Long run

WHICH CAR?

I am planning to upgrade from my Ford Ikon and was contemplating a Skoda Octavia or a Toyota Corolla. My office is 25 km from where I stay, so my daily run is approximately 50 km.

I want a car that is classy and feels at home on the highway.

Vivek Chandra, Noida

We suggest you go for the Skoda Octavia Diesel version that suits your budget - it is a bit old by design but has great looks, nice fit and finish and a good and economical diesel engine.

Ride quality and comfort of the Skoda over bad roads is commendable and it tackles corners with ease. The diesel engine can stretch a litre to 17 kpl and more on highways.

We would have suggested the Toyota Corolla if you were living closer to your work place and economy was not important.

Minor problem

I am fascinated by the old Morris Minor "� my grandfather had one and I want one now.

Where can I find a good one? What are the things that I should look for when I am buying an old car? What kind of modifications can I do "� can I fit an air-conditioner? Is this worth all the effort?

Prakash Karad, via e-mail

Morris Minors are easy to come by and it can be a perfectly usable modern classic, provided you have the temperament to own old cars. Like most old cars there are going to be reliability issues and you should be ready for that.

The small side-valve engine of the Minor may not support the power requirements of an air-conditioner though technically it is possible. We suggest you buy a 'restored' car as against one that needs lot of work - the additional money you pay is worth it.

You can pick up Minors for as less as Rs 10,000 to Rs 2,00,000 for a mint example. All this is worth the effort if you have the patience and maturity to own and understand a classic car. Take the plunge we say, you can chicken out later "� you are not going to lose much.

Van-ished

I am planning to purchase a Toyota Innova. The reason I have selected this is because I am looking for a big, maintenance free car at a reasonable price, primarily for city driving.

The Innova seems similar to the Toyota Previa, a car I had enjoyed driving in New Zealand earlier this year, hence my decision. Which model would you recommend? Petrol or Diesel? When will the automatic variant be introduced?

Nakul Madhavji via e-mail

Smitten by a Toyota van? Really, the Toyota Innova is a contemporary vehicle that is sold in various developing markets world over. It may not look as luxurious as the Previa but it has all the amenities.

We suggest you go for a diesel version with power steering and air-conditioning. The top end V models come with anti-lock braking systems and airbags - active and passive safety features that makes sense if you are buying it instead of a modern sedan.

Planning to buy a car or bike?
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