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Car queries: After how many days air pressure in car tyres should be checked?
DNA answers readers' car queries.
Updated : Mar 18, 2018, 06:26 AM IST
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DNA answers readers' car queries:
First of all, I thank you for your suggestion in one of your previous issues based on which I bought a BMW Z4. Now, I have to buy an SUV. My daily run is around 100 miles and budget is `80-85 lakh. Please recommend between the Range Rover Discovery 4 and the Range Rover-Evoque. Alternatively, is it advisable to import a Jeep SUV?– Apoorv Baghla
Can you wait for a couple of months? The fantastic all-new Range Rover is on the way very early next year with a path-breaking all-aluminium construct. If you can’t wait, then the beautiful Evoque is our choice, followed by the Discovery 4 and the Freelander 2.
After how many days should air pressure in car tyres be checked? Also, is it advisable to switch to uneven gears — from 3rd to 1st gear — while quickly slowing down?
— Bhushan Honawale
As a rule, check tyre pressure everytime you fill fuel. Once a week is also fine. As for downshifting, if you can manage to match the rpm -- so that the car doesn’t over-rev past the limiter — then it’s alright to skip.
Thanks for your recommendation, but I don’t quite like the box-like look of the Wagon R. Can you recommend something else? —Kishore Solanki
Then it’s a toss-up between the Hyundai i10 and the Chevrolet Beat, both of which are quite stylish.
I want to buy a car suitable for five people. My first choice is a petrol car within a budget of `5-5.5 lakh if it gives a mileage of at least 14 kmpl in city. Else, I will go in for diesel for which my budget is `6-6.25 lakh. I have shortlisted the Swift, i20, Brio and the Honda Jazz for petrol; and the Swift for diesel. Please advise or state your own choice (other than the Ford, Chevrolet and the Ritz). – Sarabjeet Singh
It all depends on your usage. For five people, the Brio won’t cut it because of lesser rear-seat space. The Jazz is the best option if you’re running under 25 km a day. If it’s more, you need diesel. Then the i20 or Swift it should be.
I am keen to buy a seven-seater car. I am a bit confused between the Xylo and the Tavera. Which one is fuel-efficient and comfortable in space and price? —Antony Joseph
We prefer the Xylo. It’s a little more expensive than the Tavera, but the modern interiors and features make up for it.
I find your weekly reviews very helpful. Thanks for such a useful service! We were in Thailand and drove an automatic Honda Jazz. It was a really nice experience. Why are automatics not used more in India? It’s such a boon in local traffic. Will Jazz have an automatic variant? We could buy a new car in 5-6 months and would like an automatic – a hatchback or compact SUV. Our budget is around `8-10 lakh (all inclusive). Will the Ford EcoSport be automatic? What about the Duster? Anything else to look at? —Somesh Thakur
Yes, in traffic like ours, automatics are a boon. We’re not sure about the Jazz, but Honda Brio might come with an automatic variant soon enough. The EcoSport will too, only in the petrol variant. The Duster may not get one in the near future. Your other options are the Hyundai i20 and the Suzuki Swift DZire automatics.
We are planning to buy a petrol sedan for `11 lakh. Which one is good among the following three models – the Vento , Honda City and the Hyundai Verna Fluidic?
—Vinit Mehta
—Vinit Mehta
The Honda City is the best driver’s car in petrol midsizers. But it lacks the features of a Verna, so if you’re not into driving dynamics, the Verna it should be. Else, the City.
Do you have any recommendations for a diesel automatic sedan costing around `10 lakh? I know of only the Verna and the Scorpio, which are beyond my budget. Also, if I increase the budget, which one should I choose among the non-sedans? Is the automatic in the Mumbai traffic really worth the extra spend? —Guman
Indeed, the Verna and the Scorpio are tied for being the most affordable diesel automatics in India today. But the Scorpio seems to have been discontinued due to supply issues with the gearbox. Renault is coming up with a Scala automatic down the road, as is Nissan with an auto Sunny. Maybe, you can wait for that. Else, go for the Verna. Sure, automatics take the headache out of driving.
