Mahindra, Mercedes and Toyota – three carmakers severely affected by the Delhi diesel ban – had decided to move court to get a stay on the ruling that bans the sale of vehicles powered by diesel engines with over 2000cc. But, that hasn’t happened and a hearing for the same is now scheduled for the January 20. So, if you are still stressed about this whole - what should I do now – bit, we have some cheats to help you deal with the situation better.
Buy used
Yes, the Delhi diesel ban does not include the sales of used vehicles with large capacity diesel engines. So, if you still only want that Scorpio or Safari or Fortuner or even the Q7 (though you will only get an older generation car), you can still get one! Ditto for the complete range of Mercedes cars. What’s more, you won't be affected by the huge depreciation new luxury cars are plagued with the moment they roll out of showrooms. The key here – particularly for the likes of the Scorpio, Safari, XUV and Endeavour would be to find a model that’s not run too much.
Get a new house
Sell that Delhi house. Move to a nice upmarket apartment in Gurgaon. And drive that big SUV you always wanted to, albeit now with HR plates. Or you could move to Noida, Greater Noida or even Indirapuram and drive around with UP plates. Options are endless! You might lose some of the bragging rights, but the sale of that Delhi house will fetch you pot loads of money; put you closer to your posh NCR office; and will even bring you a club, a gym and a swimming pool at your doorstep; these are a given in all new constructions.
Shrink those expectations
Can’t have the Mahindra XUV500? How about the TUV300, then? Well, at least, that’s what Mahindra intends on doing at their dealerships in Delhi to keep customers in the family. It’s a tall ask, we know, but surely worth a try. As for you, the buyer, if you must have a Mahindra SUV, you can bite the bait. If not, this article we did a little earlier about alternative purchases here should be helpful.
Wait for it…
We know patience isn’t exactly a virtue that many possess, but come March 31 and all the large engined diesel vehicles will be allowed to go on sale again. At least, that’s what it looks like now. Plus, what’s the hurry – unless, of course, you want to be driven away in a big, shiny, new SUV with a She Weds He board dangling away. The Auto Expo 2016 is just round the corner, which might throw up some nicer alternatives, and post March – given you have been at your best behaviour every time the boss looked your way – your fatter salary might open a whole new world of choices.
