Middle ground

I am looking to buy a mid-size car at the earliest. Initially I planned to buy the Honda City, but then I was told that the car might be phased out by mid-next year. I would have loved to go for the Fiat Linea, had it been launched soon, but I guess that won't be coming too until next year. Since I do plan to eventually buy the Linea next year, I am looking for a car that I can buy in the interim. Do you suggest going in for a new car or a used car? Also kindly suggest which one should I go for, given resale value is of importance to me.

Amit Nagpal, via email

For the interim period, we suggest you go in for a used Honda City. There are hundreds of the post-2003 new-look Honda Citys that are currently floating in the used car market that tend to hold resale values rather well. Apart from that, the City's also frugal and quite easy to drive. The current City will be in production for at least another year and until then, it shouldn't be difficult to dispose it off for a good value when the Fiat Linea comes in.

Upgrade time

We are a family of four and own a Hyundai Santro. We plan to upgrade to a sedan in the price range of Rs 4-8 lakh. We log about 30 km every day, most of the driving is within the city. Since it will be a self-driven car, we would rather have one that is easy to park and maneouvre around the city. Our choices include the Hyundai Accent, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Maruti Suzuki SX4 and the Honda City. Please suggest the best option.

Bagwaan Jumani, via email

While the Hyundai Accent is currently available at a discount, it's eight years old and doesn't offer the kind of comfort and dynamic levels that the new sedans such as the Maruti SX4 and Honda City do. For a family of four, the SX4 is ideal and has a big boot too. The engine is fairly torquey and its high ground clearance means it can tackle bad roads better. Go in for the ZXi variant that has safety features such as ABS and airbags, apart from automatic climate control and a jazzy stereo system.

Heart or head?

I need your suggestion as to which car to choose between the Tata Indica Turbo diesel and the Fiat Palio 1.6 Sports. Though I love the looks, performance, space and features of the Palio Sports, the fuel efficiency seems a bit worrisome. If I do buy the car, I would opt for an LPG kit, since my use is generally city based and at Rs 5 lakh, it seems like a good deal to me. On the other hand, the Indica is a compromise choice as it is frugal but all my friends think its a cab and I will not be so inclined towards it if the Palio can deliver an average of 10 to 11 kms in the city. Your thoughts?

Madhu Ravana Reddy, via email

While the Palio 1.6 is quite a performer and a looker, we don't think converting it to LPG makes much sense. Instead try out the new Tata Indica Turbo DLX that comes with airbags and ABS as standard. Apart from the usual traits of being frugal, the Turbo also has decent grunt and good legroom at the rear as well. And while the Indica is quite a hit with private cab services, you can avoid the backlash by going for a colour that isn't the usual cab fare!

Citizen sane

I currently own a Maruti 800 and am looking to upgrade to a bigger small car. On an average, the monthly mileage clocked is around 400 to 500 km. I wish to go for a small car that is a little on the larger side as well as easy to drive and park. Being a senior citizen, I would prefer a car that is low on maintenance and is a tried and tested model. My budget is Rs 4 -5 lakh. Please recommend the best option.

AC Das, Bhubhaneswar

We can't think of a better alternative than the Santro Xing for you. It's peppy, easy to drive and easy to park as well. Its tall-boy stance also means you walk in to the car, rather than crouch your way in. Besides, the Santro is a proven model, holds good resale value as well, and is cheap to maintain. Alternatively, if you would like to hold on for just a bit more, Hyundai will be launching the PA in November, a car that is slightly larger than the Santro and should be even more accomplished.

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