I am looking for a diesel hatch for around `6 lakh. Usage is currently 1,000-1,200 km a month in city and highways, and could go up once I have the diesel car. I have shortlisted the Beat diesel LT, Ritz LDi and the Figo 1.4 ZXi. Need your advice to select the best one. My requirements are good mileage, engine, low maintenance and looks. Please advise. —Syed Shakir
The Ritz should be your first choice, Ford Figo second. We recommend the Beat diesel often, but for your specific kind of usage, we’ll recommend the other two first.
I am planning to buy a car with a budget of `7 lakh (which can be stretched by 20%). My requirements are a strong body, good mileage, low maintenance and petrol variant. Since I drive only on Sundays, my usage is very low. I have shortlisted the Honda City, Skoda Rapid and the VW Vento. Please advise. —Amit Jain
First choice is Honda City. If that doesn’t fit the budget, then buy the Skoda Rapid.
I am fond of your column! I am 59 and own a 1997 Maruti 800. Now I want to buy new car for around `5 lakh. Average run is about 250 km per month. Kindly advise —Manohar M Chhatwani
Buy the Maruti Ritz petrol. It fits your needs very well.
‘Car Queries’ is the best section of the paper on Fridays. I never ever miss it! We are a family of four. I wanted to buy a spacious and low-maintenance car with a large boot. I came across a 2009 Chevy Cruze LTZ that has run 36,000 km and costs `9.5 lakh online. I love the Cruze and am willing to buy it, if it’s low-maintenance. But can CNG be fitted? Can the price be lower than `9.5 lakh? – Vikram Shah
It depends on your usage. The Cruze is a great, solid car, but you can’t fit a CNG kit on a diesel car. The price seems decent, see if you can get it for a couple of thousands less and it should be a great deal.
I live in Pune and want to buy a second-hand car. Can you recommend the best website to buy one?
—Shubham Aundhe
We don’t recommend websites, but as in any online transaction, be very careful and make sure you physically check out the with the help of a dependable mechanic before committing to anything. Used cars on websites often look far better than they actually are.
I have purchased a Ford Fiesta Classic petrol in October 2011. But it gives very low mileage – around 11 kmpl without a/c and 9 kmpl with it. I drive the car between 1,500 rpm and 2,000 rpm. I want to fit a CNG kit (sequential model for `55,000). If I convert, I will lose the company warranty. My total running till date is 7,500 km. What do you suggest I do? – Bhushan Kadlag
Check other things first such as filling petrol from a different pump, clean filters and check tyre pressure etc. If that doesn’t solve the problem, then have the kit installed from your dealer itself to take care of warranty issues.
I wish to buy a car from among the i20, Ritz, Polo, Figo and the Swift. My son is 6’4, hence my main requirement is good legroom. — Kedar Vakharkar
The i20 should be your first choice, followed by the Swift and the Skoda Rapid.
I really like your column. I recently learned driving and want to try my hand at a used car for a year before going for a new one. Is that advisable? My usage will be very limited. I am thinking of a Santro Xing (2003-04 model). Please advise. —Sayani Sohail
If you’re confident about your driving, it’s better to just get a new one and bypass the hassle of searching for, buying and then reselling a used car. Driving is not such a big deal. All it needs is attention and patience.
Many thanks for the great analysis and useful information. What are the initial reports on the Maruti Ertiga? I have booked one and am likely to get it by October-end or early November. However, I have been offered an Ertiga VDI that’s three months (and 4,900 km) old. Its second free service is due at 5,000 km. It has a three-year warranty. The offer price is `8.20 lakh (Rs 90,000 less than new), and comes with extra accessories worth `50,000. Please advise and guide. —K B Shah
Well, if you know the seller and the condition of the vehicle very well and can’t wait for a few more weeks, then that seems like an okay option, but personally, we’d prefer the brand new, fresh-from-the-factory car.
Great column! I want to buy a new Alto K10 VXi as I have budget constraints and requirements like fuel efficiency and heavy driving in city. Is it a good decision? Is there going to be a facelift of the Alto K10 also or just the Alto? —Vipul Mehendre
The Alto is a great choice. It’s better to go in for a facelifted version coming soon in a month. The current Alto K10’s prices could drop once that’s launched. So, you can choose better then.
