Very attached

My 75-year-old mother has been driving a 1988 Contessa for quite a few years. We think it's time she got herself a new car. She vehemently disagrees "" she believes cars are not for changing every couple of years. Can you suggest a suitable car that will continue to be low maintenance even in a couple of years, allows comfortable ingress/egress for a sub-5 foot lady and provides space between the back-seat passenger and the driver "" she occasionally allows herself to be chauffeured. Because of all these considerations and er... because she's been driving a Contessa, the Santro, Swift and the like are kind of ruled out. Mileage is not a significant consideration, as she drives less than 100 km a week. Budget is not a major issue either, as long we can get the right car.

Elizabeth Alexander, Bangalore

If she is so emotionally attached to the Contessa, let her continue to use the car. Sure, it is tough to maintain but worth it if she continues to be happy. You really don't want her to go through a depression, do you? As for a new car, we think the Toyota Corolla is a nice choice, since it is a taller sedan compared to other cars in its league and is easy to get in and out of. It is neither too big nor too small to drive and park.

Cost cutting

I am a cost-conscious customer. I have owned a Maruti Alto for the last four years and now, I am looking to upgrade. My budget is Rs 6.5 to 8 lakh, annual running is expected to be around 27,000 km and I intend to keep the car for around six or seven years. I care about style, elegance and safety, but at the same time look for value for money. Is it advisable to go for a diesel car? If yes, then which one? I have heard a lot of good things about the Ford Fiesta. If I go for a petrol, which car "" Honda City or Maruti Suzuki SX4?

Sumeet Goyal, via email

For the kind of mileage you manage in a year, a diesel makes sense. The Ford Fiesta TDCi is a contemporary car with an excellent diesel motor that can fetch you 15 kpl in city driving conditions and much more on highways. You can spec your Fiesta with ABS as well. If you want a petrol car, the Suzuki SX4 ZXi can be your pick. It has ABS as well as driver and passenger side airbags. The City will be a tad more economical to run and slightly more refined.

Quick decision

I am planning to buy a car for my family. Going through all the options, I have decided on a Suzuki Swift. My running would be about 1200 km per month. Should I go in for the petrol or diesel version? Diesels are always seen as high maintenance vehicles. What type of maintenance costs are expected in the Swift Diesel? Also, when will the Hyundai Getz Diesel be launched? Should I wait for it, as buying a car is not an immediate requirement for me.

Anup Achalere, Bangalore

With 1,200 km of usage a month, the Swift Diesel is the ideal car for you. Modern day diesel engines are comparable to petrol engines when it comes to maintenance. Ensuring that good quality of fuel is used and that routine maintenance and service is carried out should be enough. The Swift Diesel employs a very modern diesel power unit, which has adequate performance and excellent economy. The only downside is that you may have to wait two months for delivery.

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