Used Zen vs Used Alto

I wish to buy a used hatchback for use within city limits.After searching for a while I found two cars.

1)Maruti Zen Lx/Lxi 2003

2)Alto Lx 2006

Provided the odo reading,engine condition etc remain constant,which of these cars will you recommend?

Welcome to carwale Rahul.

I would suggest the alto because its still in production and is also more recent (2006) than the zen (2003).

Thanks Sridhar.But in terms of engine specs and looks,Zen is better no? Any idea about the maintenance costs of these cars?

Go for the Alto. As centaur mentioned, it is more recent and is still in production.

Maintenance costs for the Alto should be less than that of a 8-9 year old Zen. Alto will give you better FE, though space will be a squeeze.

A 9 year old zen would have slightly higher maintenance assuming equal run for both the vehicles. In terms of specs on paper the zen might win but over the years and the usage the vehicle will not perform the same in reality. My advice is still to go with the alto

OK.Since the car will be used in the city(and will be used by ladies)should I go for one with power steering?Zen VXi has power steering?How is the steering in Alto say when compared to the one in a Maruti 800?I initially looked for a Chevy Spark with PS but all the owners I met are asking for roughly 75% of the car's original price!I thought resale value of Chevy cars are very low.

They are asking, does not mean that they will get it. Spark's mileage is not so good.

Nowadays no one goes for a car without PS. Isn't there an Alto with PS?

Tomy

Hi Tomy!Glad to meet someoe from my city.

The LXi variant of Alto comes with power steering.But I didn't find many LXi s out there.Most of them are either standard or LX variants.I don't wish to keep this car for more than 2 years.So spending too much money is pointless.And I recently bought a new car too.So I'm looking for something under 1.3 lakhs.

Greetings!

My colleague sold off his Wagon R two years back only because it did not have power steering. He was very happy with the car otherwise. It was a first hand car. He wanted to buy Wagon R again (with PS). But at that time Maruti said they are going to discountinue Wagon R (new Wagon R was announced after that), and he went ahead with Estilo.

Generally it is difficult in cities without PS. But since Alto is a lighter car, it may not be that bad. I dont have much experience with Alto.

Tomy

I learned to drive in an Alto and never had any issues with its steering.It was relatively easy to handle.But I believe U-turns and parking wont be very easy especially for ladies.