I am looking for a diesel automatic for around `9.5 lakh. My monthly running is around 1,500 km. Will the Honda City automatic with CNG do? I would prefer a diesel. Is one on the cards by March 2013? —Sumeet Barman
If you can extend your budget a little, the Hyundai Verna diesel automatic can be yours. It’s the most affordable diesel automatic car in the country and also a very solid product to buy. The City with a CNG kit might pass muster, but you’ll be better off with the diesel automatic, we think.
I don’t see you recommending the Hyundai Accent. What’s the reason? It is a reliable sedan? – Rishit Shetty
The Accent is a very old generation car though very, very reliable. These days there are newer-generation choices such as the Nissan Sunny and Ford Classic. So unless you really need a sedan on a budget, we don’t recommend. That’s all.
I bought a Swift DZire (petrol) in September 2011. My monthly run is around 300 km on the Mumbai-Alibaug route now. I would like to install a CNG Kit. I travel 60 km every day on my bike which gives an average of 40 kmpl costing me `1.80/km. But after installing CNG kit in my car, the cost will be cheaper and so I can travel by it more. I will keep the car for the next 5-6 years which should help me recover the CNG kit price. A dealer told me to install a sequential kit as it is the best option for K-Series engines. This will cost around `55,000. Please advise. – Rajesh Patil
You have done your homework perfectly, Sir. Go ahead, fit the kit.
I have purchased the new DZire VDi. Its mileage is around 18-20 kmpl on highways and 14-15 kmpl in city. Also, after the first service, the mileage fell. What could be the reason? —Pramit Patil
That’s fantastic mileage you’re getting, so don’t worry. If it has gone down after service, check the air pressure and the grade of oil used during the service. These should be recommended quality.
Bike queries
I am confused between the Pulsar220F, 200NS, R15, Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Honda CBR 150. I am looking for the best performance bike with good fuel efficiency. Price is not a constraint. Kindly help. – Remo Kumar.
For that combo, it should be the Pulsar 200. It’s the best of both worlds -- a very strong engine and packed with technology to maximise mileage. It’s very easy to putter around in the city as well.
I want to buy a bike for daily use of 20 km. There’s no budget limit. I am confused between the Yamaha R15, Honda CBR150R and the KTM Duke. Please advise. – Chaitanya Chavan
If you want top performance, the Duke it is. It’s a very high-revving motor that packs a huge punch. The CBR is the easiest to ride of the three, but also a little boring. The R15 is only good over shorter distances as the ergonomics is not suited for longer riding and your back.
I am a big fan of your column. I purchased a new Pulsar 200 NS on August 20. I love to drive it but I it gives only 25-27 kmpl. What can I do to increase the mileage? —Ritesh Waghmare
Wait a while for the engine to break in. After that, the mileage will go up by a good bit. Also, check the fuel quality and tyre pressure. Try modifying your riding style to be a little more fuel-efficient.
I eagerly wait for Fridays to read your column. My mom wants to buy a scooty. Her height is 5’11. She wants a vehicle with a good performance and low maintenance. Mileage is not a concern. — Omkar Mahadeshwar
Buy the Honda Dio.
Your vehicle section is very helpful. My uncle is 60 and on the healthier side. He wants a simple scooter that offers a great mileage, seating space for two, low maintenance and can bear weight easily. Budget is around `70,000. Please advise. Also, can you please explain what is cruise control in cars? —Aakash Shah
The Suzuki Swish or Access are the choices for him. As for cruise control, the switch helps hold the accelerator constant so that over long stretches of road, the car can get a much higher mileage while reducing driver fatigue.
I look forward to your column every Friday. We are a family of three with a two-year-old kid. My husband wants to buy a two-wheeler that can be used by both of us in Pune traffic. I’m slim, so we need a vehicle which I can drive with ease in the city and outskirts. It should offer good mileage and low maintenance. — Sayed Nida
The Honda Dio is the best option for you. There will be a bit of a waiting period, but not as much as for the Activa.
