvenience.
The Liva is nice : good visibility, you can look for a higher-end model with ABS & Airbags, it has a stable structure, etc. The Etios takes this a step further with boot space & a better 1.5L engine for those highway runs. It's popularity in the taxi market makes maintaining it that much easier and the car is abuse friendly.
The Corolla too is a good option, but as someone new to cars and car ownership : it is a little too old for my liking and it is very easy to be taken for a ride in terms of maintenance cost. Plus you wouldn't get zero dep insurance : so any accidents would be costly to fix as parts pricing will still be on par with that of a new Corolla.
About performance, etc : I wouldn't be too worried - it is important to first find a car with good visibility, good ergonomics, and linear acceleration & braking. In a month or so, they will get used to the power and size.
At the end of the day, the Corolla is a family car - not a performance car where the rationale to suggest something slower / practical is different : I wouldn't suggest a stiff suspension, low profile tyre performance vehicle to a beginner as it would just be more stuff to worry about for them - like avoiding bumps, crawling over speed breakers at an angle, etc. but none of this is applicable to the Corolla or even the Etios 1.5.In fact, I am not suggesting popular cars like the Honda City 3rd Gen, Civic, etc. because of the ground clearance and visibility : for newer drivers, it becomes more things to watch out for and be mindful about - and that distracts from the basics of driving safely.
Here's what BHPian condor had to say about the matter:
I will rule out the Xing. Most cars today are much better. Brio is great for the city, but outstation trips? Luggage space on the lower side.
Do check other options beyond these. Corolla can be a long-termer. Ask both not to be over-awed by the size of this compared to the Brio/Xing. Doesn't take long to get used to.
Here's what BHPian Latheesh had to say about the matter:
Go for the Corolla if the condition is very good. Honda Jazz is another good option. You should be able to get one if you increase the budget a little.
Jazz advantages:
- Spacious
- Boot capacity
- Reliable
- Don't need to think of upgrading next few years
- Occasional in-laws visit or long journey is not a problem
Here's what BHPian AJ56 had to say about the matter:
If you’re willing to spend 5L on a 2012 Corolla, spend that 5 on an Accord instead, you’ll get a nicer vehicle with a higher quality interior that’s built solid unlike the tin can Brio (I have an Amaze which is essentially the same car) so can speak first hand comparing both, there’s simply no comparison in build and safety (and power + space).
Accord is also much more stable at highway speeds and isn’t affected by crosswinds like the Amaze is, I learnt to drive on it and it’s fairly easy even for beginners, it only takes a few mins to get used to when switching from a smaller vehicle. Corolla feels fairly underpowered in comparison.
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