Xeta knows

WHIICH CAR

I’m looking at purchasing a used car and have zeroed in on an Indica Xeta. One of the cars I have seen is available for Rs 1.6 lakh for a 2006 model. Do you think the price is justified? Also, what kind of mileage would I enjoy the Xeta and is it advisable to convert it to LPG? Do you also think the Xeta is a fun to drive car? Please advise. 

Vinod Gugale, Ahmednagar

There are scores of petrol powered used cars in the market... so you don’t have to buy a Xeta. But if you insist, it is a better choice than a used diesel Indica. The quoted price is high — bargain hard and bring it down to Rs 1 lakh or at the max Rs 1.2 lakh. With a quality conversion you should be able to get 14 kpl or equivalent. And we don’t think it’s fun to drive!

General predicament

I am a general surgeon of around 27 years of age. I am planning to buy my first car. I will normally drive up to 30 kilometres within the city of Chennai with some long drives over the weekends. I prefer self-driving always so driving comfort is of importance to me. My budget is between Rs 4-6 lakh. I want a fuel efficient vehicle with all the necessary safety features. I have zeroed in on the Maruti Swift diesel VDi ABS and the Ford Ikon diesel. I’ve read a lot of reviews on the Maruti Suzuki A-Star, and it seems attractive too. Which of these would you recommend as my ideal first car? Are there any others that I should consider?

S Alagu Ganesh, via email

The Swift diesel VDi ABS is a very good first car — it is economical and fun to drive too. You will also find that it enjoys good resale value - which matters when you plan to upgrade later.

Repeat purchase?

I own a Honda Accord for the last four years and am pretty satisfied with it. I'm looking for a change for myself as I plan to pass the Accord to my wife. My budget is for a car in the region of Rs 20-25 lakh and after much deliberation, narrowed down my choices to the Skoda Superb and the new Honda Accord. I’m getting a great deal on the Superb since the car is going out of production. I like the Superb for its build quality and space. On the other hand, though I’ve not tried out the new Accord, I hear equally good things about it. Now, I’m confused, and am not sure if it’s wise to go for the Superb or stick to the new Accord. Kindly suggest.

P Shah, Mumbai

If the Accord has served you well, we suggest you stick to it. The new Accord is larger, has a lot of kit and is good value. Besides, by virtue of being a newer car, will hold value well over the next three to five years, while the Superb might not. With the new Superb up for launch in February, you will instantly feel that you are driving a generation old car. Make your purchase at the earliest as the four per cent CENVAT reduction means your Accord will be cheaper until Honda decides to revise its prices once again due to higher raw material costs.

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