I am huge fan of Team DNA Drive. Every Friday, we receive gems in the shape of your replies. Thanks for the same. Now, I have zeroed in on the Honda CBR250R. How do you rate the bike in terms of maintenance cost, if we compare it with an average 200 cc bike? Also, are spare parts available in Mumbai / Thane? —Rakesh Sharma
The CBR 250R is one of the more comfortable, reliable bikes to ride in that class. Spares are available easily, but make sure you get a new bike as the first lot had premature rusting glitch.
I want to buy a performance bike for daily ride to office 5 km from my house. Once in six months, I will do a 300 km run. I was thinking of buying the RE 350 Classic, but there is a long waiting period of ten months. Please help me buy the right bike. —Sudip Gaikwad
The Bullet would have been the perfect ride. That out of contention, go for the Honda CBD 250R -- it’s a great tourer and a performance bike. Else the Karizma.
Your column is very interesting and full of knowledge. I have been a great fan of the Enfield and was fascinated by the Thunderbird. Having glimpsed the 500 cc last year, I eagerly await it. But there has been no news of its price and availability. I request you to provide an update. – Rateesh S M
You’re in luck, Sir. Royal Enfield will make an announcement regarding just that in a couple of weeks, so keep your eyes and ears open.
I am 55 and planning to buy a 110 cc bike with good mileage, pick-up, suspension, low maintenance and comfortable ride. Travel will be in Pune with daily up-down of 30 km. Budget is `40,000 to `50,000. Please advise. – Shubham
Buy the Honda Dream Yuga.
My dad is using a December 2009 Honda Aviator. It’s a good moped giving 45-50 kmpl. Is that good for Pune? What should be its servicing schedule? And I am 19, 5’10 tall. In mopeds, I was thinking of the Access and in bikes, I’ve shortlisted the new Apache RTR 160, CBZ Xtreme and the CB Unicorn. I want better mileage, low maintenance and comfort. Daily use will be about 10-20 km. Please recommend. – Prasad B Darawade
The Aviator is a great scooter and you are getting terrific mileage. We suggest you buy the Access for convenience in city. Else the Apache RTR 160. Wear a helmet always.
First of all, hats off to your column. I am planning to buy a new bike and am looking at the Pulsar 220. Please advise. —Madhav Rayrikar
The 220 is a little old now, but still a solid and reliable performer. It’s still worth buying if you’re okay with its looks.
Thank you so much for your straight, to-the-point answers. The fact that queries are increasing every week is testimony to the success of this column. My point is, many riders and drivers are quite unaware of the rules and good manners of driving. This causes so many unnecessary accidents and deaths. For example, motorcyclists and even car-riders overtake from the left without any hesitation and with impunity. Since your newspaper is so popular, I would like to request you to highlight each week glaring rules that the riders/drivers break. You can also highlight one or more rules per week. You might also like to consider introducing a ‘best driver of the month’ award. Even if one life is saved, it would be worth it. —Harkishan Budhrani
Thank you for your suggestions, Sir. We’ll definitely try to do this in the near future.
I am a regular reader and a big fan of your column. I am 16 and have been very comfortable riding my dad’s RX100 for the last two years. But I have no licence. Can I get one for a geared bike? If not, then which gearless bike should I buy? I don’t care about mileage. I need power. —Abhishek Khandagle
At 16, you can’t get a geared bike licence and you can drive only 60cc or less scooters. So just hold your horses till you are of age.
I am a first-timer in driving and want to know the following: How do you compare the Hero Maestro and the Honda Dio with the Honda Activa? Please advise. – R.Siddharth
They’re all pretty much the same bike underneath the metal. Choose whichever you feel most comfortable riding.
I have shortlisted the TVS Apache 160, but recently, someone said after-sales service and spare parts are a problem with TVS. Is it true? If so any other option in the 150-180cc segment? – Shubham Gawade
There’s not a huge problem with spares, but you do need to find a dealership close to where you stay. The Apache is a nice sporty, fun bike to ride, so you can go for it.
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