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WHICH CAR?

BSM Team / Mumbai October 10, 2009, 0:14 IST

I am looking for a second-hand car with a boot. It has to be relatively economical to own and should fit in my budget of Rs 1.5 to 2.5 lakh. I have two offers: a 2004 Ford Ikon with 41,000 km on board at Rs 1.55 lakh and a 2005 Ford Fiesta ZXI which has done 35,000 km at Rs 2.80 lakh. Both seem to be in good condition. Though I have a Hyundai Santro which is going great, I am looking for a sedan for the occasional drive, so I don’t expect to use it much. What would you advise?

Venugopal Rao, via email

If possible, try to bring down the price of the Fiesta to Rs 2.5 lakh, which would make it a good bargain for you. Ford is doing well with the Fiesta, and it’s a contemporary car. The Fiesta is a car that offers good driving pleasure and a good rear seat ride as well. We don’t recommend the Ikon as it’s a dated car, while it may prove to be expensive to maintain over time as well.

Wants and Dzires
Please advise whether to go for the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire petrol or diesel if the running is going to be 10,000 km per year. I have heard that the Dzire petrol version’s performance is also not up to the mark. Do you agree?

Dr R K Goel, via email

Both versions of the Dzire have their strong points. But in your case, the diesel version should serve you well. It is economical without losing on the fun-to-drive quotient. We think the petrol Dzire’s performance is adequate.

Five-year itch
I have been driving a car right from 1975 onwards. My total driving comes to about 1,000 km in a month. I drive a Hyundai Accent 1.6 GLS which is five years old and I am now planning to replace it with a new car. My budget is about Rs 10 lakh and I don’t mind opting for a diesel car. Which car would you advise me to buy? I will retain the car for five years.

K M Andrews, via email

Thirty-four years behind the wheel! Congratulations! In the Rs 10-11 lakh bracket, you can get yourself the Honda City. It’s a fuel efficient petrol car that is great to drive thanks to its brilliant engine. The City is modern-looking and will retain its value for the next five years. If you want a diesel option, there is the new Chevrolet Cruze that will soon be launched, but we estimate it to be slightly over your budget. But do check it out anyway.

Any automotive questions? Ask us at bijoy.y@bsmail.in