Want a car for city driving and long distance trips

Hi,

My friend who is an NRI in Dubai wants to buy a car for the following purpose. When he is not in India, his aged father in Mumbai will use it for local commutes averaging about 500 kms a month. When he is in India, which is about twice a year, he wants to use the car to take family trips to his village near Asansol/Kalcotta/WB where they hail from. I think he would run about 4500 kms each trip with all five members of his family (he, father, wife and two teennage boys). So that would be 9000 kms , ie 750 kms per month on highway.

He has asked me to recommend a car for about 4.5 laks and I told him to buy the new Estilo. But he is of the opinion that Estilo is a tad too dainty and feminine. I think the reputation of the old model has spilled over to the new Estilo. I tried the recommed-a-car feature in carwale but the results are so many, it is confusing me more.

So, friends can you suggest a suitable alternative. The criteria would be something like this:

• Easy for his father to drive in Mumbai.
• Good after sales service as his father will have to take it for regular servicing and during trips to Bengal, service stations should be available.
• On road price shouldnt exceed say 5.00 laks
• Not too much worried about resale cost.
• ABS is a must while airbags are preferable. Safety is important.
• Need not be the best performer but should have good milegae and low maintenance.
• Should be comfy and spacious inside as his two boys are quite hefty and tall.
• Should have decent Value for Money.

His main consideration is that while not spending too much money he can make use of a car while on trips to India to go to his native place. Currently, after he lands in Mumbai, they hire a diesel car with driver and end up spending something like 40-50K per trip. So if he buys a car, his father can use it in Mumbai while allowing him to save on car hire. Besides, it always so much more convenient to have your own wheels rather than depending on somebody.

Awaiting your response.

Neil

Hi friends,

Pls weigh in with ur recommendations.

Go for Vista QJD . Although it has not got ABS & Air bags.

If Airbag and ABS is a MUST  you dont have much options with in 5L obly option I am aware is SPARK . Else you can think about Swift Lxi or Ritz .

Regards - Marar