Car queries

After a lot of deliberations, I had almost decided to go with the Xylo (of course, as per your advice). But with the arrival of the Quanto whose review I read on your page on September 21, I am confused. We are a family of seven. Could you please clear my confusion? – Antony Joseph

If you like all seven of them, then we suggest you buy the Xylo and not subject them to long drives in the last row of seats.

As suggested by you, I had bought the Hyundai New Verna Fludic CRDi SX in February. It’s a diesel car. Can you give me some tips for its maintenance with respect to a/c, tyres, suspension, engine, etc? Generally, after how much running do diesel cars come up for maintenance? What is the life of diesel cars? I also need to understand the fuel average meter. It doesn’t show the correct reading. It’s always less by 2-3 km!– Rajesh Israni
Follow the procedures and timeframes as written in your manual as any deviations could cause some trouble with the warranty. As for the indicator, the electronic gauges aren’t standardised, so they are prone to some error. It’s always best to calculate it manually rather than rely on the system.

Our new Chevrolet Beat (petrol) is just an year old and has run 4,000 km. After how many km should we change oil, coolant and the a/c air-filter? The car is under a three-year free servicing warranty. But, the service centre charged us when the air-filter was changed this month. Is there any anti-rodent chemical/liquid available in the market which can be applied on the wires in the engine area, to keep the car safe from rodents since they have become a menace?— S J Shanti

Servicing as in labour is free, but you will be charged for materials, so in case of an oil change, you will be charged for the oil and the filter. Follow your manual for the proper timeframes of servicing. As for the rodents, try and park it in a safe place.

I’m planning to buy a second-hand car (my first one). Budget is Rs 2-2.3 lakh. Should it be a hatchback or a sedan? What to look for in either case (age, mileage, etc)? Will be driving in the city mostly, max 300 km/month. Intending to seat four adults and one child. And, can I trust branded ‘used car’ stores? —Victor Kalanke

Get the newest car you can afford as that will be the best. Else, look for a nice hatchback like a used Swift or an i10 and you will be very happy. They’re good cars that are easy to drive and cheap to maintain as well.

I am planning to buy a sedan. Budget is up to Rs 9 lakh. We are a family of five. My usage is 30-50 km in city on weekends and occasional trips (once in 5-6 months) outside city. Looks, mileage, comfort, trouble-free performance and long-term usability are my prime concerns. We have shortlisted the Honda City and the Nissan Sunny Petrol. Which one will be more suitable to my requirements? Do you suggest any other models? Also, please tell me if I should consider diesel options. – S Harikumar

Since you’re a family of five, the extra space in the Nissan Sunny will be the best for you as it will be more comfortable on the inside. Check out the Scala if you’re interested in more luxurious interiors.

I would like to know your opinion on the best diesel hatchback among the Swift, i20, Polo, Figo, Etios and the Liva in terms of fun drives, low maintenance and good resale value after 4-5 years. Is VW’s after-sales service satisfactory, in terms of cost of service and spares? Among petrol variants, which one would you recommend from the Brio, Jazz, Swift and the i20? – Anshu Vijayvargiya

The Swift and i20 are among the best in their segment in terms of comfort, performance and resale value as well, so those are the ones to go for in both diesel as well as petrol models. If you’re considering only petrol, then the Jazz is a great option.

How is the performance of automatic transmission cars in the hatchback segment on Indian roads? Are they reliable?

– Yogesh Kushwaha

Automatic transmisisons have been around for decades now and are generally very reliable. In hatchbacks, they may sap a little power, but they’re very convenient to use in the city, so no need to worry there.

Please comment on the Mahindra Logan with emphasis on aspects like mileage and petrol version. — Vikas Jadhav

The Verito or the Mahindra Logan is a very reliable, spacious, roomy car that will serve you very well. The petrol engine is the only one in the Mahindra stable but it is a great, fun-to-drive engine.

I want to buy a new car. I have a family of four and we are on the healthier side. I have shortlisted the Sunny XV, City V or S, Rapid Elegance 1.6 MPI (all petrol and M/T gears). I want a car which is suspended a little high er above the ground than other cars so it does not sink low when we are all seated in, and can also save from the rough impact of speed-breakers and potholes. It must have good mileage, low maintenance, good boot space so that I can fit CNG. Money is not a concern. Please tell me which car is worth buying? I read on a website that a new Rapid is going to be launched in October with a boot space of 550 litres. Can you tell me its price? Is it going to be in India soon? Is any facelift of the Sunny going to be launched?– Vikram Shah

If ground clearance is the main criterion, then the Maruti SX4 is the one to go in for as it is based on a hatchback that is made for ruggedness. Otherwise, if you can push that back in your list, the Honda City is the one to go in for.