Second or first?

I wish to buy a second-hand car with features like air-conditioning, power steering, power windows and with enough rear seat space. I plan to use the car for at least three to four years and have a budget of Rs 2.5-3 lakh. I am not interested in buying a Maruti Suzuki Alto, though. So kindly advise and suggest the best option for me. I’m particularly taken in by the Chevrolet Spark and I generally like Chevy cars. Is it worth considering a second-hand Spark, Chevrolet U-VA or a Maruti Suzuki Wagon R?

Sreejith Kumar, via email

Why do you want a second-hand car when you can buy a brand new Spark for your budget? If you want something bigger and better, you can get a low mileage Hyundai Santro or Suzuki Wagon R for Rs 2.5 lakh. The Santro is a good overall car and should serve you well for the next 3-4 years. If you want something bigger, check out the used car mart for a Hyundai Getz, which will give you all that you want.

Linear motion

We are a family of five and need a chauffeur-driven sedan. At present I am using a Honda City ,which I have used for nearly six years, covering 1.25 lakh kilometres in the process, which I plan to sell. I have a budget of Rs 8 lakh and I'm looking to buy a car that is fuel efficient (even a diesel would do) that has good legroom at the rear. It should offer good ride quality, should be torquey enough for city use, have powerful air-conditioning and should be generally comfortable. I've zeroed down on the Fiat Linea and would like to know if it's worth it?

Amit Dalal, via email

For your requirements, the Fiat Linea diesel is good enough. It offers good air-conditioning as it has a vent at the rear, ride quality is also very good and the diesel offers excellent mileage. The only compromise is legroom, but it is not that bad either. You can go ahead with the Linea diesel.

Mr Sensible

For my personal use, I am considering the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire VDi at Rs 6.5 lakh and the Hyundai Verna CRDi at Rs 8.25 lakh. I usually retain a car for 8 to 10 years and my average driving is 15,000 to 20,000 km per annum. My basic considerations are overall cost of ownership in terms of fuel economy and maintenance and long term value in terms of resale. Considering the price difference, which one of the two offers better value for money?

Rajata Mehra, Lucknow

Since you are particular about value for money, fuel economy and maintenance, plus of course resale value, the Swift Dzire VDi suits you fine.

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