Auto prescription

WHICH CAR?

My wife and I are both doctors. Until recently, we had a Hyundai Santro and a Maruti Wagon R, but we just sold off the Wagon R.

Now our family is getting bigger "� we've just had twins "� and we need a slightly larger car which is easy to park, has a good rear seat ride and is economical for travelling 30 to 50 km a day.

I am willing to spend Rs 4.5 to 5.5 lakh. By the way, how about the new Honda City? Is it really worth stretching my budget that much?

Dr Vishal A Sawant, via email

Double congratulations! What you really need is an estate car. We recommend you either the Suzuki Baleno Altura (Rs 7.5 lakh) or the Opel Swing (Rs 6 lakh). These cars have adequate room for two kids and their stuff, which you will really appreciate as the children grow up.

We can also recommend the Fiat Palio Weekend "� Fiat dealers are offering good discounts on that car. It is all-around capable, and reasonably economical too.

As for the City, it's a typical doctors' car "� refined, extremely reliable and economical to run too. But we still think you might be better off buying an estate.

Diesel desire

I have a Hyundai Santro, 2000 model year and have been pretty happy with its performance. Over the years, I have done about 53,000 km on it, but now it's beginning give some problems. It is becoming very difficult to sit in the rear seats as they have become very bouncy and the ride has become rough.

Also, the body now tends to make a lot of creaking noises. I have now decided to change my car. I travel about 75 km a day, home to office and back.

Do you suggest that I look into buying a diesel car? I would like to have smooth and good performance from the diesel car. What is your feedback on the Fiat Palio 1.9D? Would you rate the Tata Indica as a better car than the Palio?

Srinivas, via email

We think your Santro needs a set of new shocks and a suspension check. A diesel car will save you some money in fuel costs, but you won't get the driveability and refinement of petrol engines.

As far as we are concerned, the Palio 1.9D gets priority over the Indica diesel.

Planning to buy a car or bike?Ask us at bijoy@business-standard.com